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|closingDateJuly 08, 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
- Innovate BC
- Government of British Columbia
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grant_card_status|closed
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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
This grant is available for projects that are primarily located in British Columbia, Canada. The eligible areas are determined to ensure the effective deployment of research results within this region.
- Companies registered and operating in British Columbia (B.C.), Canada.
- Partnerships where the majority of members are from British Columbia.
- Organizations with substantial presence and commercial activities in B.C., even if they are multinationals.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$300,000
Developing an advanced water filtration system with UofA researchers
$300,000
Innovative waste-to-energy technology project
$250,000
Creating a biodegradable plastic alternative
$300,000
Developing renewable energy solutions for remote communities
$200,000
Development of a sustainable forestry management system with university researchers
$250,000
Development of an AI-based mining safety system with academic partners
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for the Ignite Tech Adoption grant requires compliance with specific conditions concerning the nature of the project and its partners.
- The project must support the development of new, innovative technology that addresses an industry problem in the sectors of natural resources, engineering, or applied sciences.
- The collaboration must involve a team consisting of a B.C.-based industry partner and an academic partner, with the majority of the project work taking place in B.C.
- Project partners need to have an agreement regarding the intellectual property ownership.
- The innovation should be at a minimum Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 3.
- There must be strong market potential demonstrated with at least one letter of support indicating market impact and/or benefits to B.C.
- The innovation needs a solid research and commercialization plan aimed at achieving commercialization within three years from the project start date.
- The project must secure matching funds from industry or government sources at a 2:1 ratio ($1 from Ignite matched by $2 from other sources).
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
This grant is designed for teams composed of both academic and industry partners who are working collaboratively on projects in the areas of natural resources, engineering, or applied sciences. The goal is to develop new, innovative technologies that solve industry-specific problems. Applicants must:- Work on projects that are primarily based in British Columbia (B.C.).- Have an innovation that is at least at Technology Readiness Level 3.- Demonstrate strong market potential with evidence via a letter of support.- Present a strong research and commercialization plan with the objective of reaching commercialization within three years.- Secure matching funds from industry or government sources at a 2:1 ratio, with specific criteria on the types of contributions that can be counted towards this match.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant does not explicitly list companies or industries that are ineligible based on status or main activity. Only the general eligibility criteria are provided.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Eligible for funding, this grant supports projects focusing on research and development of innovative technologies in natural resources, engineering, or applied sciences fields. These initiatives should aim to resolve industry-specific challenges and demonstrate a robust plan for future commercialization within three years.
- Projects involving research and development of new technologies that improve efficiency in natural resource extraction or processing.
- Development of engineering solutions designed to address specific industrial challenges in the natural resources sector.
- Applied scientific research projects that push forward innovative technological advancements.
- Initiatives aimed at transitioning an innovation from prototype phase to market-ready product.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The grant supports specific expenditures directly linked to the research, development, and commercialization aspects of the project.
- Salaries and stipends for project personnel.
- Materials, supplies, and equipment for activities such as prototyping, scale-up, and validation studies.
- Costs associated with technology transfer and commercialization, like patenting and licensing fees sharing and consulting fees for IP strategy.
- Travel and accommodation expenses for collaborative purposes.
- Indirect administrative costs, including university overhead.
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
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Review Eligibility
- Ensure the project meets all eligibility criteria, including collaboration requirements and TRL minimums.
- Confirm matching funds availability or plan, although not required at this stage.
- Step 2: Initial Application
- Complete the application form provided by the funding body.
- Submit the application before the initial deadline (July 8, 2024).
- Step 3: Full Proposal Invitation
- If the initial application is successful, prepare to receive an invitation to submit a full proposal.
- Step 4: Prepare Full Proposal
- Develop a comprehensive proposal including project plans, financial details, and proof of committed matching funds.
- Ensure all partnership agreements regarding IP and project terms are documented and included.
- Gather letters of support to demonstrate market impact potential.
- Step 5: Submit Full Proposal
- Submit the full proposal by the designated deadline (September 16, 2024).
- Await the notice of decision anticipated by December 2024.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- A maximum of 50% of the matching funds can come from government grants or awards, and up to 50% can be in-kind contributions.
- Matching funds do not need to be fully confirmed at the application stage, but proof of committed matching funds is required for full proposal submission.
- Funding is paid in annual installments after the submission and approval of annual reports.
- Applicants can apply for funding with a different project if they have previously received Ignite funding.
- The success rate for being invited to submit a full proposal is approximately 40%, with about 30-40% of those proposals ultimately receiving funding.
- Partnership agreements, including details on IP ownership and project scope, must be submitted during the full proposal phase.
- The funds cannot cover expenses retroactive to the project start date indicated in the application.
grant_single_labels|contact
1-800-573-0488
Apply to this program
Commercialization Support for Tech Innovation in B.C.
The Ignite Grant offers up to $300,000 in funding for research and development projects focused on innovative technologies in natural resources and applied sciences. It is designed to support academic-industry partnerships in British Columbia aiming to commercialize new discoveries within three years.
Unlocking Market Potential Through the Ignite Grant
The Ignite Grant is a strategic funding initiative that supports the development of new, technological innovations in the natural resources, engineering, and applied sciences sectors within British Columbia. This grant is an excellent opportunity for academia and industry partnerships seeking to bridge the gap between research and market-ready technology. The grant aims to propel innovation from Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3 to a fully commercialized product or service, addressing pressing industry problems and opening new market possibilities.
The funding provided by Ignite can cover pivotal research and development costs that serve as the foundation for the commercialization journey. Eligible expenses include salaries for technical staff, procurement of materials, supplies, necessary equipment for development stages like prototyping, scale-up processes, product enhancements, and validation studies. The grant also covers costs associated with technology transfer and commercialization efforts, which can involve negotiating and sharing patenting and licensing fees with universities, as well as consulting fees for developing intellectual property strategies.
To ensure robust project delivery, participating entities must formulate a solid commercialization plan that evidences not only the innovation's technological feasibility but also its market viability. Part of this planning includes obtaining letters of support to validate the innovation's market potential and significance to British Columbia's economic landscape.
Ignite's funding model requires securing matching funds at a 2:1 ratio from industry or government affiliations. This ensures projects have substantial backing and shared interest in achieving successful commercialization. Up to half of these matching funds can be sourced from government grants or institutional awards, such as the National Research Council's Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) or Mitacs, with the remainder potentially covered by in-kind contributions from the involved academia and industry groups.
Applicants need to ensure all intellectual property agreements are carefully laid out and agreed upon before applying, as this is crucial for maintaining clear rights and freedoms over the resulting technologies. This clarity not only helps to avoid conflicts as the project progresses but also ensures that all participants can reap their deserved benefits from the innovations.
Building successful partnerships is vital for these projects, requiring both academic and industry stakeholders. The lead organization, based and registered within B.C., manages the funds and disburses them according to the established partnership agreements. This cooperation framework ensures that the innovative results remain exploitable within B.C., even if partners from outside the province or country are involved.
The Ignite Grant not only provides invaluable financial resources but also sets the stage for enhancing technological capabilities and market readiness. Past successful projects demonstrate the transformative potential of these grants, highlighting advancements that have not only improved sectors within British Columbia but also driven broader innovations applicable globally. By participating in the Ignite program, collaborations can unlock significant venture capital opportunities, accelerating the pathway to market for their groundbreaking ideas.
