Technology Access Centres (TAC)
Canada
Access specialized technology, equipment and expertise
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|noCondition
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Other Support
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Manufacturing
- Information and cultural industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Educational services
- Health care and social assistance
grant_single|grantors
- Tech-Access Canada (TAC)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
Gain access to specialized technology, equipment and expertise at 60 centres across Canada to help with your productivity and innovation projects.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant is available to companies located across Canada, facilitating equal access to R&D support services through a network of Technology Access Centres (TACs). The focus is on widespread regional distribution to foster innovation nationwide.
- All provinces and territories of Canada.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$15,000
Develop a new software suite for fintech companies
$25,000
Create an innovative waste management system
$20,000
Create a new art exhibit incorporating digital installations
$7,000
Expand a local farmers' market with digital payment systems
$20,000
Upgrade laboratory equipment at a biotech company
$30,000
Install new solar panels for a community center
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by the involvement of Canadian entrepreneurs and businesses in innovative research and development activities.
- The applying firm must be a Canadian business, particularly a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME).
- The company should be engaged in the development of new prototypes, scaling processes, or solving unique business challenges.
- Businesses must demonstrate a need for R&D and innovation services provided by Technology Access Centres (TACs).
- The applicant should be seeking access to cutting-edge technology and equipment to advance their projects.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The given context does not provide specific evaluation and selection criteria for projects under this grant. Therefore, the information on the criteria and point scores allocated to each criterion is not available.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Eligible projects for this grant are centered around fostering innovation and enhancing R&D capabilities through strategic collaborations and the development of new technologies. They provide resources and initiatives to support applied research in various industry sectors.
- Facilitating the sharing of best practices to TAC members for operational excellence.
- Connecting innovators to TACs with the expertise to advance product development and commercialization.
- Championing TACs as a significant part of Canada's innovation ecosystem.
- Advocating for TACs to government officials and agencies to promote applied research efforts.
- Fostering partnerships with industry, government, universities, and other stakeholders for advancing applied research.
- Delivering programs that enable TAC member engagement in collaborative R&D projects with industry partners.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection criteria for this grant include assessing the project's alignment with the TAC mandate and the potential impact on Canadian innovation. Proposals are evaluated based on technical merit, feasibility, and collaboration potential.
- Alignment with TAC mandate
- Potential impact on Canadian innovation
- Technical merit of the project
- Feasibility of the proposed activities
- Potential for collaboration with industry partners
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Preliminary Research
- Identify your project’s alignment with the objectives and missions of Tech-Access Canada and its TACs.
- Explore the specific TACs best suited for your project based on their areas of expertise and resources.
- Step 2: Contact Relevant TAC
- Reach out to the TAC that matches your project needs to discuss potential collaboration and gain insights on application requirements.
- Establish initial communication to build a partnership for the application process.
- Step 3: Prepare Application
- Develop a comprehensive project proposal that includes objectives, expected outcomes, and technical details aligning with the TAC's capabilities.
- Prepare required supporting documents such as financial plans, timeline, and letters of support from partners or stakeholders.
- Step 4: Review and Approval
- Work with the TAC to review your application, ensuring all technical and administrative aspects meet the program requirements.
- Gain approval from involved TAC representatives before final submission.
- Step 5: Submit Application
- Log into the designated application portal or follow submission instructions provided by NSERC or Tech-Access Canada.
- Upload all necessary documents and complete the application form, ensuring all sections are filled accurately.
- Submit your application by the specified deadline.
- Step 6: Confirmation and Follow-up
- Receive a confirmation of receipt from Tech-Access Canada or NSERC, including application number and contact details for follow-up queries.
- Keep track of any additional requests for information or updates on the application status.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The TACs offer a flexible intellectual property framework, allowing companies to commercialize the research results and IP.
- All TACs within the network have won NSERC-designated Technology Access Centre Grants and receive annual funding from NSERC.
- NSERC regularly renews existing TACs with additional five-year mandates based on performance and project outcomes.
- The Interactive Visits are a unique program offering with significant demand, indicated by record waitlists and allocations.
- The TAC network operates a secure online project management portal called TACPITS to facilitate project tracking and administration.
- Tech-Access Canada champions TACs as major players in the innovation ecosystem, advocating for TACs with government officials and stakeholders.
- The organization operates a national network, fostering collaboration among TACs to share best practices and operational excellence.
Apply to this program
Empowering Canadian Innovation and Economic Growth
This grant initiative offers robust support to Canadian entrepreneurs and SMEs by facilitating access to research and development services through a network of Technology Access Centres (TACs). It is designed to amplify innovation efforts and drive economic growth across Canada by leveraging state-of-the-art technology and expert knowledge.
The Vision and Strategy Behind the Grant
The grant program, under the auspices of Tech-Access Canada, plays a seminal role in bridging the gap between academic research and commercial enterprise in Canada. At its core, it seeks to bolster the country's innovation capacity by providing Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with unparalleled access to cutting-edge resources, expert knowledge, and state-of-the-art facilities through its comprehensive network of Technology Access Centres. These TACs, backed by NSERC funding, are meticulously positioned across various Canadian provinces to ensure equitable access to R&D support for businesses, fostering an inclusive innovation ecosystem.
Each TAC functions as a hub of innovation, equipped with specialized equipment valued at $477 million and almost 4 million square feet of research space. This expansive infrastructure is supported by a robust team of over 2,000 experts dedicated to applied research and business innovation. Their roles are pivotal in translating innovative ideas into viable commercial solutions, thus enhancing the competitive edge of Canadian industries on the global stage.
The grant funding facilitates several crucial services provided by the TACs. These include the development of new prototypes, scaling up processes, and addressing unique business challenges. Companies collaborating with TACs benefit from customizable training programs that significantly enhance technical skills, and flexible intellectual property policies that allow them to commercialize research outputs efficiently. Moreover, this initiative substantially de-risks financial investments involved in adopting groundbreaking technologies by aiding businesses in leveraging additional government funding schemes.
This grant not only emphasizes technological advancement but also significantly contributes to the education sector by providing experiential learning opportunities for students. By engaging in applied research projects, students from host institutions gain hands-on experience, working alongside industry partners and seasoned experts. This symbiotic relationship ensures a steady stream of skilled graduates ready to innovate and meet future industry demands.
Additionally, the program underscores the importance of partnerships, collaboration, and advocacy. It champions the role of TACs in Canada's innovation ecosystem and promotes strategic relationships with industry leaders, government bodies, and academic institutions. These collaborations are crucial in advancing research excellence and addressing national economic goals.
The funding strategy underpinning this grant is designed to create sustainable impact. It encourages a culture of excellence, creativity, and an entrepreneurial spirit among its beneficiaries. It aligns with broader societal values such as equity, inclusiveness, and diversity, reinforcing the grant's commitment to nurturing a vibrant and diverse innovation landscape in Canada.
Overall, the grant serves as a catalyst for transforming the Canadian innovation narrative, supporting enterprises to not only survive but prosper, while laying the foundation for long-term economic resilience and prosperity. By fostering a collective vision for sustained innovation, it equips Canadian businesses with the tools and resources necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing global economy.
