How much funding can be received?

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.

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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.

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$135,000

Vancouver

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

$130,000

Edmonton

Development of a new biodegradable packaging material with a university

$115,000

Saskatoon

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

$120,000

Toronto

Development of an energy-efficient building material in collaboration with a university

$105,000

Waterloo

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

$145,000

Montreal

Creation of an AI-powered healthcare diagnostic tool in partnership with a university

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.

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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.

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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.

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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

Overview of Idea to Innovation (I2I) Grants

The Idea to Innovation (I2I) grants aim to accelerate the pre-competitive development of promising technology originating from the university and college sector to promote its transfer to a new or established Canadian company. These grants provide funding to support research and development projects, thereby assisting in early-stage technology validation and market connection.

Detailed Explanation of Idea to Innovation (I2I) Grants

The Idea to Innovation (I2I) grants are part of a program initiated by the Government of Canada to foster the commercialization of innovative technologies developed within the university and college sectors. The primary objective of these grants is to accelerate the transition of promising research into market-ready technologies. This transition is crucial for ensuring that innovative ideas do not remain confined within academic walls but instead reach industry, thus contributing to economic growth and technological advancement in Canada.

Program Structure and Phases

The I2I grants are structured around four distinct funding options, each corresponding to a different stage of technology maturity and level of industry engagement: 1. **Market Assessment (up to one year)**: This initial phase supports the creation of a market study to analyze the commercial potential of the technology. The focus here is on understanding market demands, competitive landscape, and identifying potential customers or partners. 2. **Phase I: Reduction-to-Practice Stage (up to one year)**: This stage involves turning the theoretical concept into a practical application. Projects in this phase are expected to advance promising technologies to attract early-stage investment or enhance the technology’s intellectual property (IP) for future commercialization. 3. **Phase IIa: Early-Stage Investment (6 to 18 months)**: At this stage, projects require an early-stage investment partner to co-fund and share the project’s risks. The emphasis is on achieving a ‘go/no-go’ decision point, determining whether the technology should proceed to further development or commercialization. 4. **Phase IIb: Technology Enhancement with Industry Partner (up to two years)**: This final phase requires a partnership with a Canadian company to capture the market. The company must co-fund the project and actively participate in the project's planning and execution, aiming to fully commercialize the technology.

Funding and Support Provisions

The I2I grants cover various expenses depending on the phase of the project: - **Market Assessment**: Funding covers up to 75% of the market study costs contracted out to a consultant, with NSERC's maximum contribution capped at $15,000. - **Phase I**: Direct research costs are fully supported by NSERC, with funding up to $125,000. - **Phase IIa**: NSERC funds up to 67% of the project costs, with a maximum contribution of $125,000 per year. The early-stage investment partner provides the balance in cash. - **Phase IIb**: Funding can reach up to $350,000, covering half the project’s costs. The partnering company must contribute at least 40% in cash and can cover the rest with in-kind contributions.

Eligibility and Requirements

To be eligible for the I2I grants, projects must originate from university or college researchers and demonstrate a strong potential for commercialization. Projects must involve: - **Market Assessment**: Defining market size and competitive landscape through primary research, such as interviews and surveys. - **Phase I**: Demonstrating readiness with a clear potential market and scientific evidence supporting the feasibility of the technology. - **Phase IIa and IIb**: Active involvement from early-stage investors or companies capable of commercializing the technology, alongside a robust business plan and IP management strategy.

Technology Transfer and Commercialization Strategy

A critical component of the I2I grants is the development of a comprehensive technology transfer plan. This plan should outline: - The IP strategy, including protection and commercial use. - Plans for market entry and potential partnerships. - Steps to achieve scientific or engineering milestones. - Go/no-go decision points to determine the feasibility of moving forward. Additionally, partnerships with industry players are crucial. For Phase II projects, the involvement of businesses is necessary to ensure that the technology aligns with market needs and is ready for commercialization.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)

NSERC emphasizes EDI principles in the I2I grant program, recognizing that a diverse and inclusive research environment fosters innovation. Applicants are encouraged to integrate EDI considerations into their projects, ensuring a wide range of perspectives and equitable opportunities.

Research Security

To safeguard Canadian research, the STRAC Policy and NSGRP guidelines are integrated into the I2I grant process. These policies ensure that sensitive technologies are developed in secure environments and that partnerships do not compromise national security. Researchers must complete risk assessments and attestations to comply with these guidelines.

Application Process and Deadlines

Applications for I2I grants require submission of specific forms, including: - Form 100 – Personal Data Form - Form 101 – Application for a Grant - Form 183A – Required Information from Organizations (Phase II only) Submission deadlines for applications are set for January 8, 2024, April 2, 2024, and September 16, 2024. It's essential to develop proposals in collaboration with the institution's Industry Liaison Office (ILO) or its equivalent.

Evaluation and Reporting

Applications undergo a rigorous review process, including internal reviews for market assessments and committee reviews for Phases I and II. The criteria for evaluation include scientific merit, team expertise, potential for technology transfer, and commercial benefits. Reporting is mandatory at the end of each project, assessing both practical and financial outcomes. This report helps NSERC monitor the success and impact of the funded projects.

Conclusion

The I2I grants are a vital resource for transitioning innovative technologies from academic research to market-ready products. By providing financial support and fostering industry partnerships, these grants not only help advance Canadian innovation but also contribute significantly to the national economy. Researchers and institutions are encouraged to leverage this opportunity to bring their technological innovations to the forefront of the industry.