Idea to Innovation Grants
Canada
Technology transfer opportunities
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateMarch 25, 2023
- grant_single|closingDateApril 02, 2024
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
Partnering and Collaboration
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Educational services
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Canada
- Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
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
This grant primarily targets Canadian companies for eligibility. Organizations outside of Canada may also be considered under specific conditions related to the Canadian economy.
- Canadian companies.
- Companies outside Canada that can demonstrate clear and direct benefits to the Canadian economy.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$135,000
Development of a renewable energy storage system with the University of British Columbia
$120,000
Development of an energy-efficient building material in collaboration with a university
$145,000
Creation of an AI-powered healthcare diagnostic tool in partnership with a university
$130,000
Development of a new biodegradable packaging material with a university
$115,000
Development of a smart irrigation system for agriculture with the University of Saskatchewan
$105,000
Creation of a blockchain-based supply chain management tool with the University of Waterloo
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Companies must meet the following criteria to be eligible as partners for the Idea to Innovation grants.
- Participating companies must typically be Canadian to be eligible.
- Companies outside Canada may qualify if they can demonstrate clear and direct benefits to the Canadian economy from their involvement.
- Partner companies must show they have or can acquire the capability to commercialize the technology being developed.
- Situations where the researcher is a part owner of a company are reviewed case-by-case, focusing on the company's development stage and compliance with institutional policies on commercial and conflict of interest disclosure.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Eligible applicants for the Idea to Innovation (I2I) grants include faculty members from Canadian universities and colleges, who are undertaking research and development projects with the objective of advancing promising technologies originating from the post-secondary sector for transfer to Canadian companies. Additionally, post-secondary institutions must have coordination through their industry liaison office (ILO) or its equivalent, and partner organizations include Canadian companies or early-stage investment entities willing to collaborate in phases IIa or IIb for technology advancement.
- College and university faculty members engaged in research and development with technology transfer potential.
- Canadian post-secondary institutions managing intellectual property through an ILO or equivalent.
- Early-stage investment groups, such as venture capital or angel investors, for Phase IIa projects.
- Canadian companies capable of commercializing research outcomes, for Phase IIb projects.
- Researcher-owned companies, subject to eligibility evaluation based on their development stage and commercial activity in line with institutional policies.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
The restrictions for this grant primarily revolve around affiliations and partnerships related to sensitive technology research areas. Only those who meet the required affiliations and research standards may apply.
- Researchers affiliated with Named Research Organizations associated with sensitive technology research areas are restricted.
- Companies that cannot demonstrate clear benefits to the Canadian economy may face restrictions.
- Foreign entities that cannot show a direct benefit to Canada could be ineligible as partners.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The Idea to Innovation (I2I) grants are designed to support various stages of technology development and commercialization. These activities include research and development efforts aimed at moving promising technologies from the academic sector to the market.
- Refining and implementing designs.
- Verifying application through testing and evaluations.
- Conducting field studies to gather practical data and insights.
- Preparing demonstrations to showcase technology capabilities.
- Building prototypes as preliminary models of the technology.
- Performing beta trials for further validation of the technology.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The I2I grant supports expenses that are directly related to research and technology transfer activities to enhance commercialization potential.
- Refining and implementing designs.
- Verifying application.
- Conducting field studies.
- Preparing demonstrations.
- Building prototypes.
- Performing beta trials.
- Salaries for replacement faculty members during involvement in applied research projects.
- Recruitment-related activities.
- Consulting fees to develop strategy for protecting technology's commercial value.
- Market investigations.
- Consulting fees for business plans, market surveys, etc.
- Business mentoring by experienced entrepreneurs.
- Sharing of patenting expenses.
- Expenses associated with creating a partnership, such as travel costs.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for the Idea to Innovation (I2I) grants involve specific criteria focusing on scientific merit, team expertise, and the potential for technology transfer.
- Scientific/technical merit:
- Scientific basis for the expected commercial application.
- Clarity and focus of research objectives.
- Novelty, technical complexity, technical risk, and feasibility.
- Appropriateness of work plan, milestones, deliverables, and decision points.
- Team expertise and project management:
- Breadth and depth of team expertise in the proposed fields of activity.
- Business experience or available support.
- Adequacy of personnel and material resources allocated for research and technology transfer activities.
- Quality of project management.
- Potential for technology transfer and commercial benefits:
- Commitment of the institution through its technology transfer office (or equivalent).
- Appropriateness of the technology management and transfer plan.
- Anticipated benefits for a Canadian company.
- Justification of the benefits of NSERC financing.
- Market assessment:
- Signs of market interest.
- Relevant essential questions have been incorporated into the market analysis.
- Appropriateness of the consultant and statement of work.
- Suitability of the proposed primary research.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Preliminary Registration
- Create or access an account on the NSERC online system.
- Ensure all personal and institutional information is up-to-date.
- Step 2: Understand Eligibility and Guidelines
- Review the eligibility criteria and ensure compliance with all requirements for the specific phase (Market assessment, Phase I, Phase IIa, Phase IIb).
- Consult the Tri-agency guidance on sensitive technology research areas to understand future implications.
- Step 3: Prepare Application Documents
- Complete Form 100 – Personal Data Form for principal applicant and co-applicants.
- Complete Form 101 – Application for a Grant including detailed project proposal and budget.
- Fill out Form 183A (if applicable) for information from organizations in research partnerships.
- Develop a technology transfer plan outlining strategy and business plan if required.
- Obtain letters of support from potential partners or early-stage investors.
- Step 4: Institutional Collaboration
- Work closely with the institution's Industry Liaison Office (ILO) or equivalent to align commercialization plans.
- Ensure that any IP or licensing agreements are in place if required.
- Step 5: Application Submission
- Upload the completed forms and supplementary documents to the NSERC online application portal.
- Review all entries for completeness and accuracy before submission.
- Submit the application before the nearest deadline date ensuring all components are included.
- Step 6: Confirmation of Submission
- Receive an automated confirmation email acknowledging the submission of your application.
- Keep the confirmation email and assigned application number for your records.
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.
Apply to this program
Accelerating Technology Development with I2I Grants
The Idea to Innovation (I2I) grants are designed to fast-track the market readiness of cutting-edge technologies emerging from university and college research by focusing on their pre-competitive development. These grants support faculty members in turning promising research into commercialization opportunities by engaging industry partners through a structured funding approach.
Detailed Insights into I2I Grants and Their Role in Commercializing Research
The I2I grant program fosters innovation by facilitating the journey of scientific discoveries from academic institutions to the marketplace. By leveraging a phased approach, it ensures that early-stage technologies receive the necessary validation and market insights to attract industry partners and investment. This structured approach is particularly beneficial for transforming academic research into viable business ventures. Researchers at universities and colleges, with a focus on collaboration with industry partners, can apply for these grants, which are provided in four distinct phases based on the technology’s maturity and market readiness.
Phase I of the I2I grants focuses on the reduction-to-practice stage. It is critical here to solidify the concepts and conduct extensive testing to ensure the technology’s functionality for its intended purpose. With up to a year of non-renewable funding, NSERC supports 100% of the direct costs of research in this phase, guiding promising technologies towards commercialization readiness.
As projects advance to Phase II, they undergo technology enhancement. This phase is divided into two subcategories: Phase IIa involves collaboration with early-stage investment entities, while Phase IIb requires partnerships with established Canadian companies. This phase highlights the importance of industry collaboration, emphasizing cost-sharing between NSERC and the partnering organizations. The collaborative nature of Phase II ensures that the technologies not only advance scientifically but also align strategically with market expectations and potential business models.
In addition to direct research funding, the I2I grants incorporate a comprehensive market assessment component, which is pivotal in aligning academic research with market needs. NSERC supports market investigations to objectively assess the market potential, enabling researchers to better match their technologies with current industrial demands and consumer expectations. This market alignment increases the chances of successful technology transfer, facilitating the transition from academia to commercial application.
The grants also emphasize the importance of intellectual property (IP) management and technology transfer plans. By collaborating with institution-identified Innovation Liaison Offices (ILO), researchers ensure that their technological advancements are not just protected but also strategically positioned for commercialization. This ensures that the IP resulting from publicly funded research contributes effectively to the Canadian economy through licensing or the creation of spin-offs.
Moving forward, the inclusion of the Policy on Sensitive Technology Research and Affiliations of Concern highlights the growing need for research security and due diligence in partnerships. This aligns with national security concerns, ensuring that Canadian research maintains both its openness and security. Grant applicants need to be aware of these guidelines, particularly when planning future projects in sensitive technology areas, to ensure compliance and secure necessary funding.
The I2I grants, by integrating structured phases, engagement with industry partners, and a focus on market readiness, play a crucial role in bridging the gap between academic research and commercial applicability. They are a driving force behind the commercialization of innovation, helping transform scientific research into practical solutions that can greatly benefit the Canadian economy.
