Collaborate 2 Commercialize
ON, Canada
Money for collaboration between public Academia and Industry
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|fromMinToMax
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateJanuary 20, 2023
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
Wage Subsidies And Interns
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Manufacturing
- Professional, scientific and technical services
grant_single|grantors
- Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI)
- Government of Ontario
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grant_card_status|open
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Receive between $20,000 and $150,000 to cover up to 50% of the eligible project costs to collaborate with Academia to solve an industry‐based problem and drive the commercialization of Intellectual Property (IP).
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant specifically targets companies that are based in Ontario, emphasizing their role in regional economic development. This geographical focus helps ensure that the results benefit the economic sphere within the province.
- Organizations located in Ontario, Canada.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$45,000
Vancouver
Collaboration with the University of British Columbia for the development of a biodegradable packaging prototype
$60,000
Halifax
Collaborating with a university to develop a new marine biofuel prototype
$75,000
Guelph
Development of a new agricultural drone in collaboration with the University of Guelph
$60,000
Waterloo
Partnering with the University of Waterloo to develop advanced cybersecurity tools
$75,000
Montreal
Partnership with McGill University for the commercialization of a new biomedical device
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant requires companies to meet certain criteria to ensure alignment with the program's objectives.
- Be a for-profit organization incorporated in Ontario for at least two years with a valid Ontario-based CRA business number.
- Have a minimum of five full-time equivalent (FTE) employees in Ontario.
- Be using or developing technology innovation or innovative processes for competitive advantage in provincial, national, and/or global markets.
- Have operations (production and/or R&D) in Ontario related to the project.
- Have the intent and potential to apply, exploit, and/or commercialize the results of the project for the economic benefit of Ontario.
- Possess the necessary expertise and resources to implement the project within an appropriate timeframe.
- Subsidiaries of companies with headquarters outside Ontario are eligible if the Ontario operations meet all the above criteria.
- Be in good financial and reporting standing with OCI.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The OCI C2C program supports partnerships between academia and industry, specifically targeting those who can solve industry-based problems and drive the commercialization of Intellectual Property. Eligible applicants from both sectors must meet specified criteria.
- Publicly funded post-secondary institutions in Ontario, including universities, colleges, and research hospitals, as either the principal investigator or applied research officer.
- For-profit small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) incorporated in Ontario for at least two years, with a minimum of five full-time employees, engaged in technology innovation or competitive processes, and with the intent to commercialize project results within three years.
- Engagement of publicly funded academic institutions with industry, leveraging unique capabilities or infrastructure and focusing on Ontario's regional economic development and commercialization.
- SMEs that align with project objectives and have the capacity to apply the research results for economic benefit in Ontario.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The OCI - C2C Program supports collaborative projects between academia and industry, aimed at solving industry-based problems and driving the commercialization of Intellectual Property (IP). Eligible activities focus on leveraging research capabilities and fostering SME and academic collaborations.
- SME-University R&D collaborations with high potential for regional economic development and commercialization in Ontario.
- SME-College R&D collaborations with high potential for regional economic development and commercialization in Ontario.
- Non-competitive projects that leverage the research environment and post-secondary teams' unique capabilities.
- Projects with potential for commercialization of research results within three years of completion.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The grant covers expenses directly related to the conduct and success of the project.
- Equipment, material, and operating costs (up to 20% of the NSERC budget).
- Overhead/administration expenses (up to 20% of the NSERC budget).
- Project management costs (up to 10% of the NSERC budget).
- Faculty release costs (up to $9,000 per course per semester).
- Travel expenses for college personnel to conduct the project.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for the OCI - C2C grant are based on specific criteria designed to gauge the significance, feasibility, collaboration, and potential economic benefits of the proposed project.
- Significance of the challenge/opportunity to support the company’s business strategy and/or growth.
- Rationale for the proposed project to address the company-specific problem or opportunity.
- Clarity and appropriateness of the research and development methodology, objectives, and roles of each partner.
- Feasibility of the project plan (i.e., milestones, budget, timeframe, project management plan and risks).
- Appropriateness of the team’s experience, expertise, and resources to perform the proposed project.
- Clarity of the rationale and plan for collaboration between the research team and company.
- Clarity and feasibility of the plan to implement and/or commercialize the project results, including management of Intellectual Property emerging from the project, and next steps after the project completion.
- Adequacy of the company resources and capacity to commercialize the results.
- Likelihood of economic benefit for the company in Ontario (including job creation/retention, new revenue generation, investment attraction, cost savings, value chain development) within three years of project completion.
- Overall quality and completeness of the application.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to apply for the Collaborate 2 Commercialize (C2C) Program:
- Step 1: Initial Connection
- The Industry Partner connects with their OCI Business Development Manager (BDM).
- If new to OCI, complete the Program Enquiry Form to get connected with a BDM.
- Step 2: Eligibility Assessment
- OCI conducts an initial vetting and due diligence assessment to ensure eligibility.
- Determine if the opportunity is suitable for the C2C program.
- Step 3: Application Access
- If eligible, receive an autogenerated link to the AccessOCI online application system.
- The application remains open for 90 days for completion.
- Step 4: Complete Application
- Complete the online application form jointly in AccessOCI.
- Both Industry and Research Partners log in to AccessOCI and create accounts if needed.
- Include only eligible expenses in the budget.
- Submit the application to the post-secondary institution’s Research Office for endorsement.
- Step 5: Research Office Endorsement
- The Research Office endorses the application in AccessOCI.
- Notify OCI Business Development Manager (BDM) that application is ready for final review.
- Step 6: External Review
- Application proceeds to an external peer review by subject-matter experts.
- Assessment is done by OCI’s Internal Review Panel for final decision.
- Receive decision notification typically within 35 days of application submission.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Additional relevant details about the grant:
- Recipients of OCI contributions are subject to specific reporting requirements, including mid-year, annual, and final progress and claims reports.
- Projects should be completed within a specific duration, with potential extensions available upon request if within the stated guidelines.
- 50% of the industry partner's matching funds must be spent at the academic institution involved in the project.
- Project activation requires the signed Funding Agreement within 30 days of award notification.
- The funding offer may be retracted if activation requirements are not met within the stipulated time frame.
- Industry partners should have plans to commercialize research results no more than three years post-project completion.
- Project funds flow through the academic partner, requiring certain financial commitments from the industry partner.
- A retrospective survey will be conducted 1 to 3 years post-project to collect data on commercial outcomes.
Apply to this program
Enhance Commercialization Efforts with the OCI C2C Program
The Collaborate to Commercialize (C2C) program by Ontario Centres of Innovation (OCI) supports partnerships between academia and industry to solve real-world challenges and accelerate the commercialization of intellectual property. With a focus on fostering innovation and creating economic benefits within Ontario, the program offers up to 50% funding for eligible projects alongside possible co-funding from NSERC.
Delve into the OCI C2C Program Details and Advantages
The OCI C2C Program is a pivotal initiative to bridge the gap between academic research and industry needs, facilitating the journey from innovative ideas to market-ready solutions. Structured to leverage the symbiotic relationship between academic institutions and industrial players, this program prioritizes the development and commercialization of intellectual property (IP) within a three-year period post-project. Eligible applicants can tap into a seamless application process to secure funding from federal partners such as NSERC Alliance and NSERC ARD, further amplifying their project capabilities.
Designed meticulously to foster collaboration, the C2C Program nurtures growth across various domains by equipping industry partners with access to cutting-edge research, talent, unique facilities, and advanced infrastructure. The program supports projects that extend research and development capacities, driving outcomes like increased revenue, job creation, and productivity enhancements. Its strategic design encourages small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to bring innovative solutions to the fore, catalyzing economic advancements in Ontario.
Funding under the C2C initiative is structured to match industry contributions, with OCI covering up to 50% of the total eligible project costs, ranging from $20,000 to $150,000, for a project duration between six to 24 months. The matching ensures that at least half of the industry contribution is utilized at partnering academic institutions, stimulating direct engagement between students, researchers, and industrial experts.
The program’s comprehensive framework caters to both Ontario's research partners and industry contributors. It allows research institutions to cultivate a breeding ground for future industry leaders, offering students invaluable experiential learning opportunities through direct involvement in real-world industry projects. This dual benefit system not only enhances the existing capabilities of industry partners but also enriches the educational landscape by integrating industry-relevant skills within academic curricula.
The application process for the C2C Program is straightforward but selective, requiring industry partners to connect with an OCI Business Development Manager (BDM) to vet the project's eligibility and suitability. Successful projects are those which seamlessly align with the corporation's strategic objectives, demonstrate a high potential for regional economic development, and have a clear path to commercialization upon completion.
Assessment criteria are comprehensive, evaluating the project for its significance to the company's growth trajectory, methodology clarity, feasibility of the outlined plan, and the cooperative synergy between academic and industrial partners. Proposals are rigorously peer-reviewed, ensuring that only the most promising projects receive funding. The program further mandates progress and claims reporting to ensure transparency and accountability, holding the participants to high standards in their project implementation.
Ultimately, the OCI C2C program stands as a beacon for transformational industry-academia collaborations. By strategically investing in innovation and fostering an ecosystem where research meets practical application, the program not only optimizes the commercialization potential of cutting-edge research but also promises substantial economic returns to Ontario, thus enhancing its competitive edge in the global market.
