Open Innovation Program

Who is eligible?

This grant is aimed at supporting the development and scaling of clean energy technologies by organizations based in British Columbia.

• Companies engaging in the development of low carbon hydrogen technologies.
• Organizations focusing on renewable natural gas solutions.
• Enterprises working on advancements in battery technology and energy storage.
• Firms specializing in carbon management strategies.
• Entities involved in bioenergy, biofuels, and synthetic fuels innovations.

Who is not eligible

Eligibility details for the grant do not specify any specific types of companies that are not eligible for the funding opportunity.

However, common exclusion criteria for funding opportunities typically relate to the following types of companies:

• Non-Canadian companies
• Non-clean energy technology companies
• Companies with projects not aligned with the specified priority areas

Eligible expenses

This grant focuses on advancing clean energy technologies that are crucial for achieving a net-zero carbon future. The eligible projects are centered around key areas of innovation in the energy sector.

• Development and scaling of low carbon hydrogen technologies.
• Advancement of renewable natural gas solutions.
• Innovation in battery technology and energy storage systems.
• Initiatives for effective carbon management solutions.
• Progression of bioenergy, biofuels, and synthetic fuels technologies.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is limited to companies involved with the B.C. Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE) in British Columbia, Canada. The eligible location reflects the funding body's focus on advancing clean energy technologies within this specific region.

• Companies must be based in British Columbia, Canada.

The evaluation and selection criteria for the B.C. Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy's 2023 Open Call for Innovation are based on the following factors:

• Demonstration of technological innovation and advancement
• Potential for commercialization and scalability
• Impact on accelerating the transition to a net-zero carbon future
• Technology Readiness Level (TRL) between 4-9

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

• Step 1: Review Open Call Details
  • Read through the CICE Open Call information to understand the objectives and focus areas.
  • Ensure that your project aligns with the specified technology readiness levels (TRL 4-9).
• Step 2: Participate in Q&A Session
  • Watch the recorded Open Call Q&A session to gain insights into the application process.
  • Download and review the Q&A session slides for additional guidance.
• Step 3: Draft Proposal
  • Prepare a detailed project proposal covering project description, objectives, and impact potential.
  • Include information on how the project fits within the focus areas like low carbon hydrogen or bioenergy.
• Step 4: Compile Required Documentation
  • Gather necessary documents such as financial plans, project timelines, and team credentials.
• Step 5: Follow CICE on Social Media
  • Stay updated with announcements by following CICE on LinkedIn or Twitter.
• Step 6: Submit Proposal
  • Once the application is completed, send it to the appropriate CICE contact point before the deadline.
  • Ensure the application is filled completely and reviewed for completeness and accuracy.
• Step 7: Confirmation
  • Await notification of receipt and evaluation timeline from CICE.
  • Keep a record of submission details for future reference.

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

• The grant aims to accelerate the world towards a net-zero carbon future by supporting clean energy technologies.
• The total funding available through this grant is up to $6 million.
• Selected companies were scheduled to be notified by June 1, 2023.
• The B.C. Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy remains interested in hearing about innovative projects post-deadline via email.