How much funding can be received?

Fee-for-service 21 m x 7 m x 1.1 m concrete tank equipped with both a towing and service carriage, in which temperatures can reach as low as -20°C to produce ice of up to 0.6 m thick.

grant_single_labels|projects

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$150,000

Simulating Arctic shipping routes and their impact on ship design

$180,000

Designing ice-resistant offshore renewable energy platforms

$170,000

Studying ice mechanics to design better ice roads in Northern Canada

$200,000

Development of automated systems for ice-breaking ships

$100,000

Developing new ice-resistant coatings for marine vessels

$190,000

Evaluating the impact of ice on submerged offshore pipelines

grant_single_labels|admissibility

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

Any company that is involved in the research, development, or commercialization of technologies related to ice and ice-related problems can apply for this grant. This includes companies working in fields such as marine engineering, Arctic exploration, environmental monitoring, offshore oil and gas, shipping, and any other industry where understanding ice dynamics is crucial.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The NRC's ice tank in Ottawa is designed to support a wide range of projects focusing on the study of Arctic and marine conditions. Projects eligible for this grant typically involve the use of the ice modelling facility to test and investigate ice-related phenomena and interactions.

Model tests of ice structure interactions to understand the dynamics between structures and ice.
Investigations into the effects of ice scouring on seabed materials.
Simulation of different ice regimes and wave climate interactions using the wave machine.
Research on the formation and characteristics of ice under controlled laboratory conditions.

grant_single_labels|criteria

Yes, there are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The evaluation and selection criteria are:

Evaluation of project relevance and alignment with NRC’s ice tank capabilities
Technical merit and feasibility of the proposed research
Potential for impact and commercialization of the outcomes
Capability of the research team to execute the project

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:

Step 1: Contact NRC
- Email NRC at NRC.ContactOCRE-ContactezGOCF.CNRC@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca to express interest in using the ice tank facility and inquire about potential grant funding opportunities.
- Include a brief description of your project and objectives in the email.
Step 2: Initial Discussion
- Engage in preliminary discussions with NRC experts to evaluate project suitability and available resources.
- Clarify any specific requirements or conditions for funding application.
Step 3: Proposal Development
- Draft a detailed project proposal outlining the research objectives, methodology, and potential impacts.
- Include technical details regarding how the ice tank facility will be utilized.
Step 4: Application Submission
- Compile all necessary documentation as advised by the NRC, including budgets, timelines, and technical details.
- Submit your complete application package to the designated NRC contact or online portal, as directed.
Step 5: Confirmation and Follow-up
- Receive confirmation of your application submission from NRC.
- Engage in any required follow-up meetings or provide additional documentation if requested by NRC.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

The NRC's ice tank in Ottawa offers unique advantages and services that may serve as additional considerations for applicants.

The facility is equipped with advanced technology including a towing and service carriage and a wave machine, which allows for the simulation of various ice and wave conditions.
Applicants can leverage the expertise of internationally recognized NRC experts in ice modelling and problem-solving.
Collaboration with the NRC can help in de-risking technology demonstrations, thus supporting the commercialization process.
The versatility of the ice tank allows for customizable testing solutions tailored to specific research or industry needs.
Strategic location in Ottawa, facilitating collaboration with government and industry stakeholders in Canada.

grant_single_labels|documents

NRC — Ice Tank - 21 m Research Facility

Apply to this program

Unlock the Arctic with NRC's Ice Tank Grants

Engage in groundbreaking research opportunities with grants facilitating access to NRC's specialized ice tank in Ottawa. These grants aim to support innovative projects addressing Arctic environmental challenges and technological advancements.

Empowering Innovation Through Customized Ice Research Grants

The NRC's ice tank in Ottawa offers unparalleled facilities designed to simulate Arctic and northern marine conditions, creating a diversified platform for advanced research. These grants offer essential support for projects that leverage these state-of-the-art facilities, encouraging collaborations across industries focused on solving intricate ice-related problems. The ice tank's versatility is showcased through its ability to test interactions between ice structures and model ice and investigate ice scouring on seabeds, providing key insights for industries reliant on ice technology and research.

One of the unique aspects of the grant program is its ability to capitalize on the cutting-edge technology available at the NRC's ice laboratory. With a vast ice modelling facility, the laboratory plays a crucial role in enhancing the understanding of complex ice dynamics, essential for businesses aiming to de-risk and demonstrate new technologies before market introduction. This facility enables rapid prototype testing and validation through model tests, supported by a towing and service carriage, wave machines, and the capability to conduct studies at temperatures as low as -20 °C. This environment is ideal for simulating natural ice conditions and testing innovative solutions aimed at enhancing safety and operational efficiency in ice-affected regions.

The NRC seeks to bridge the gap between innovation and commercialization by providing businesses, governments, and research institutions pathways to access these valuable resources. Companies engaged in ocean, coastal, and river engineering can utilize this facility to advance their industry's knowledge base, refine existing technologies, and expedite the transition from concept to application. The strategic location of the ice tank in Ottawa at 1200 Montreal Road offers easy access to collaborators and researchers under the guidance of internationally recognized experts from the NRC.

Moreover, the NRC's commitment to collaborating with industry leaders ensures that supported projects receive not only the necessary funding but also gain insights from skilled specialists well-versed in the dynamics of ice environments. This combined expertise and infrastructure grant applicants a significant competitive edge, providing a supportive ecosystem for innovation in related domains. By fostering these developments, NRC's grants aim to enhance businesses' readiness and capability to address environmental challenges and capitalize on emerging market opportunities in cold climate technologies.

In conclusion, the NRC ice tank grants represent a strategic initiative to empower cross-disciplinary innovation, advancing the capabilities of industries dependent on Arctic and cold-weather engineering solutions. By partnering with NRC, enterprises can effectively translate research into practical advancements, promoting growth and sustainability in crucial sectors impacted by ice and its diverse phenomena.