grant_single_labels|summary

grant_single|eligibleFinancing
  • grant_single|maxCount
  • grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
  • grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
Partnering and Collaboration
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
  • Professional, scientific and technical services
  • Educational services
grant_single|grantors
  • Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)
  • Government of Canada
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed

grant_single_labels|preview

Get 100% of your project costs covered when you partner with an eligible academic institution to conduct R&D and beta testing of a technology or application prior to commercialization.

grant_single_labels|projects

Here are just a few examples of projects funded by the INNOV program:
  • Development of a new material for lithium-ion batteries.
  • Development of a diagnostic system for breast cancer.
  • Creation of a more efficient wastewater treatment technology.
  • Development of a new drug for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
  • Development of a safety system for autonomous vehicles.
  • Creation of a new technology for solar energy production.
  • Development of a new manufacturing process for pharmaceutical products.
  • Development of new software for data management.
  • Creation of a new technology for precision agriculture.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$145,000

Montreal
Creation of an AI-powered healthcare diagnostic tool in partnership with McGill University.

$120,000

Toronto
Development of an energy-efficient building material in collaboration with the University of Toronto.

$135,000

Vancouver
Development of a renewable energy storage system with the University of British Columbia.

$105,000

Waterloo
Creation of a blockchain-based supply chain management tool with the University of Waterloo.

$130,000

Edmonton
Development of a new biodegradable packaging material with the University of Alberta.

$115,000

Saskatoon
Development of a smart irrigation system for agriculture with the University of Saskatchewan.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

1. The project must be based on a promising technology from a university or college environment.
  • The technology must be new and original.
  • The technology must have the potential to generate significant economic benefits for Canada.
  • The technology must be at the applied research or early development stage.
2. The project must be led by a qualified researcher affiliated with a Canadian post-secondary institution.
  • The researcher must have a PhD or equivalent degree.
  • The researcher must have relevant research experience in the field of the proposed technology.
  • The researcher must be able to lead a research team and manage a research budget.
3. The project must involve a Canadian company.
  • The company must be a Canadian legal entity.
  • The company must have the capacity and expertise to commercialize the proposed technology.
  • The company must be committed to investing in the development and commercialization of the proposed technology.
4. The project must be consistent with NSERC priorities.
  • The project must be consistent with NSERC's strategic priorities.
  • The project must contribute to the advancement of knowledge and the creation of new technologies.
  • The project must have a positive impact on the Canadian economy.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

Eligible candidates for the I2I grant are as follows:
  • Researchers with a PhD or equivalent degree affiliated with a Canadian post-secondary institution.
  • Research teams led by an eligible researcher.
  • Not-for-profit organizations with a research and development mandate.
  • Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) collaborating with a Canadian post-secondary institution.
To be eligible, the project must meet the following eligibility criteria:
  • The project must focus on a promising technology originating from a university or college environment.
  • The project must have the potential to generate significant economic benefits for Canada.
  • The project must be led by a qualified researcher affiliated with a Canadian post-secondary institution.
  • The project must involve the collaboration of a Canadian company.
  • The project must be consistent with NSERC priorities.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

The following are not eligible to apply for the INNOV grant:
  • Students who do not hold a doctorate or equivalent degree.
  • Researchers who are not affiliated with a Canadian post-secondary institution.
  • Non-Canadian companies.
  • Projects that are not based on a promising university or college technology.
  • Projects that do not have the potential to generate significant economic benefits for Canada.
  • Projects that are not in line with NSERC priorities.
Here are a few examples of people who cannot apply for an I2I grant:
  • Second-year doctoral students.
  • A researcher working in a private laboratory.
  • An American company wishing to develop a new technology.
  • A basic research project with no commercial application.
  • A project aimed at developing a technology that is not new or original.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

Phase I:
  • Direct research costs: 100% funded by NSERC
  • Technology transfer costs: Up to 10% of the total amount requested, shared equally between NSERC and the institution or partner.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

The I2I grant is open to applicants from across Canada.
Applicants must be affiliated with a Canadian post-secondary institution.
The partner company may be located anywhere in Canada.

grant_single_labels|criteria

Selection criteria:
  • Scientific or technical quality of the project
  • Commercial potential of the project
  • Skills and experience of the principal investigator
  • Quality of collaboration with partner company
  • Feasibility of work plan and budget

grant_single_labels|register

1. Read the guidelines.
2. Determine eligibility.
3. identify partner.
4. Prepare proposal.
5. Submit proposal.
6. Wait for decision.

Phase I of a project takes 4 to 6 months.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are some additional miscellaneous details about the Idea to Innovation (I2I) grants:
  • Applications submitted for phase II projects must include attestation forms if they aim to advance a Sensitive Technology Research Area.
  • Phase IIb proposals with a Canadian company can receive funding up to $350,000 for a maximum duration of 24 months.
  • Institution's technology transfer office (ILO) must be involved in all new proposals and their activities related to the proposed technology transfer.
  • Projects should describe the IP strategy and execution for technology transfer and commercialization.
  • NSERC staff is available to review draft proposals if submitted sufficiently in advance of the deadline.
  • Equity, diversity, and inclusion principles must be integrated into proposals.
  • Reports on practical and financial outcomes are required at the end of all projects.

grant_single_labels|documents

Idea to Innovation Grants

Apply to this program