Idea to Innovation Grants

Who is eligible?

• Canadian companies with the capability or potential to commercialize new technology
• Early-stage investment entities (e.g., venture capital, seed capital, angel investors, university technology transfer corporations, incubators)
• Researcher-owned companies (subject to institutional policies and NSERC review)
• Companies outside Canada, only if they can demonstrate clear and direct benefits to the Canadian economy

Who is not eligible

This grant excludes certain companies and industries based on the context provided. The restrictions are intended to ensure alignment with the grant's focus on technology commercialization and partnership with academic institutions.

• Organizations that do not demonstrate a clear benefit to the Canadian economy.
• Entities that are not considered early-stage investment groups or companies capable of commercializing technology.
• Companies without the technical capability to develop the product or process to market.

Eligible expenses

• Consulting fees for market studies and business plan development.
• Expenses related to refining and implementing designs, including prototype construction and beta trials.
• Verification activities such as field studies and demonstration preparation.
• Recruitment-related expenses, including the salary for replacement faculty hired to backfill a college faculty member's role.
• Project management costs, up to 10% of total direct costs (for phase IIb).
• Patenting expenses and other costs associated with protecting intellectual property.
• Business mentoring fees from experienced entrepreneurs.
• Travel expenses directly associated with partnership or technology transfer activities.

Eligible geographic areas

• Canadian companies

• Scientific and technical merit, including the clarity and focus of research objectives.
• Potential for technology transfer and commercial benefits for a Canadian company.
• Breadth and depth of team expertise and quality of project management.
• Quality and suitability of the technology transfer plan and anticipated benefits of NSERC financing.
• Evidence of market interest and appropriateness of primary research in market assessment applications.

• Step 1: Gather Required Information and Identify PartnersConsult your institution's Industry Liaison Office (ILO) or equivalent to coordinate the application process.
• Identify whether your project falls under market assessment, Phase I, Phase Ib, Phase IIa, or Phase IIb and determine partner involvement (for Phase II, formalize licensing or exploitation agreements with partners if applicable).
• Step 2: Prepare Application DocumentsComplete the necessary forms:Form 100A – Personal data form (principal applicant and co-applicants as required for each phase).
• Form 101 – Application for a grant detailing the proposal, including the technology transfer plan and commercialization strategy.
• Form 183A – Information required from organizations participating in research partnerships programs (mandatory for Phase II only).
• Develop the required technology transfer plan in collaboration with the ILO or equivalent.
• Attach all supporting documentation, such as business plans, letters of support, market assessments (if applicable), and consultant offers of service for market assessment projects.
• Step 3: Access Online Application SystemLog in to NSERC’s online system to create or access the application.
• Step 4: Review Application InstructionsConsult the PDF forms and instructions web page for detailed step-by-step guidance on completing application materials.
• Step 5: Submit ApplicationSubmit the completed application package through NSERC’s online system before the respective deadline (see posted dates for current deadlines).
• Step 6: Confirmation and Follow-UpAwait confirmation of submission from NSERC.
• If necessary, respond to requests for additional documentation or clarifications from NSERC staff.

• Applicants must collaborate closely with their institution's Industry Liaison Office (ILO) or its equivalent when developing proposals.
• Each proposal is required to include a technology transfer plan appropriate to the technological maturity.
• NSERC may review draft proposals if submitted well in advance of the application deadline.
• Reports assessing practical and financial outcomes, with input from the technology transfer office, are required upon project completion.