Open
Source verified August 11, 2026
Programme des centres d'excellence en commercialisation et en recherche (CECR)
Supports commercialization and research centres
Offered by
Funding available
$ 15,000,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Who can apply
Non-profit organizations created by universities, colleges, non-profit research organizations, businesses, or other non-governmental interested parties.
See full eligibility
Overview
The Centres of Excellence for Commercialization and Research (CECR) program supports non-profit organizations that create commercialization and research centres in Canada. It funds centres that bring together people, services, and research infrastructure to speed commercialization of innovations.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Improve governance or administrative structure
- Attract or retain talent
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 15,000,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ottawa
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Higher Education
- Research
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Business Associations
- Professional Associations
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- All dimensions
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- In 2010, the competition supported centres focused on commercialization, including products and services.
- For the 2015 competition, centres must operate in one or more priority areas determined by the Government of Canada.
- For the 2016 competition, the program supports the operation of research and commercialization centres that bring together people, services, and research infrastructure.
Documents Needed
- Letter of intent
- Support letters
- Key words
- Requested amount of CECR funds
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Non-profit organizations created by universities, colleges, non-profit research organizations, businesses, or other non-governmental interested parties.
- For the 2013 competition, only centres from the first cohort supported under the 2008 competition may apply.
- For the 2016 additional-funding competition, centres supported in the 2010 competition may apply.
Eligible expenses
- Costs for administrative activities
- Costs for knowledge dissemination
- Hosting conferences, presentations, and workshops
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Activities carried out outside Canada.
Selection criteria
- The Private Sector Advisory Committee evaluates the economic and commercial potential of each proposal.
- Recommendations to fund projects are based on an international peer review process.
- Only applications meeting the required excellence threshold will be funded.
How to apply
- Submit a letter of intent.
- If invited, submit a detailed application.
Processing and Agreement
- The Private Sector Advisory Committee examines all applications.
- Detailed applications are evaluated by expert groups established by the NCE Secretariat.
- The CCSP recommends centres for approval and decision by the NCE Steering Committee.
Additional information
- International collaborations and partnerships are recognized and strongly recommended.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Programme des centres d'excellence en commercialisation et en recherche (CECR) Program
What is the Programme des centres d'excellence en commercialisation et en recherche (CECR)?
The Centres of Excellence for Commercialization and Research (CECR) program supports non-profit organizations that create commercialization and research centres in Canada. It funds centres that bring together people, services, and research infrastructure to speed commercialization of innovations.
How much funding can be received?
Programme des centres d'excellence en commercialisation et en recherche (CECR) Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $15,000,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Programme des centres d'excellence en commercialisation et en recherche (CECR) program?
To be eligible for the Programme des centres d'excellence en commercialisation et en recherche (CECR) program, you must:
The centre must have a separate governance and management structure and be incorporated, or equivalent.
What expenses are eligible under Programme des centres d'excellence en commercialisation et en recherche (CECR)?
In 2010, the competition supported centres focused on commercialization, including products and services.
For the 2015 competition, centres must operate in one or more priority areas determined by the Government of Canada.
For the 2016 competition, the program supports the operation of research and commercialization centres that bring together people, services, and research infrastructure.
Who can I contact for more information about the Programme des centres d'excellence en commercialisation et en recherche (CECR)?
You can contact Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE) by email at info@nce.gc.ca or by phone at 613-995-6010.
Where is the Programme des centres d'excellence en commercialisation et en recherche (CECR) available?
The Programme des centres d'excellence en commercialisation et en recherche (CECR) program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Programme des centres d'excellence en commercialisation et en recherche (CECR) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Programme des centres d'excellence en commercialisation et en recherche (CECR) is a Grant and Funding