Enterprise-led Centres of Excellence Network Programme (ECoN)

• Application form
• Letter of presentation
• Letters of support from industry partners
• Curriculum vitae and biographies of key people
• Confirmation letters for partner contributions

Who is eligible?

• Canadian private-sector consortia
• Industry associations and business networks
• Existing or newly formed non-profit consortiums

Who is not eligible

• Universities as lead applicants
• Government departments and Crown corporations
• Municipal, provincial and territorial government bodies

Eligible expenses

• Research salaries, equipment, supplies, travel and dissemination costs
• Administration, networking and communication costs
• Commercialization costs such as market studies, IP protection and prototypes

Ineligible Costs and Activities

• Capital expenses beyond the equipment limits
• Direct funding for government researchers or government laboratories
• Activities outside Canada funded by RCE-E funds

Eligible geographic areas

• Canada

• Applications are first screened in a two-step competition process.
• Shortlisted applications are reviewed by expert panels and then by the Private Sector Advisory Board.
• The Steering Committee makes the final funding decision.
• A funding agreement must be signed before the first payment.
• Annual progress reporting and final reporting are required.

• New networks must be led by the private sector.
• The consortium must be eligible to become a Canadian non-profit corporation before funding is signed.
• Industry partners should confirm support through letters of commitment.