INVEST North Program — Innovation – Industrial Research Chair
ON, Canada
Money to establish and enhance research capacity
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateAugust 26, 2022
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Educational services
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Ontario
- Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
Receive up to $1 million in funding to cover up to 50% of eligible costs to establish and enhance research capacity focused on business problem solving and/or is working towards the commercialization of a product or process at Northern Ontario universitie
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
This grant provides a structured financial assistance approach aimed at supporting eligible research projects while ensuring fiscal responsibility. The funding terms are predetermined and focused on maximizing impact and accountability.
- Financial assistance covers up to 50% of eligible costs.
- Maximum contribution is capped at $1 million for the duration of the project.
- Funding decisions are made by the NOHFC Board of Directors, considering limited budget availability.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant supports research initiatives aligned with the hosting institution’s strategic priorities, aiming to solve business problems or commercialize solutions. The eligible activities directly contribute to research development and dissemination.
- Salary and mandatory benefits of the chair holder over the duration of the project.
- Construction or renovation of laboratories or supporting facilities directly used for research.
- Acquiring, operating, and maintaining research equipment directly used for research.
- Materials used directly in carrying out the research.
- Costs associated with publishing research findings.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 500,000
Establishing a biotechnology commercialization lab at Algoma University
$ 500,000
Construction of high-tech labs for agricultural research at Northern College
$ 400,000
Constructing an innovative materials science lab at Nipissing University
$ 400,000
Developing an advanced AI lab at Laurentian University for mining process optimization
$ 500,000
Creating a nanotechnology research facility at the University of Hearst
$ 300,000
Renewable energy research facility enhancement at Lakehead University
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is designated for specific institutions and collaborative projects that meet distinct criteria.
- The applicant must be a Northern Ontario university, college, or research institution.
- The applicant must be a not-for-profit organization primarily engaged in scientific research.
- The organization must be formally affiliated with a Northern Ontario post-secondary institution.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Northern Ontario universities, colleges, and research institutions that are not-for-profit organizations and are formally affiliated with a Northern Ontario post-secondary institution are eligible to apply. These organizations must focus on scientific research.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant excludes certain companies and industries due to their status or main activity. The restrictions aim to ensure that funds are directed toward strategic sectors aligned with the grant's objectives.
- For-profit organizations that do not have a primary activity in scientific research.
- Companies that do not engage in collaborations or partnerships with academic or research institutions, Indigenous communities, or municipal and government agencies.
- Organizations not contributing to the economic transformation of Northern Ontario's key sectors.
- Entities not aligned with a recognized Northern Ontario post-secondary institution for formal affiliation.
- Businesses unable to provide financial support or active involvement in IRC projects.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The Industrial Research Chair initiative funds projects that are aligned with strategic research plans and foster collaborations in Northern Ontario. Eligible activities focus on the establishment of research capacity and the commercialization of innovation.
- Salary and mandatory benefits for the chair holder over the project's duration.
- Construction or renovation of laboratories or supporting facilities essential to the research.
- Acquisition, operation, and maintenance of research equipment used in research.
- Procurement of materials required for conducting research.
- Costs associated with publishing research findings.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant is available exclusively to institutions located in Northern Ontario. The aim is to bolster research capacity in this specific region.
- Universities, colleges, and research institutions located in Northern Ontario.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria to ensure alignment with the grant’s objectives and the strategic goals of the participating institutions.
- Net economic benefits for Northern Ontario.
- Alignment with the host organization’s strategic research plan.
- Strength of collaboration and addressing the needs of partners in the proposal.
- Strength of the project’s detailed business plan.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Preliminary Assessment
- Ensure your institution is eligible by confirming its status as a Northern Ontario university, college, or research institution with a formal affiliation to a post-secondary institution.
- Verify that your proposed project aligns with your institution's strategic research plan and has a private sector partner.
- Step 2: Secure Partnerships
- Identify and partner with private sector organizations that will provide financial support and active involvement in the project.
- Form collaborations with other academic institutions, Indigenous communities, municipalities, or government agencies to strengthen the proposal.
- Step 3: Prepare Proposal
- Develop a detailed business plan outlining the objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes of the research.
- Prepare a budget showcasing the eligible costs, including salaries, lab renovations, and equipment acquisition.
- Gather supporting documents such as the credentials of the proposed chair holder and proof of private sector partnership.
- Step 4: Complete Application Form
- Access the official application form from the relevant funding body's website.
- Fill in all necessary details as per the application guidelines.
- Step 5: Submit Application
- Compile the completed application form and all supporting documents.
- Submit electronically via the funding body's online portal, ensuring all sections are complete and error-free.
- Meet the submission deadline, as late applications may not be considered.
- Step 6: Acknowledge Receipt
- Receive confirmation of submission from the funding body, typically through email.
- Keep the confirmation email for your records.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- Projects require collaboration, preferably with other institutions or communities such as Indigenous groups and municipalities, to strengthen applications.
- There is a requirement for an international leader to be the chair holder, emphasizing the need for recognized expertise and a strong track record in research.
- The involvement of an industrial partner is not just for funding; they must also be actively engaged in the research project, highlighting the importance of practical, real-world applications of the research.
- Strong alignment with the institution's strategic research plan is crucial, indicating that proposals should be carefully crafted to fit with broader institutional goals.
Apply to this program
Driving Innovation through Industrial Research Chairs
The Industrial Research Chair (IRC) initiative offers strategic funding to enhance research capacity in Northern Ontario, encouraging advancements in key economic sectors. This grant prioritizes collaborations that not only solve business problems but also contribute to the commercialization of new technologies or processes.
Understanding the Industrial Research Chair Grant and Its Advantages
The Industrial Research Chair (IRC) program is a pivotal initiative aimed at strengthening research capabilities in Northern Ontario's university colleges and research institutions. This program is strategically designed to influence positive economic transformations by supporting research projects that promise significant impacts in Northern Ontario's vital sectors. By fostering an environment conducive to innovation, the IRC grant not only supports academic advancements but also aligns them with industry requirements, facilitating technology transfer and commercial success.
Eligible IRC projects focus on forging robust partnerships with private sector entities. These collaborations must align with the host institution's strategic research plan, ensuring that the funded projects are not just theoretically significant but also practically viable and economically advantageous. A critical aspect that potential applicants must consider is the necessity of a private sector partner, which emphasizes the program's commitment to practical, market-driven research solutions.
The IRC funding is structured to cover up to 50% of eligible costs, with a generous funding cap of $1 million over the period of the project. This financial structure positions the IRC grant as a substantial vehicle for supporting long-term research projects that require significant investment in infrastructure and personnel. Qualifying for this grant involves meeting rigorous criteria that include the potential for economic benefits to Northern Ontario, alignment with institutional strategic goals, and the demonstration of an effective collaboration framework addressing the needs of all project stakeholders, including academic, industry, and potentially governmental partners.
One of the standout features of the IRC is its focus on sustainability and real-world impact. By funding research that addresses tangible business problems and seeks commercializable outcomes, the IRC initiative ensures that supported projects are not only academically rigorous but also pragmatically relevant. This grants program requires that the Industrial Research Chairs themselves be outstanding leaders in their fields, with demonstrable experience in managing large-scale research endeavors and training emerging researchers. This ensures that the knowledge base in Northern Ontario is enriched at all levels, from training the next generation of scientists and engineers to influencing current industrial practices.
Moreover, the IRC initiative supports a range of eligible costs crucial for research advancement, such as laboratory construction, acquisition of cutting-edge equipment, and publication of research findings, directly linking them to the execution of the research. These funding aspects underscore the IRC program's comprehensive approach to fostering innovation. Importantly, while financial support is significant, it is highly selective, meaning not all proposals deemed eligible will receive funding—underlining the competitive nature and high standards upheld by the program.
In conclusion, the IRC initiative represents a cornerstone in Northern Ontario's research and development landscape. It embodies a structured approach to fostering industry-academia partnerships, driving technological innovation, and executing meaningful research that promises socioeconomic benefits for the region. By aligning research goals with broader economic and strategic objectives, the IRC facilitates a robust ecosystem where innovation and industry growth coalesce, paving the way for a prosperous and technologically advanced Northern Ontario.
