Innovate BC — Ignite Program
BC, Canada
Money to accelerate British Columbia innovation in natural resources and applied science
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateJuly 08, 2024
- grant_single|closingDateSeptember 16, 2024
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
- Professional, scientific and technical services
grant_single|grantors
- Government of British Columbia
- Innovate BC
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
Need to solve a business problem in the areas of natural resources, applied science and/or engineering? Get funding at 50% of what you and your collaborators contribute to the project, to a maximum of $300,000, when you partner with at least one academic
grant_single_labels|projects
Projects eligible for this grant include:
- New technology development addressing industry challenges in natural resources, engineering, or applied sciences
- Collaborative projects between B.C. based industry and academic partners
- Projects at a minimum Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 3
- Innovations with strong market potential and commercialization plans
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$300,000
Burnaby
Innovative waste-to-energy technology project
$300,000
Edmonton
Developing an advanced water filtration system with UofA researchers
$250,000
Montreal
Creating a biodegradable plastic alternative
$300,000
Kelowna
Developing renewable energy solutions for remote communities
$200,000
Vancouver
Development of a sustainable forestry management system with university researchers
$250,000
Toronto
Development of an AI-based mining safety system with academic partners
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility criteria:
- The project supports the research and development of a new, innovative technology that solves an industry problem in the natural resources, engineering, or applied sciences.
- The project is a collaboration between a B.C. based industry and academic partner, with the majority of the project work occurring in B.C.
- The project partners must be in agreement regarding IP ownership.
- The innovation is at a minimum of Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 3.
- The project has strong market potential, with at least one letter of support demonstrating potential market impact and benefits to B.C.
- The innovation must have a strong research and commercialization plan with the aim of achieving commercialization within 3 years of the project start date.
- The project must secure matching funds from industry or government sources at a ratio of 2:1 matching dollars.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Eligible types of companies for this grant are those actively involved in natural resources, engineering, or applied sciences sectors in British Columbia. Companies must have a collaborative partnership with academia, a strong research and commercialization plan, and demonstrate market potential.
- Companies in the natural resources, engineering, or applied sciences sectors in B.C.
- Collaborative partnership with academia
- Strong research and commercialization plan
- Demonstrated market potential
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
There are specific types of companies that are not eligible for this grant:
- Companies where the majority of revenue comes from government aid rather than sales.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Eligible expenses for this grant include salaries/stipends, materials, supplies and equipment, activities related to technology transfer and commercialization, travel and accommodation for collaborative purposes, and indirect administrative costs.
- Salaries/stipends
- Materials, supplies and equipment
- Activities related to technology transfer and commercialization
- Travel and accommodation for collaborative purposes
- Indirect administrative costs
grant_single_labels|criteria
There are specific evaluation and selection criteria for the Ignite grant:
- The project must support the research and development of a new, innovative technology that addresses an industry problem in natural resources, engineering, or applied sciences.
- The collaboration between academic and industry partners must be based in B.C., with a focus on achieving commercialization within 3 years, securing matching funds at a 2:1 ratio, and demonstrating strong market potential.
- The innovation should be at a minimum Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 3, have clear IP ownership agreements, and a strong research and commercialization plan.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Go through the Eligibility Checklist.
- Step 2: Submit an application.
- Step 3: Qualified applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal.
grant_single_labels|contact
1-800-573-0488
Apply to this program
Ignite Grant Summary:
Ignite is a funding opportunity in Canada that supports collaborative projects between academia and industry in natural resources, engineering, and applied sciences. Eligible projects can receive up to $300,000 for research and development.
Ignite Grant Detailed Explanation:
If you are working on a project that involves innovative technology aimed at solving industry problems in natural resources, engineering, or applied sciences in British Columbia, the Ignite grant program could be the perfect match for you. This funding initiative supports collaborative efforts between B.C.-based industry and academic partners to drive research and development. The main goal is to commercialize novel technologies that have a minimum Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 3, as defined by Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada.
One of the key requirements for eligibility is having a strong research and commercialization plan with the intention of achieving commercialization within 3 years from the start of the project. The proposed innovation must also demonstrate strong market potential, supported by at least one letter of endorsement illustrating the potential market impact and benefits to British Columbia.
Applicants must secure matching funds from industry or government sources at a 2:1 ratio, with each dollar from Ignite funds being matched by $2 from other sources. This ensures a significant investment in the project and indicates a commitment to its success. The grant is paid in annual instalments upon submission and approval of annual reports, providing financial support throughout the project's duration. Eligible expenses covered by the funding include research and development activities, as well as costs related to technology transfer and commercialization.
Successful applicants will receive the funding through the lead innovator, either the academic institution or industry partner, who administers the funds on behalf of the project. The funds are disbursed according to the agreed-upon proposal among the project partners, ensuring transparency and effective utilization of the financial support.
Ignite is a competitive program, with approximately 40% of applicants invited to submit full proposals and 30-40% of proposals ultimately receiving funding. The application process involves an initial submission followed by an invitation for qualified applicants to present a full proposal. A successful application requires a dedicated collaboration between academic and industry partners, with a clear plan for IP ownership and project terms.
The program has showcased numerous success stories, with funded projects making significant advancements in various fields including organic chemistry, virtual reality software development, and sustainable agriculture practices. These success stories highlight the impact of Ignite funding in driving innovation and commercialization within British Columbia's research and industry sectors.
In summary, Ignite offers a valuable opportunity for collaborative projects in natural resources and applied sciences to receive substantial funding support for research and development, with a focus on bringing innovative technologies to market. By fostering partnerships between academia and industry, the program aims to accelerate the commercialization of research-driven solutions for industry challenges, ultimately contributing to economic growth and innovation in British Columbia.
