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|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
Wage Subsidies And Interns
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Manufacturing
- Professional, scientific and technical services
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Ontario
- Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
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
The grant supports projects leveraging post-secondary research capabilities to drive commercialization within three years and fosters SME-University or SME-College R&D collaborations.
- Non-competitive with Ontario private sector capabilities
- Management and commercialization of Intellectual Property
- Commercialization potential within three years post-project
- R&D collaborations with significant regional economic development impacts
- Include activities like equipment/material costs, overhead, project management, and faculty release
- Limits on travel expenses for college personnel.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$75,000
Montreal
Partnership with McGill University for the commercialization of a new biomedical device.
$45,000
Vancouver
Collaboration with the University of British Columbia for the development of a biodegradable packaging prototype.
$75,000
Guelph
Development of a new agricultural drone in collaboration with the University of Guelph.
$60,000
Halifax
Collaborating with Dalhousie University to develop a new marine biofuel prototype.
$60,000
Waterloo
Partnering with the University of Waterloo to develop advanced cybersecurity tools.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
The eligibility criteria for this grant focus on the qualifications of the research partner and the SME project contributor, as well as the specifics of the project.
- Research partner must be a principal investigator at an Ontario-accredited, publicly funded institution or an applied research officer at an Ontario-accredited, publicly funded college.
- Adjunct professors may be eligible on a case-by-case basis and must meet specific criteria.
- The research partner must have an arms-length relationship with the industry partner and be in good financial and reporting standing with OCI.
- SME project contributor must be a for-profit entity, incorporated in Ontario for at least two years, with a valid Ontario-based CRA business number.
- The SME must have a minimum of five full-time employees in Ontario and demonstrate the intent and potential to apply the project's results for economic benefit in Ontario.
- The SME must be developing technology innovation or innovative processes for a competitive advantage and have operations related to the project in Ontario.
- The project must leverage the unique capabilities of the research environment and the post-secondary research team and be non-competitive with Ontario private sector capabilities.
- Intellectual Property (IP) arising from the project will be managed by the project participants.
- All participants must cooperate in providing project outcomes and metrics in required reports.
- Industry partners should be able to commercialize research results within three years after the project ends.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Yes, there are specific eligibility requirements for companies applying for this grant. Eligible companies must be small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that meet certain criteria.
- For-profit and incorporated in Ontario for at least two years
- Has a valid Ontario-based CRA business number
- Has a minimum of five full-time equivalent (FTE) employees in Ontario
- Is using or developing technology innovation or innovative processes for competitive advantage in provincial, national, and/or global markets
- Has operations (production and/or R&D) in Ontario related to the project
- Has the intent and potential to apply, exploit, and/or commercialize the results of the project for the economic benefit of Ontario
- Has the necessary expertise and resources to implement the project within an appropriate timeframe
- Company subsidiaries (organizations with headquarters outside of Ontario) are eligible, provided that the Ontario operations meet all the above criteria
- In good financial and reporting standing with OCI
- For details on the OCI lifetime funding limit, please refer to this link
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Yes, there are eligible expenses for this grant.
- Equipment/material/operating costs
- Overhead/administration
- Project management
- Faculty release costs
- Travel expenses for college personnel conducting the project
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
Eligible projects for the Collaborate to Commercialize (C2C) Program must have operations or research activities based in Ontario, Canada.
- Ontario-accredited, publicly funded universities and research hospitals
- Ontario-accredited, publicly funded colleges
- For-profit organizations incorporated in Ontario
- Subsidiaries of companies with headquarters outside Ontario but with operations in Ontario
grant_single_labels|criteria
Yes, there are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. Applications will be evaluated against specific criteria to ensure alignment with program objectives and to assess the feasibility and potential impact 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
- Step 1: Connect with OCI Business Development Manager (BDM)
- Industry Partner should connect with their OCI BDM to start the application process.
- If new to OCI, the Industry Partner should complete the Program Enquiry Form to be connected with a BDM.
- Step 2: Initial Vetting and Due Diligence
- OCI conducts an initial vetting and due diligence assessment to ensure eligibility and suitability.
- Step 3: Online Application System
- If selected as eligible and suitable, an auto-generated link to OCI's online application system, AccessOCI, will be sent.
- Complete the application within 90 days.
- Step 4: Complete the Application
- Complete the application form in the AccessOCI portal, jointly between the Industry Partner and the Research Partner.
- Ensure only eligible expenses are included in the budget.
- Step 5: Endorsement by Research Office
- Submit the completed application to the post-secondary institution’s Research Office for endorsement.
- Step 6: OCI Business Development Manager Final Endorsement
- The OCI BDM will provide final endorsement and submission for external review.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
This grant contains various administrative details and requirements for applicants.
- The opportunity must undergo an initial vetting and due diligence assessment by OCI.
- OCI standard Funding Agreement must be signed within 30 days of notification of award.
- Failure to sign the Funding Agreement may result in project withdrawal.
- OCI contributions are provided to the post-secondary institution.
- OCI will release an advance payment equal to 25 percent of the OCI award amount upon project activation.
- Subsequent payments are made upon submission and approval of progress reports and reimbursement requests.
- All Industry Partner cash contributions to be spent at the institution must be provided directly to the institution.
- The holdback of 10 percent of the OCI award will be released upon project completion and approval of final reports.
- A Retrospective Survey will be sent to the Industry Partner at one, two, and three years after project completion.
- Material changes to the project must be communicated to the Program Manager as soon as known.
Apply to this program
Collaborate to Commercialize (C2C) Program Overview
The Collaborate to Commercialize (C2C) Program fosters collaboration between academia and industry to address industry-specific problems and promote the commercialization of intellectual property. It provides funding support to eligible projects that are expected to reach commercial viability within three years post-project completion.
What is the Collaborate to Commercialize (C2C) Program?
The Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) has developed the Collaborate to Commercialize (C2C) Program to build collaborations between academic institutions and industry partners in Ontario. This program provides a critical pathway for transforming research innovations into commercially viable solutions. By bridging the gap between research and industry, the C2C Program positively impacts economic development, job creation, and technological advancement within the province.
Program Overview and Benefits
- The C2C Program supports joint projects between academia and industry aimed at solving specific industry challenges and expediting the commercialization of intellectual property (IP). The core objectives of the program are to foster innovation, enhance R&D capabilities, and promote the commercialization of research within a three-year timeframe post-project. For Industry Partners:Access to cutting-edge knowledge, new talent, unique facilities, and specialized equipment to extend R&D capabilities.
- Opportunities to create solutions for current industry challenges, leading to job creation, increased productivity, revenue generation, follow-on investments, and cost savings.
- Access to several provincial and federal funding sources through a streamlined single-application process.
- Ability to establish relationships with research teams across Ontario.
- For Post-Secondary Institutions (Researchers and Students):Opportunities to use knowledge and innovative ideas to help solve real-world R&D challenges.
- Formation of valuable relationships with industry and within OCI’s networks.
- Provision of valuable experiential learning opportunities for students.
How Funding Works
- The C2C Program provides funding contributions from OCI as well as potential co-funding from federal partners such as NSERC – Alliance and NSERC – ARD. Projects typically receive OCI contributions that account for up to 50% of total eligible project costs, ranging from $20,000 to a maximum of $150,000. The minimum OCI contribution is $20,000 per year, and project durations can range from 6 to 24 months. SME Contributions:Industry partners are required to contribute at least 50% of total eligible project costs in cash.
- Of this contribution, at least half must be spent at the post-secondary institution, while the remainder may be used by the company.
Funding recipients must be publicly funded post-secondary institutions (universities, colleges, or research hospitals). Overhead costs are not eligible project expenses and should not be included in the budget. However, overhead on OCI contributions will be remitted separately by OCI to the institution at 10% of OCI contributions to direct project costs.
Eligibility Requirements
- To qualify for the C2C Program, both the research partner and SME project contributor must meet several eligibility criteria: Research Partner:Principal investigator from an Ontario-accredited, publicly funded university, research hospital, or college.
- Adjunct professors may be considered eligible on a case-by-case basis if they fulfill several criteria such as actively conducting research at an Ontario institution and being allowed to supervise students.
- Must have an arms-length relationship with the industry partner.
- Must be in good financial and reporting standing with OCI.
- SME Project Contributor:For-profit, incorporated in Ontario for at least two years, with a valid Ontario-based CRA business number.
- Must have a minimum of five full-time equivalent employees in Ontario.
- Must be using or developing technology innovation or innovative processes for competitive advantage in provincial, national, and/or global markets.
- Must have the intent and potential to exploit and/or commercialize the results for the economic benefit of Ontario.
- Subsidiaries of foreign companies are eligible provided their Ontario operations meet the above criteria.
- Must be in good financial and reporting standing with OCI.
- Project Requirements:Must leverage the unique capabilities of the research environment and post-secondary research team.
- Intellectual Property (IP) arising from the project will be managed by project participants, as OCI does not claim or manage IP rights.
- All participants must cooperate in providing project outcomes and metrics in required reports.
- Should aim to commercialize research results within three years after project completion.
- Projects that require animal trials must consult with their Business Development Manager, as they are often beyond the program’s commercialization horizon.
Detailed eligibility criteria for NSERC Alliance and NSERC ARD co-funding programs can be found within their respective guidelines.
How to Apply
- The application process begins with the industry partner connecting with their OCI Business Development Manager (BDM) to initiate the application. New industry partners should complete the Program Enquiry Form to be connected with a BDM. Key steps in the application process:Initial Vetting and Assessment: OCI conducts an initial assessment to ensure the project meets eligibility criteria and is suitable for the C2C program.
- Online Application: If eligible and suitable, applicants receive an auto-generated link to OCI’s online application system, AccessOCI, to complete the application within 90 days. Both the industry and research partners must collaborate to complete the application.
- Institutional Endorsement: The application must be endorsed by the post-secondary institution’s Research Office.
Samples of the application form and eligible expenses guidelines can be found on the C2C Program web page.
Assessment Process and Criteria
The C2C Program is highly competitive and not all eligible projects are funded. The assessment process includes:
- External Peer Review by three subject-matter experts bound by confidentiality and conflict of interest requirements.
- OCI Internal Review Panel decisions based on peer review recommendations.
Applications are evaluated based on several criteria such as:
- Significance and relevance of the challenge or opportunity to the company’s business strategy and growth.
- Rationale, methodology, objectives, and roles of each partner in the proposed project.
- Feasibility of the project plan, including milestones, budgets, timeframes, and risk management.
- Expertise and resources of the project team.
- Collaboration between research and industry teams.
- Plan for implementing and commercializing project results, including IP management.
- Company’s resources and capacity to commercialize project outputs.
- Potential economic benefit for Ontario.
- Overall quality and completeness of the application.
Project Activation, Funds, and Reporting
- Upon approval, a standard Funding Agreement must be signed by the involved parties, and the project will be activated. Funds are initially released as an advance payment, with subsequent payments based upon submitted and approved Progress and Claims Reports. Reporting Requirements:Final Progress and Claims Report: Submitted within 30 days of project completion.
- Progress and Claims Reporting: Required at mid-year and every subsequent 6 months until project completion.
- Annual Progress and Claims Report: For projects longer than 12 months, due 30 days before the end of each 12-month period.
- Retrospective Survey: Conducted at one, two, and three years post-project completion to gather data on commercial outcomes.
Variances relative to the project budget or timeline must be requested and approved following the outlined procedures. For further information, contact OCI Business Development Managers or Program Managers. By integrating cutting-edge academic research with industry needs, the C2C Program supports innovation-driven economic growth and positions Ontario as a leader in technological advancement and commercialization.
