Closed
Source verified March 4, 2026
Collaborative Science, Technology and Innovation Program - Collaborative R&D Initiatives
Supports collaborative R&D addressing major Canadian policy challenges
Latest source updateLast Update: July 11, 2026Latest change: The challenge program pages now show closed intake notices, explicit deadlines, and updated contact details for EOI submissions.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: July 11, 2026
Latest change: The challenge program pages now show closed intake notices, explicit deadlines, and updated contact details for EOI submissions.
Challenge program closures and deadlines updated
The Quantum Internetworking Challenge program – Call for proposals now states that the call is closed, shows an expression of interest deadline of April 2, 2026, and surfaces the contact email for questions and EOI submission. The e-Auto Challenge program also now shows that the call is closed and gives a submission deadline of May 22, 2026. The Challenge programs directory was also updated with new closed-program listings and supporting project examples, while the Biomedical Countermeasures Initiative page shows a changed contact email. These updates primarily affect application timing, submission instructions, and contact endpoints rather than funding amounts or cost-share terms.
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Canada
Overview
The Collaborative Science, Technology and Innovation Program (CSTIP) provides up to $150 million in federal funding over five years, with $30 million per year ongoing, to support high-risk, high-reward collaborative research initiatives addressing Canada's public policy challenges. Eligible activities include collaborative R&D between academia, industry, and government, focusing on scientific and technological breakthroughs in priority areas such as quantum computing, artificial intelligence, clean fuels, and pandemic response.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop a new product or service
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Canadians
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Higher Education
- Research
- Environment
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Business Associations
Target groups
- Rural / Remote communities
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Academia / students
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Collaborative research and development addressing significant public policy challenges.
- Joint projects between academia, industry, and government targeting scientific and technological breakthroughs.
- Initiatives that foster innovation through high-risk, high-reward research collaborations.
- Programs supporting co-authored publications and intellectual property generation among multiple stakeholders.
- Participation in NRC-led Challenge programs focused on areas such as aging in place, quantum computing, artificial intelligence, cell and gene therapy, and pandemic response.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Academic institutions
- Industry partners
- Government research organizations
Eligible geographic areas
- Companies established in Canada.
Additional information
- The National Research Council’s National Program Office is responsible for day-to-day administration and oversight of the program.
- A key role in program delivery is held by innovation investment advisors, who act as impartial liaisons in the strategic oversight of R&D projects.
- Mid-term reviews are conducted for performance assessment, though no plan for long-term outcome measurement beyond the program’s midpoint currently exists.
- Recommendations have been made to strengthen accountability, organizational culture, and outcome-based management within the program structure.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Collaborative Science, Technology and Innovation Program - Collaborative R&D Initiatives Program
What is the Collaborative Science, Technology and Innovation Program - Collaborative R&D Initiatives?
The Collaborative Science, Technology and Innovation Program (CSTIP) provides up to $150 million in federal funding over five years, with $30 million per year ongoing, to support high-risk, high-reward collaborative research initiatives addressing Canada's public policy challenges. Eligible activities include collaborative R&D between academia, industry, and government, focusing on scientific and technological breakthroughs in priority areas such as quantum computing, artificial intelligence, clean fuels, and pandemic response.
Who is eligible for the Collaborative Science, Technology and Innovation Program - Collaborative R&D Initiatives program?
To be eligible for the Collaborative Science, Technology and Innovation Program - Collaborative R&D Initiatives program, you must:
External collaborators from academia or industry
Participation in NRC Challenge programs
What expenses are eligible under Collaborative Science, Technology and Innovation Program - Collaborative R&D Initiatives?
Collaborative research and development addressing significant public policy challenges.
Joint projects between academia, industry, and government targeting scientific and technological breakthroughs.
Initiatives that foster innovation through high-risk, high-reward research collaborations.
Programs supporting co-authored publications and intellectual property generation among multiple stakeholders.
Participation in NRC-led Challenge programs focused on areas such as aging in place, quantum computing, artificial intelligence, cell and gene therapy, and pandemic response.
Who can I contact for more information about the Collaborative Science, Technology and Innovation Program - Collaborative R&D Initiatives?
You can contact National Research Council Canada (NRC).
Where is the Collaborative Science, Technology and Innovation Program - Collaborative R&D Initiatives available?
The Collaborative Science, Technology and Innovation Program - Collaborative R&D Initiatives program is available across Canada.
Is the Collaborative Science, Technology and Innovation Program - Collaborative R&D Initiatives a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Collaborative Science, Technology and Innovation Program - Collaborative R&D Initiatives is a Partnering and Collaboration
Who are the financial supporters of the Collaborative Science, Technology and Innovation Program - Collaborative R&D Initiatives?
Collaborative Science, Technology and Innovation Program - Collaborative R&D Initiatives is funded by National Research Council Canada (NRC)