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.

Financing terms and conditions

This grant offers financial support for collaborative R&D projects between Canadian and UK SMEs with specific funding structures in place to enhance project success. The funding modalities focus on cost-sharing and are tailored to meet the needs of eligible participants.

Canadian SMEs may receive reimbursement of up to 50% of eligible project costs.
The maximum total funding available for Canadian SMEs is $500,000 CAD, covering a period of 12 to 24 months.
Eligibility for funding requires Canadian SMEs to be registered NRC IRAP clients.
Funding agreements and reimbursements are structured according to national regulations and guidelines specified by NRC IRAP.
Non-eligible participants may contribute as self-funded partners or subcontractors, adhering to national funding regulations.

Eligible projects & activities

This grant supports collaborative industrial research and development projects with strong commercialization prospects, focusing on innovative advancements across key sectors. Eligible projects are collaborative efforts aiming at co-development, adaptation, or validation in specific technology-driven domains.

Projects in life sciences focusing on areas such as engineering biology, biomanufacturing, and agricultural technologies.
Initiatives in digital and emerging technologies, including quantum technologies, artificial intelligence, and semiconductors.
Projects centered around sustainability and net zero technologies, covering critical minerals, ocean sciences, and clean energy technologies.

Eligibility criteria of the Canada - UK 2024-2025 multisector collaborative industrial research and development program

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.

Who is eligible?

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.

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.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is available for companies located specifically in Canada and the United Kingdom, as these are the funding jurisdictions. The collaboration targets organizations within these areas to enhance joint innovation and commercial prospects.

Businesses incorporated and operating in Canada.
Entities registered and functioning in the United Kingdom.

How to apply to the Canada - UK 2024-2025 multisector collaborative industrial research and development program

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.

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).

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.

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.

Additional information

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.