How much funding can be received?

The Canada-UK 2024-2025 multisector collaborative industrial research and development call for proposals aims to support projects with high commercialization potential in life sciences, digital and emerging technologies, and sustainability technologies, offering up to $500,000 CAD in funding for eligible Canadian SMEs. The program is designed to foster innovative product, process, or technology-based service development through international collaboration.

grant_single_labels|projects

This grant supports collaborative industrial research and development projects between Canada and the UK, focusing on cutting-edge innovation and commercialization potential. Eligible activities center around developing new products, processes, or services in key sectors with significant technological contributions from involved parties.

Co-development of innovative products, processes, or technology-based services with commercial potential.
Adaptation and validation of existing technologies with a focus on non-military applications.
Collaborative projects demonstrating complementary technological contributions from Canadian and UK partners.
Projects ensuring balanced effort and contribution between partner countries.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's consortium composition and project focus.

The project consortium must include at least one Canadian incorporated, profit-oriented small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) and one grant-claiming UK registered SME.
The consortium must be composed of unrelated parties with no direct, indirect, beneficial, or constructive ownership interest between them.
The project partners must agree on a plan addressing intellectual property rights and commercialization intent.
The lead organization must be either a Canadian incorporated, profit-oriented SME or a UK registered business of any size.
The Canadian SME applicant must be an incorporated, profit-oriented small or medium-sized business in Canada with 500 or fewer full-time equivalent employees.
The Canadian SME must aim to grow and generate profit through the development and commercialization of innovative, technology-driven new or improved products, services, or processes in Canada.
The applicant must have differentiated and protectable technology with commercial potential in global markets.
The Canadian SME must have sufficient working capital and resources to undertake a multi-year R&D collaboration and commercialize results.
The Canadian SME must be committed to significant growth through international market expansion.
Preference may be given to Canadian SMEs with a minimum of 15 full-time equivalent employees, that have commercialized products domestically or internationally, and have greater than $500,000 CAD in annual revenue.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

Eligible applicants for this grant include organizations from Canada and the UK looking to form consortia to collaborate on industrial research and development projects.

At least one Canadian incorporated, profit-oriented small or medium-sized enterprise (SME).
At least one grant-claiming UK registered SME.
The ability to form consortia that agree on plans for intellectual property rights and commercialization.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The grant covers specific expenses directly associated with the collaborative industrial research and development project.

Project personnel costs, including salaries and related expenses for R&D roles.
Expenses for materials and equipment necessary for the project.
Travel expenses related to project activities and collaboration meetings.
Consultancy fees for technical or research expertise required for the project.
Intellectual property protection costs necessary for commercialization activities.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

The eligible geographical areas for companies applying for this grant are specific to enterprises registered in Canada and the United Kingdom. The collaboration aims to strengthen bilateral innovation partnerships between these countries.

Enterprises based in Canada.
Enterprises registered in the United Kingdom.

grant_single_labels|register

Step 1: Registration Phase
Each Canadian SME applicant must register by using the 'Register' button provided on the application page.
Submit basic information about the applicant and the organization.
NRC IRAP will review registrations and contact applicants for additional information if necessary.
Qualifying applicants will be invited to submit an expression of interest form.
Step 2: Expression of Interest Phase
Submit an expression of interest (EOI) form outlining basic information on the applicant and the collaborative project.
Consult your NRC IRAP representative for guidance on preparing the submission.
Submit the EOI as early as possible for evaluation.
Qualifying applicants will be invited to submit an International Consortium Project Proposal (ICPP).
Step 3: International Consortium Project Proposal (ICPP) Phase
Collaborate with all project partners to complete and submit an ICPP package.
Complete the Innovate UK IFS project application form, detailing the consortium, project, expected outcomes, and costs.
Complete the NRC IRAP Canadian SME annex form for additional assessment.
Draft an international consortium agreement, outlining roles, responsibilities, IP rights, and confidentiality.
NRC IRAP will evaluate Canadian ICPP applications, and selected proposals will proceed to the next stage.
Step 4: National Funding Body Proposal and Funding Agreement Phase
Eligible project partners complete funding proposals independently.
Sign legally binding funding agreements with the respective national funding body.
Canadian SMEs work with their NRC IRAP representative to prepare a funding proposal and contribution agreement.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are some additional relevant details for this grant:

The call for proposals is a result of the new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Canada and the UK.
Canadian SMEs can apply to more than one NRC IRAP call for proposals, but simultaneous funded projects might be limited.
It is encouraged for Canadian SME applicants to communicate with their NRC IRAP representative during the application preparation stages.
The funding is handled separately by national funding bodies: NRC IRAP for Canada and Innovate UK for the UK.
The focus is on projects with a high potential for commercialization within 2-3 years of completion.
Canadian SMEs must be registered NRC IRAP clients to apply.
Each country's national laws, regulations, and procedures govern the funding that is provided.

grant_single_labels|contact

Tamara.Kononoff@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

1-877-994-4727

Apply to this program

2024-2025 Multisector Collaborative R&D Grant Opportunity

This grant initiative invites Canadian and UK organizations to collaborate on innovative research and development projects with a strong potential for commercialization. It targets the advancement of cutting-edge technologies across life sciences, digital, and sustainability sectors.

Detailed Explanation of the Canada-UK 2024-2025 Multisector Collaborative R&D Grant

The Canada-UK 2024-2025 multisector collaborative industrial research and development call for proposals represents a strategic effort to bridge innovation across borders, leveraging the strengths of Canadian and UK enterprises. This initiative follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the governments of Canada and the United Kingdom, framing a superior collaborative framework in scientific research and innovation. With an intent to facilitate partnerships that lead to commercialization, this grant seeks to replace traditional barriers with pathways for SMEs in both nations to engage collaboratively in projects addressing life sciences, digital, and sustainability technologies.

The application process is meticulously structured, beginning with a registration deadline set for January 8, 2025, followed by expressions of interest due by January 15, 2025. Following these preparatory stages, the final international consortium project proposal must be submitted by April 16, 2025. These steps ensure readiness, strategic alignment, and clear delineation of roles among international consortium members.

To qualify, the project consortium must consist of at least one profit-oriented SME incorporated in Canada and one UK registered SME. This requirement emphasizes the importance of international collaboration and equitable distribution of project responsibilities and resources. Each entity is expected to contribute technological expertise that complements the others, resulting in a balanced and synergistic project execution. Furthermore, the consortium should address intellectual property rights and commercialization intents from the outset, ensuring clear pathways for both innovation protection and market entry strategies.

Successful Canadian applicants can expect financial support through NRC's Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP), potentially receiving reimbursement of up to 50% of eligible project costs up to $500,000 CAD over a timeframe of 12 to 24 months. This financial framework underscores the commitment to nurturing SMEs that demonstrate not only potential for technological advancement but also a readiness for international market expansion.

This grant call is hosted by Innovate UK's Innovation Funding Service (IFS), where project applications must reflect comprehensive planning, specified roles, and shared outcomes among consortium members. The evaluation process, conducted independently by the respective national bodies, culminates in a final collaborative decision, ensuring that selected projects are viable and strategically aligned with national interests.

Communication and support are integral to the process, with specific contacts designated for Canadian and UK participants. These coordinators offer guidance throughout the application phases, enhancing applicants' chances of success through strategic advice and support in navigating regulatory and procedural requirements.

Ultimately, this grant offers a substantial opportunity for SMEs to propel their innovations to the next level by engaging in bilateral cooperation that not only fosters technological growth but also strengthens cross-border economic ties. The collaborative framework establishes a platform for tackling global challenges through shared expertise and resourcefulness, promising long-term impacts on the innovation and commercialization capabilities of Canadian and UK businesses.