The Applied Research and Development Grants offer structured financing modalities to ensure effective allocation of funds and support to diverse projects. These modalities are designed to promote collaboration and meet specific project needs.

Financing can reach up to $150,000 per year for each project.
The funding duration ranges from one to three years, allowing for both short-term and long-term initiatives.
Direct project costs are shared between partner organizations and the funding agency, promoting collaborative investment in project outcomes.

Activities funded

The Applied Research and Development (ARD) grants fund projects that emphasize collaboration between Canadian colleges and partner organizations across various sectors. These projects are designed to harness the expertise and capabilities of colleges to address economic, social, and environmental goals through research and innovation activities.

Projects that provide partner organizations with access to specialized knowledge, expertise, and capabilities available at Canadian colleges and universities.
Training initiatives that equip college students with essential technical skills tailored for private, public, or not-for-profit sectors.
R&D collaborations aimed at delivering economic, environmental, health, or social benefits to partner organizations and the broader Canadian context.
Joint research ventures that enable collaborations between varying institutions or partner types, strengthening the research ecosystem.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 150,000

Developing innovative agricultural technologies to increase crop yield

$ 150,000

Creating a resilient community housing model with academic support

$ 150,000

Improving healthcare delivery through advanced data analytics

$ 150,000

Developing new therapeutic approaches for mental health care

$ 150,000

Training students in renewable energy technologies in partnership with local enterprises

Eligibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's institutional eligibility and partnership structure.

Canadian colleges, including CEGEPs and polytechnics, must be eligible to administer grants from at least one of the three federal granting agencies.
An eligible college must apply on behalf of its researchers and partner organizations.
There must be at least one partner organization, from the private, public or not-for-profit sectors, contributing cash recognized for cost sharing with NSERC.

Who is eligible?

Canadian colleges (including CEGEPs and polytechnics) eligible to administer grants from at least one of the three federal granting agencies can apply. Colleges apply on behalf of their researchers and the partner organization(s).

Who is not eligible

There are specific types of companies that are not eligible for this grant. Only the following types of companies can apply:

Private organizations
Public organizations
Not-for-profit organizations

Eligible expenses

Projects eligible for Applied Research and Development grants are aimed at enhancing research collaborations between Canadian colleges and partner organizations. These projects focus on leveraging institutional expertise to achieve shared economic, social, or environmental objectives within the research-to-innovation spectrum.

Collaborative research projects led by college researchers in partnership with external organizations.
Training initiatives for college students to gain technical skills relevant to industry needs.
Projects that access and utilize unique knowledge and capabilities of Canadian educational institutions.
Initiatives aimed at providing significant benefits, such as economic, environmental, health, or social improvements.
Partnership development projects that involve multiple types of institutions and organizations.

Selection criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria with allocated point scores to ensure alignment with the grant’s objectives.

Evidence of strong partnerships and detailed planning.
Sound budget justification.
Clear articulation of intended approaches, milestones, and deliverables.
Provision of benefits to partner organizations and Canada in economic, environmental, health, or social terms.

How to apply

Research and Prepare Eligibility Requirements

Ensure the college is eligible by consulting the list of eligible institutions for NSERC, CIHR, or SSHRC.
Verify partnership eligibility by confirming at least one partner organization is prepared to share direct project costs.

Register and Prepare Proposal

Register to apply on behalf of the college's researchers via the relevant agency's online system.
Develop a comprehensive project proposal including objectives, methodologies, potential benefits, collaboration plans, and budget assessments.
Gather all required documents such as letters of support and memorandums of understanding with partner organizations.

Online Application Form

Login to the online portal using the college's registered account.
Complete the detailed application form, ensuring all sections are accurately filled out.
Upload all necessary documents and the fully prepared proposal.

Submit Application

Review the application for completeness and correctness.
Submit the application electronically through the online system.

Confirmation and Follow-Up

Receive confirmation of submission via email which includes the application number.
Monitor email for any communication from the funding body regarding the application status or requests for additional information.

Additional information

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

Applications can be submitted at any time, providing flexibility in project timing and start dates.
Direct project costs are shared by the partner organization(s) and the funding agency.
Colleges should ensure their eligibility to administer grants from at least one of the three federal granting agencies (NSERC, CIHR, or SSHRC).
It's essential to have the partner organization's cash contribution recognized for cost sharing with NSERC.
The grants promote collaboration not just with colleges, but also encourage participation from universities as co-applicants.
Strong emphasis is placed on evidence of partnerships and collaborations in proposals.

Contacts

colleges@nserc-crsng.gc.ca

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Applied Research and Development Grants — Industrial Partner Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Applied Research and Development Grants — Industrial Partner. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.

What is the Applied Research and Development Grants — Industrial Partner?

How much funding can be received?

What is the deadline to apply?

Is the Applied Research and Development Grants — Industrial Partner a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Who are the financial supporters of the Applied Research and Development Grants — Industrial Partner?

Who is eligible for the Applied Research and Development Grants — Industrial Partner program?

To be eligible for the Applied Research and Development Grants — Industrial Partner program, you must: Colleges conducting research and collaborating on R&D projects with partner organizations. Colleges must have at least one partner organization in the private, public, or not-for-profit sectors. Eligible colleges must be able to administer grants from at least one of the three federal granting agencies.