CFI — Research Facilities Navigator
Canada
Research facilities to collaborate with industry, academia, and government
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- grant_single|noCondition
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- grant_single|openingDateNovember 14, 2019
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Expert Advice
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- Professional, scientific and technical services
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- Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI)
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Access a directory to help you locate and connect with research expertise, state-of-the-art equipment, and labs located in universities, colleges, hospitals, and federal government facilities from across Canada.
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This grant is available to companies working in research partnerships with Canadian universities. Businesses located in Canada have opportunities to partner with these institutions for research projects.
- Companies based in Canada.
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$150,000
Winnipeg
Launching an eco-friendly packaging startup
$30,000
Vancouver
Expansion of a community garden to combat urban food insecurity
$200,000
Halifax
Development of renewable energy solutions for remote communities
$75,000
Toronto
Development of a new financial technology performing secure transactions
$250,000
Montreal
Implementing an AI-based healthcare diagnostic tool
$100,000
Calgary
Establishing a social enterprise for youth career development
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Eligibility for participating in research partnerships with Canadian universities is generally assessed based on the ability to meet certain collaborative conditions and leverage available resources.
- The company should have defined business objectives that align with the research activities of a Canadian university.
- The company should be willing to engage with university researchers and possibly students on the project.
- The company should have the capability to provide financial contributions, including direct costs and potentially facilities and administration costs.
- The company should be able to leverage potential government grants to support the research partnership.
- The company should be willing to agree on terms related to intellectual property, confidentiality, publication, and other contractual obligations.
- For research partnerships that require government or external funding, the company may need to provide "in-kind" contributions such as facilities, equipment, supplies, technical services, or R&D staff time.
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Research partnerships with Canadian universities enable businesses to address specific challenges and explore new technological advancements. These partnerships often result in innovative products and processes that benefit both the business sector and academic research.
- Development of advanced materials to reduce costs and improve the capacity of lithium-ion batteries.
- Creation of realistic simulations for mission rehearsal and training, enhancing the effectiveness of simulation software.
- Innovative research in the pulp and paper industry to develop sustainable practices and new bio-energy solutions.
- Design and development of MRI-compatible robotic technologies for minimally invasive surgery.
- Big data analysis to aid government policy-making and crime reduction initiatives.
- Development of orthopedic implants for more effective treatment of pelvic fractures.
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The document does not specifically list evaluation and selection criteria for projects under this grant.
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Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- Research partnership agreements typically contain standard sections such as project description, scope of work, total project costs, and intellectual property rights.
- Universities have industry liaison officers who act as a great resource for businesses exploring research partnerships.
- Businesses may benefit from government grants to support research partnerships in Canada, which can extend research budgets and mitigate risk.
- Intellectual Property (IP) rights can be customized in terms of commercialization options, licensing rights, and possible exclusivity depending on the project.
- Research partnerships offer a cost-effective way to undertake research by leveraging university resources and student/researcher participation.
- The agreement negotiation process can take about two to three months depending on the complexity of the project.
- The university's partnership office is crucial in formalizing contracts and cannot be bypassed even if preliminary discussions have been arranged with researchers.
Apply to this program
Unlocking Innovation Through Canadian University Research Partnerships
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the frameworks and best practices for forming research partnerships with Canadian universities. It is intended to facilitate effective collaborations between businesses and academic institutions to drive innovation and development across various sectors.
Understanding the Role and Impact of University-Business Research Partnerships
The role of university-business research partnerships in Canada is pivotal in addressing complex challenges and unlocking innovative solutions across diverse fields. These partnerships leverage the strengths of academic research and private sector expertise, thereby facilitating advancements that can be translated into commercial successes. The framework outlined in this guide serves as a strategic resource for businesses seeking to engage with Canadian universities to solve industry-specific problems or to drive technological progress.
Canadian universities are at the forefront of producing cutting-edge research, with a significant portion of funding derived from the private sector. This collaboration ensures that discoveries made in academic settings can be swiftly turned into viable products or services in the marketplace. The guide accentuates the importance of structured agreements, such as detailed term sheets, to outline the scope, expectations, and intellectual property rights connected to each partnership.
In navigating a research partnership, businesses must consider their strategic objectives, potential benefits of collaborative work, and the alignment of university capabilities with their specific needs. The process typically involves multiple stakeholders, including faculty members, post-doctoral researchers, and graduate students, all working toward a common goal regulated by mutual interests and transparency. The guide highlights the long-term benefits of such collaborations, which include access to state-of-the-art equipment, expert human resources, and the potential for educational enrichment through involvement with students.
A critical component of these partnerships is the negotiation around intellectual property (IP). Determining ownership and commercialization rights of any IP created through collaborative efforts is paramount to protect both parties' interests. The terms usually cover background IP, developed prior to the partnership, and foreground IP, generated as a result of the partnership. Negotiations strive to reach a balance that safeguards proprietary innovations while allowing for beneficial commercialization avenues.
The guide also discusses logistical aspects such as funding, contract terms, and potential use of government grants to supplement partnership efforts. This includes understanding administrative costs, project timing, payment structures, and risk assessments. Furthermore, it offers strategic insights on how to effectively liaise with university offices and navigate the processes that facilitate project launching. Notably, research partnerships may also serve to nurture future talent by enabling students to work on real-world problems, thus preparing them for future careers while simultaneously addressing company needs.
This guide ultimately serves as a vital tool for businesses to understand the intricacies of forging successful research partnerships with Canadian universities. Through clear communication, shared objectives, and well-defined terms, both universities and private sector partners can achieve remarkable advancements that contribute to economic growth and competitive advantage in the global market.
