SIF — Collaborations and Networks projects

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific criteria related to the applicant's corporate structure and collaborative approach.

• The lead applicant must be a not-for-profit organization incorporated in Canada or a for-profit corporation incorporated in Canada.
• The applicant should have the capability to manage and lead a network project as per the Contribution Agreement terms.
• Collaboration with Canadian universities, colleges, research institutes, for-profit corporations, and/or not-for-profit entities is required.

Who is eligible?

Organizations eligible to apply as a lead applicant for the Collaborations and Networks category of the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) must be: - A not-for-profit organization incorporated in Canada.- A for-profit corporation incorporated in Canada.

Eligible expenses

This grant supports large, collaborative business-led projects and innovation networks in Canada, focusing on areas of national advantage. These initiatives encourage technological advancement and commercialization through various strategic activities.

• Industrial research projects aimed at discovering new knowledge to develop technology-driven products.
• Processes or services development at early-stage technology readiness levels including fundamental research activities and R&D phases.
• Technology demonstrations advancing new technologies into product-specific applications at mid- and late-stage technology readiness levels, with a focus on commercialization.
• Developing technologies with clear paths to commercialization in priority funding areas.
• Creating collaboration among industry researchers, national and regional research institutes, academic institutions, and Canadian businesses.
• Providing financial support for collaborative projects within the R&D community.
• Collaborative technology development and demonstration projects focusing on industrial research and large-scale technology demonstration.
• Collaborations with SMEs, research councils, and original equipment manufacturers to develop new products using academic research findings.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is available to organizations incorporated in Canada. As such, eligibility is nationwide within Canadian borders, ensuring support for strategic innovation across the country.

• Organizations incorporated anywhere in Canada.

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

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

• Projects should capitalize on areas where Canada has a proven technological or industrial advantage.
• Lead applicants must effectively manage collaboration activities and maintain strong ties between academia and industry.
• Networks must take full responsibility for the evaluation and management of the projects they choose to support.
• This program is focused on pre-commercial technology development and demonstration stages.