SIF — Collaborations and Networks projects
At a glance
- Max. $10,000,000
- Open Date : March 13, 2023
- All industries
- Science and Economic Development Canada
- Innovation Canada
- Government of Canada
Overview
Eligibility criteria
Projects funded under the Collaborations and Networks category of the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) support large, collaborative business-led projects and innovation networks in areas where Canada has a demonstrated advantage.
- Lead applicant must be a not-for-profit organization or for-profit corporation incorporated in Canada.
Who is eligible
Eligible types of companies for this grant are not-for-profit organizations incorporated in Canada and for-profit corporations incorporated in Canada.
- Not-for-profit organizations incorporated in Canada
- For-profit corporations incorporated in Canada
Who is not eligible
Based on the grant context, any entities that are not-for-profit organizations incorporated outside of Canada are not eligible for this grant.
- Not-for-profit organizations incorporated outside of Canada
Eligible expenses
Eligible expenses for this grant may include project costs related to industrial research, technology demonstration, collaborative technology development, and large-scale technology demonstration. Some examples of eligible expenses are salaries, materials, equipment, and other costs directly associated with the project.
- Salaries for project team members
- Materials and supplies for research and development
- Equipment purchases or rentals
- Travel costs for project-related activities
- Consulting fees for specialized expertise
- Other direct project costs necessary for the successful completion of the project
Eligible projects & activities
There are eligible projects and activities under this grant. They include industrial research, technology demonstration, collaborative technology development, and demonstration. Some examples of eligible network project activities are creating collaboration among key members in the Canadian R&D community and providing financial support for collaborative projects.
- Industrial research
- Technology demonstration
- Collaborative technology development and demonstration
Evaluation & selection criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant:
- Eligibility of lead applicant and project partners
- Demonstrated need and benefits for Canada
- Alignment with funding priorities and areas of advantage
- Clarity of project objectives and outcomes
- Feasibility and sustainability of the proposed project
- Level of collaboration and engagement with key players in the Canadian R&D community
How to apply
- Step 1: Determine eligibility as a lead applicant
- Lead applicants must be a not-for-profit organization or a for-profit corporation incorporated in Canada
- Step 2: Prepare and submit an application
- Submit an application to SIF on behalf of the network
- Provide all required documentation and information
- Step 3: Receive and manage government contribution
- Manage the funds according to the terms of the Contribution Agreement
- Step 4: Manage the network's projects
- Distribute funding to support network activities
- Ensure projects align with the goals of the grant
- Step 5: Submit claims and report on results
- Submit claims for expenses incurred
- Report on the outcomes and impact of the funded projects
- Step 6: Ensure sustainability of the network
- Take steps to ensure the network's long-term viability
Grant Summary
This grant supports collaborative business-led projects and innovation networks in areas where Canada has a demonstrated advantage. It aims to foster technological advancements and promote partnerships among key players in the Canadian R&D community.
Strategic Innovation Fund: Collaborations and Networks Grant
The Collaborations and Networks category of the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) provides funding for large, collaborative projects and innovation networks that leverage Canada's strengths. The grant supports initiatives that focus on industrial research, technology development, and commercialization. Lead applicants, which can be not-for-profit organizations or for-profit corporations incorporated in Canada, are responsible for managing the project and network, from submitting the application to reporting on results and furthering network sustainability.
The grant aims to promote collaboration between various entities including universities, research institutes, and businesses to develop innovative technologies with clear paths to commercialization. Projects funded under this grant fall into two main categories: National innovation networks and Collaborative technology development and demonstration. The former focuses on developing national networks that support multiple projects, including industrial research, technology demonstration, and early-stage technology readiness activities. The latter category specifically supports industrial research and large-scale technology demonstration projects that aim to advance pre-commercial technologies. The activities involved in these projects span Technology Readiness Levels 1 to 7, emphasizing collaboration, supply chain enhancement, and ties between academia and industry.
Eligible activities for network projects include creating collaborations among key members in the Canadian R&D community, offering financial support for collaborative projects, and supporting the development and demonstration of pre-commercial technologies. These projects require a high degree of collaboration and aim to enhance innovation ecosystems by bringing together industry researchers, research institutes, academic institutions, and small-and-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) or multi-national enterprises. Networks, as the primary grant recipients, have the responsibility of assessing, approving, and managing the supported projects according to the grant terms and conditions.
Overall, the Collaborations and Networks grant under the Strategic Innovation Fund serves as a catalyst for driving innovation, fostering collaboration, and advancing technological capabilities in priority areas where Canada holds a competitive advantage.
