Innovate BC — BC Fast Pilot program

Who is eligible?

This program is designed to assist B.C.-based small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in pilot testing their technological innovations. Applicants must meet specific criteria to ensure alignment with the program's objectives.

• B.C.-based, incorporated businesses with less than 500 employees.
• Companies that have developed a prototype and are ready for customer site demonstration.
• Organizations with an identified early adopter or potential customer for their innovation.
• Businesses eligible for financial support from NRC IRAP.
• Companies with an assigned NRC IRAP Industrial Technology Advisor (ITA).
• Preference for SMEs located in regional B.C. and for projects involving Indigenous communities or those in the cleantech sector.

Who is not eligible

This grant excludes certain companies and industries due to their status or main activity. The restrictions ensure compatibility with the objectives of supporting B.C.-based SMEs in technology commercialization.

• Non-profit organizations, as applicants must be incorporated, for-profit companies.
• Businesses not registered and operating within B.C. at the time of application.
• Companies with 500 or more employees.
• Industries that do not require pilot-scale physical installations or are solely software-based.

Eligible expenses

This grant supports projects that involve the design, testing, and validation of innovative technologies at a pilot scale in real-world conditions. The activities focus on enabling small to medium-sized enterprises in B.C. to commercialize their prototypes through practical demonstration and testing.

• Design and construction of a pilot rig.
• Preparation of the site for the pilot installation.
• Commissioning and testing of mechanical systems in the pilot plant.
• Operation and management of the pilot plant.
• Testing for stability, reliability, durability, and monitoring component degradation.
• Validation of product features and assessing product performance.
• Generating data for the design of a large scale or commercial installation.
• Preparing detailed reports and documentation throughout the project.
• Training end users on the new technology to ensure effective adoption.
• Collection and recording of data from pilot tests to inform future developments.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is available to companies specifically located in British Columbia, Canada. Only businesses operating within this geographical area can apply to ensure they meet the program's eligibility requirements.

• Companies registered and operating within British Columbia, Canada.

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

• Up to $200,000 in joint funding is available, but the exact amount depends on the availability of funds.
• Technological Readiness Level (TRL) of 7 or higher is required for the project to be considered.
• The program is designed to help B.C. SMEs achieve sales by proving the impact and value of their technology in real-world conditions.
• The application process includes submitting baseline data and reporting on critical metrics and KPIs after the pilot-scale demonstration.
• The review and decision process involves a Joint Review Committee and the potential involvement of internal and external evaluators.
• Funding decisions are influenced by the recommendations of the Joint Review Committee, the quality of the full proposal, and available funding levels.
• This competitive program emphasizes the need for strong project proposals, regardless of alignment with priority areas.