Innovative Solutions Canada — Zero emissions technologies for industrial process heating
Canada
The NRC and NRCan Grant Challenge aims to promote cost-effective net-zero industrial heating processes by providing up to $1.7M CAD in funding.
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateJuly 18, 2024
- grant_single|closingDateSeptember 05, 2024
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Manufacturing
grant_single|grantors
- Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)
- Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN)
- National Research Council Canada (NRC)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
The grant, sponsored by NRC and NRCan, aims to advance cost-effective, low-carbon alternatives for industrial process heating to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It supports R&D activities such as renewable energy integration, energy efficiency, and electrification, excluding hydrogen and biomass combustion technologies. Eligible activities span from proof of feasibility (TRL 1-4) to prototype development (TRL 5-9).
grant_single_labels|projects
There are several projects and activities eligible for this grant aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from industrial processes through technological advancements.
- Replace or reduce emissions from current fossil-fuel based industrial process heating technologies.
- Address industrial-scale process heating requirements using alternatives to fossil-based technologies.
- Recover industrial process heat to reduce overall heat requirements.
- Use alternative non-thermal technologies to replace or reduce the need for industrial heat.
- Develop low-carbon or net-zero emissions technology solutions.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$280,000
Vancouver
Implementation of solar thermal systems for food processing
$300,000
Ottawa
Prototype of a high-efficiency electric kiln for pottery production
$450,000
Toronto
Developing electrochemical reduction technology for wastewater treatment
$750,000
Hamilton
Pilot plant development to test electric arc furnace for steel production
$150,000
Calgary
Feasibility study of large scale thermophotovoltaic system for industrial heat
$200,000
Montreal
Development of smart heat recovery systems for industrial laundries
grant_single_labels|admissibility
To be eligible for this grant, your company must meet specific criteria related to its size, incorporation, and operations in Canada. Here are the detailed eligibility requirements:
- For profit
- Incorporated in Canada (federally or provincially)
- 499 or fewer full-time equivalent (FTE) employees
- Research and development activities must take place in Canada
- 50% or more of its annual wages, salaries, and fees are currently paid to employees and contractors who spend the majority of their time working in Canada
- 50% or more of its FTE employees have Canada as their ordinary place of work
- 50% or more of its senior executives (Vice President and above) have Canada as their principal residence
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Solution proposals can only be submitted by small businesses that meet specific criteria. These criteria ensure the business is for profit, incorporated in Canada, and invests significantly in Canadian employment and operations.
- For profit
- Incorporated in Canada (federally or provincially)
- 499 or fewer full-time equivalent (FTE) employees
- Research and development activities that take place in Canada
- 50% or more of its annual wages, salaries, and fees currently paid to employees and contractors who spend the majority of their time working in Canada
- 50% or more of its FTE employees have Canada as their ordinary place of work
- 50% or more of its senior executives (Vice President and above) have Canada as their principal residence
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
Eligibility for this grant requires that the company be incorporated in Canada and meet specific criteria.
- For profit
- Incorporated in Canada (federally or provincially)
- 499 or fewer full-time equivalent (FTE) employees
- Research and development activities that take place in Canada
- 50% or more of its annual wages, salaries, and fees paid to employees and contractors working primarily in Canada
- 50% or more of its FTE employees have Canada as their ordinary place of work
- 50% or more of its senior executives (Vice President and above) have Canada as their principal residence
grant_single_labels|criteria
The grant includes a detailed set of evaluation and selection criteria, divided into Mandatory and Point-Rated sections for both Phase 1 and Phase 2. Proposals must meet all Mandatory Criteria to proceed and must achieve a minimum score of 65 out of 130 possible points in the Point-Rated Criteria section to be considered responsive.
- Part 1: Phase 1 - Mandatory Criteria
- Question 1 a: Scope - Pass/Fail
- Question 2: Current Technology Readiness Level (TRL) - Pass/Fail
- Question 3a: Innovation - Pass/Fail
- Question 3b: Advance on State of the Art - Pass/Fail + Points
- Part 2: Phase 1 - Point-Rated Criteria
- Question 1b: Scope (Additional Outcomes) - 0/3/6/10 points
- Question 4: Phase 1 Science and Technology (S&T) Risks - 0/5/10 points
- Question 5: Phase 1 Project Risks - 0/5/10 points
- Question 6: Phase 1 Project Plan - 0/10/20 points
- Question 7: Phase 1 Implementation Team - 0/10/20 points
- Question 8: Inclusivity - 0/10/20 points
- Question 9: Phase 1 Financial Controls, Tracking and Oversight - 0/5/10 points
- Question 10: Phase 2 Overview - 0/5/10 points
- Part 1: Phase 2 - Mandatory Criteria
- Question 1 a: Phase 2 Scope - Pass/Fail
- Question 2: Proof of Feasibility and Current Technology Readiness Level (TRL) - Pass/Fail
- Question 3a: Innovation - Pass/Fail
- Question 3b: Advance on State of the Art - Pass/Fail + Points
- Part 2: Phase 2 - Point-Rated Criteria
- Question 1b: Scope (Additional Outcomes) - 0/3/6/10 points
- Question 4: Phase 2 Science and Technology Risks - 0/5/10 points
- Question 5: Phase 2 Project Risks - 0/5/10 points
- Question 6: Phase 2 Project Plan - 0/10/20 points
- Question 7: Phase 2 Implementation Team - 0/10/20 points
- Question 8: Inclusivity - 0/10/20 points
- Question 9: Phase 2 Financial Controls, Tracking and Oversight - 0/5/10 points
- Question 10: Commercialization Strategy - 0/5/10 points
grant_single_labels|register
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
This grant from the NRC and NRCan focuses on promoting cost-effective, low-carbon technologies for industrial heating to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Applicants can only apply to one Challenge Stream entry point (either Phase 1 or Phase 2).
- Phase 1 funding: maximum $200,000 CAD for up to 6 months with an estimated number of 3 grants.
- Phase 2 funding: maximum $1,500,000 CAD for up to 24 months with an estimated number of 1 grant.
- No travel is anticipated; all communications will be via telephone or videoconference.
- Eligibility criteria include being a small business incorporated in Canada with 499 or fewer full-time employees.
grant_single_labels|contact
solutions@ised-isde.gc.ca
Apply to this program
Grant for Carbon-Neutral Industrial Process Heating
The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) offer grants to promote cost-effective methods to meet industrial process heating needs while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50% or more through the integration of renewable energy sources and other means. The grant is divided into two phases with amounts up to CAD 200,000 for Phase 1 and CAD 1,500,000 for Phase 2.
Details of the Grant for Carbon-Neutral Industrial Process Heating
The transition to carbon-neutral industrial processes is a crucial challenge for combating climate change while promoting sustainable development. Industrial heating, which accounts for nearly 10% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, is at the heart of this transformation. The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) have launched an initiative to identify and promote effective and cost-efficient solutions for reducing CO2 emissions from industrial process heating.
This grant program, open from July 18, 2024, to September 5, 2024, aims to encourage innovative industrial heating technologies that can replace fossil fuel-based heating systems. The goal is to propose solutions that not only reduce GHG emissions by 50% or by 1,000 tonnes per year but are also economically viable and capable of efficiently heating industrial processes with a thermal output greater than 1 MWt.
Eligibility Criteria
Only profitable small Canadian businesses with fewer than 499 full-time employees (FTE) conducting research and development activities in Canada are eligible for this grant. A minimum of 50% of salaries must be paid to employees or contractors primarily based in Canada, and at least 50% of senior executives must primarily reside in Canada.
Phase 1: Proof of Feasibility
The first phase of the program is dedicated to the proof of feasibility of the proposed solution. It targets technologies situated between levels 1 and 4 on the technology readiness level (TRL) scale. Selected projects in this phase can receive up to CAD 200,000 for a maximum duration of 6 months. Three grants are planned for this phase.
The evaluation criteria include:
- The innovation’s alignment with the challenge scope and its ability to achieve key results as stated in the challenge notice.
- The current technology readiness level of the solution and the R&D activities undertaken to reach this level.
- The innovativeness of the solution as defined by Innovative Solutions Canada (ISC).
- Competitive advantages over existing technologies and the potential for significant technological improvements.
- Science and technology risks and the risk mitigation plan.
- Project management, human and financial resources, and intellectual property management.
- Inclusion and strategies to encourage participation from underrepresented groups.
- Financial controls and monitoring for Phase 1.
- Overall plan for Phase 2, including main tasks, estimated costs, human resources, and risk mitigation strategies.
Phase 2: Prototype Development
The second phase of the program focuses on prototype development for technologies situated between levels 5 and 9 on the TRL scale. Selected projects in this phase can receive up to CAD 1,500,000 for a maximum duration of 24 months. One grant is planned for this phase.
The evaluation criteria include:
- The innovation’s alignment with the challenge scope and its ability to achieve key indicated results.
- Proof of feasibility and the current technology readiness level of the solution.
- The innovativeness of the solution as defined by ISC.
- Competitive advantages and the level of technological advancement compared to existing solutions.
- Science and technology risks and risk mitigation strategies.
- Project risks, including human and financial resource management, project management, and supply chain issues.
- Detailed project plan for Phase 2 development.
- Experience and skills of the implementation team.
- Actions taken to increase the participation of underrepresented groups.
- Financial controls and measures for monitoring and surveillance of finances for Phase 2.
- Commercialization strategy for the solution after Phase 2.
Objectives and Expected Outcomes
This program supports the 13th goal of Canada’s Federal Sustainable Development Strategy and the country’s commitment under the Paris Agreement to reduce GHG emissions by 40-45% by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. By encouraging the development and implementation of eco-friendly industrial heating technologies, Canada aims to significantly reduce its carbon footprint while stimulating innovation and green economic growth.
Projects funded by this grant should demonstrate their applicability to a wide range of industrial processes and their ability to operate under Canadian climatic conditions with minimal environmental impact. The ultimate goal is to promote industrial heating technologies that are both economically viable and environmentally responsible.
For any questions regarding this specific challenge, candidate companies can contact solutions@ised-isde.gc.ca. It is recommended to address inquiries at least ten calendar days before the closing date to ensure a timely response.
