Canada's Ocean Supercluster — Technology Leadership Project Program
Canada
Ocean Supercluster supports innovative ocean economy projects in Canada
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|minCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Utilities
- Transportation and warehousing
- Professional, scientific and technical services
grant_single|grantors
- Canada's Ocean Supercluster (OSC)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
The CORE TECHNOLOGY LEADERSHIP PROJECT by Canada's Ocean Supercluster provides non-repayable funding, reimbursing up to 40% of eligible project costs with a minimum contribution of $400,000, to support collaborative and commercialization-focused ocean solution projects. Eligible activities include the development and commercialization of innovations in renewable ocean energy, marine transportation, sustainable food from ocean-based sources, and ocean climate solutions.
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
This grant facilitates financial support through reimbursement-based funding and industry-matched contributions to foster competitiveness in ocean technology sectors. Structured to enhance Canadian innovation, the financial modalities are specific in ensuring strategic and impactful investment.
- Nonrepayable, non-dilutive funds provided through a reimbursable model.
- Maximum reimbursement rate of 40% of Total Funded Eligible Project Costs.
- Minimum OSC contribution of $400,000.
- Industry-matched contributions must be composed of at least 75% cash, not in-kind.
- No more than 80% of the matched contributions can come from a single Project Participant.
- Projects may be eligible for a quarterly advance of OSC funds as per the terms of their Project Agreement.
- While all participants must be Canadian entities, foreign costs may be eligible for reimbursement and industry matching, subject to approval.
- Participants must pay 100% of project costs upfront, with reimbursement on a quarterly basis after submission of claims.
- Participants must become members of the OSC to access funding.
grant_single_labels|projects
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 1,500,000
Building an eco-friendly manufacturing facility
$ 350,000
Creating an arts incubator for emerging artists
$ 500,000
Developing a digital platform for mental health support
$ 600,000
Establishing a technology hub for small tech startups
$ 200,000
Launching a community-based organic farm
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and proposed activities.
- The submission must be complete.
- The project must have a Lead Partner and at least one Project Partner that are entities meeting the definition of "Industry Investing Organizations" and who are or will become OSC Members before submitting a full proposal.
- The project must include at least two Industry Investing Organizations.
- Projects must demonstrate collaboration.
- Projects must be transformative, advancing technology capability from TRL 3-4 to TRL 7-8 over the project's life.
- Projects must demonstrate Canadian innovation with commercial viability.
- The project must be distinct from investments that would otherwise have occurred, offering incremental scope and scale over existing projects.
- Projects should be distinct from previous OSC projects, if applicable.
- The consortium must recognize the importance of diversity, equity, inclusivity, and seek meaningful collaborations with Indigenous Rights Holders and underrepresented communities, with efforts to increase involvement from women, non-binary people, and Indigenous and other underrepresented groups.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
This grant is aimed at fostering projects that contribute to the development and commercialization of ocean solutions and involve collaboration among various industry partners in Canada.
- Project relevance and contribution to the development and commercialization of ocean solutions (25%)
- Project business case (25%)
- Quality of collaboration and reach of impact (25%)
- Project execution plan and budget (25%)
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant excludes certain organizations primarily based on their funding source and the nature of their activities. These restrictions ensure that funds are offered to eligible industry partners that drive innovation in the ocean economy.
- Federal Crown corporations, due to their funding source.
- Government entities, including federal, provincial-territorial, or municipal bodies.
- Post-secondary institutions, unless involved as non-matching collaborators.
- Non-investing not-for-profit organizations, unless they can act as Industry Investing Organizations.
- Foreign-based companies that are not incorporated in Canada and hence not eligible to be Industry Members.
- Entities requesting reimbursement for cost overruns from previously approved OSC projects.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The grant covers specific expenses that are necessary for the successful completion and execution of the Core Technology Leadership Project.
- Funded Eligible Project Costs adhered to under the OSC In-Kind Contributions and Cost Eligibility Guidelines.
- Foreign costs that can be reimbursable upon approval according to the OSC's Foreign Cost Guidelines.
- Industry-matched funding costs, with at least 75% defined as cash contributions.
- Costs incurred by Project Participants eligible for quarterly reimbursement.
- Collaborative investment where no more than 80% comes from one participant.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant is available to companies with operations in Canada, as defined by the eligibility requirements for Industry Investing Organizations. The geographic scope is specifically targeted to Canadian entities that contribute to the ocean economy.
- Organizations with operations in Canada.
- Entities incorporated in Canada.
- Indigenous organizations within Canada.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for the CORE TECHNOLOGY LEADERSHIP PROJECT grant are based on specific criteria with allocated point scores to ensure alignment with the program’s objectives.
- Project relevance and contribution to the development and commercialization of ocean solutions (25%).
- Project business case (25%).
- Quality of collaboration and reach of impact (25%).
- Project execution plan and budget (25%).
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Preliminary Qualification Preparation
- Complete a document outlining the high-level project concept.
- Identify project partners and collaborators.
- Complete the Preliminary Qualification budget template.
- Submit these documents to technology@oceansupercluster.ca.
- Step 2: Preliminary Qualification Review
- OSC reviews the submitted Preliminary Qualification documents.
- Meet with OSC to receive feedback about the Preliminary Qualification.
- If invited, use the feedback to prepare a full proposal.
- Step 3: Proposal Preparation
- Review and complete the provided proposal materials.
- Draft the proposal and budget and submit to OSC for feedback.
- Incorporate feedback and ensure all proposal documents are complete and signed by project partners.
- Step 4: Proposal Submission
- Submit the final proposal files for review by the Project Assessment Panel and Project Selection Committee.
- Meet the Project Selection Committee to present the project and clarify any queries.
- Step 5: Project Assessment
- Await the finalization of the assessment outcome.
- If required, make any necessary adjustments to project proposals.
- If unsuccessful, explore alternative project options with OSC.
- Step 6: Board Ratification
- Successful projects are ratified by the OSC Board.
- Lead Partners receive a Letter of Conditional Approval.
- Ensure that all required parties sign the Letter of Conditional Approval and proceed to the contracting phase.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for understanding the application process and requirements for the Core Technology Leadership Project grant:
- The OSC promotes DEI through collaborations and partnerships with indigenous rights holders and underrepresented communities, demonstrating a commitment to diverse workforce inclusion.
- To proceed with the project beyond preliminary qualification, all participants must sign a Project Agreement, and the Lead Partner must become an OSC member prior to full proposal submission.
- Participants must track their project's progress with quarterly reports on activities performed by all participants to ensure compliance with OSC's reporting requirements.
- The reimbursement is structured such that participants must initially cover project costs upfront and will then be reimbursed quarterly upon submitting a claim.
- For successful reimbursement, it is crucial for applicants to adhere to OSC's quarterly claims and deadlines, as well as align with the OSC's Cost Eligibility Guidelines.
- Projects must address distinctiveness from previously approved OSC projects and demonstrate their transformational and innovative nature, advancing technology readiness levels significantly during the project's lifetime.
- Submissions must include a diversity and inclusion statement or policy during the preliminary qualification phase, highlighting the project's alignment with DEI goals.
grant_single_labels|contact
technology@oceansupercluster.ca
