Innovate BC — BC Fast Pilot program
Vancouver, BC, Canada
Money for pilots and commercialization in B.C
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|closingDateJune 3, 2024
- grant_single|grantStatusClosed
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Manufacturing
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
grant_single|grantors
- Innovate BC
- Government of British Columbia
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
Access financial support up to $200,000 for your innovative SME to design, build and operate a pilot plant or small demonstration of new technology in real-world conditions.
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
The B.C. Fast Pilot program provides financial support for SMEs to advance technology commercialization through pilot-scale demonstrations. The funding structure is designed to accommodate the unique developmental needs of SME projects.
- Up to $200,000 in joint funding may be provided for selected projects, with funding amounts determined on a case-by-case basis.
- Cost-sharing model: NRC IRAP covers a portion of salary and contractor costs, while Innovate BC covers other project costs including capital expenses, materials, and travel.
grant_single_labels|projects
Eligible activities under the BC Fast Pilot program encompass a range of tasks focused on the design, construction, and operation of pilot projects. These initiatives are targeted at validating technology innovations in real-world settings by engaging potential customer sites.
- Design and construction of pilot rig.
- Site preparation for pilot installations.
- Pilot plant commissioning and testing of mechanical systems.
- Operation of pilot plants to evaluate technology performance.
- Testing for stability, reliability, durability, and component degradation.
- Validation of product features and overall performance.
- Generating important data for designing large-scale or commercial installations.
- Preparing technical and operational reports and documentation.
- Training of end users on the deployed technology.
- Data collection and recording to support further analysis.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 200,000
Operation of a battery recycling pilot plant
$ 200,000
Testing and validating a water purification pilot plant
$ 200,000
Operation and data collection for an aquaponics pilot plant
$ 200,000
Commissioning and testing a geothermal heating pilot rig
$ 200,000
Construction and testing of a biogas pilot rig
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the business profile and the state of its technology development.
- The applicant must be a B.C.-based, incorporated business.
- The business should have less than 500 employees on payroll.
- The company must have developed a prototype and be ready to demonstrate the technology at a customer site.
- An early adopter or potential customer should be identified.
- The business must meet the eligibility criteria for financial support from NRC IRAP.
- The company must secure an NRC IRAP ITA (Industrial Technology Advisor).
- Applicants must be operating legally in Canada and specifically in B.C. for this program.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
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.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for the B.C. Fast Pilot Program are based on specific criteria to ensure that projects align with the program's objectives and demonstrate strong potential for success and impact.
- Meets all company and project eligibility requirements.
- Financial and operational capacity to deliver pilot and commercialize technology with customer.
- Strength of market opportunity and size.
- Strength of technology innovation, including IP strategy and differentiation from competitors.
- Strength of commercialization outcomes, such as sales & profit potential, jobs created, and other benefits to B.C. and Canada.
- Quality of collaborating pilot partner.
- Quality of project structure, including goal, scope, and budget.
- Alignment with Priority Focus Areas.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Connect with NRC IRAP
- If you do not have an Industrial Technology Advisor (ITA), contact IRAP to be assigned one.
- Visit the website or call IRAP to find an appropriate advisor in your region.
- Allow 2-3 weeks for evaluation to get assigned an ITA.
- Step 2: Request and Complete EOI Form
- Request the "Expression of Interest for B.C. Fast Pilot" form from your ITA.
- Work closely with your ITA to accurately complete the form, ensuring all requirements are met.
- Step 3: Submission of EOI
- Your completed Expression of Interest form will be reviewed and submitted by your ITA to the B.C. Fast Pilot Joint Review Committee.
- The Joint Review Committee consists of representatives from both IRAP and Innovate BC.
- Step 4: Invitation to Submit Full Proposal
- If successful, you will be invited to submit a full project proposal.
- Work with your ITA to develop the full proposal following IRAP standards.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
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.
grant_single_labels|contact
info@innovatebc.ca
604.335.2495
