Vehicle theft prevention
Canada
The Innovative Solutions Canada program catalyzes cutting-edge, cost-effective solutions to combat rising vehicle theft through grant funding.
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateAugust 14, 2024
- grant_single|closingDateSeptember 25, 2024
- grant_single|grantStatusClosed
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
grant_single|grantors
- Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)
- Government of Canada
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grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
The Transport Canada (TC) Vehicle Theft Deterrent and Prevention Grant is designed to support new and novel electrical or electromechanical innovations that help deter and prevent vehicle theft. Eligible activities for this grant include research and development of solutions at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 1-4, focusing on affordable and effective measures to protect cars, SUVs, and trucks from theft. The program offers funding of up to $150,000 CAD for Phase 1 Proof of Feasibility.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant is open to businesses incorporated in Canada, either federally or provincially, ensuring the participation of nationwide companies meeting specific criteria.
- Businesses incorporated in any province or territory of Canada.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Solution proposals can only be submitted by a small business that meets all of the following criteria:
- for profit
- incorporated in Canada (federally or provincially)
- 499 or fewer full-time equivalent (FTE) employees
- research and development activities that take place in Canada
- 50% or more of its annual wages, salaries and fees are currently paid to employees and contractors who spend the majority of their time working in Canada
- 50% or more of its FTE employees have Canada as their ordinary place of work
- 50% or more of its senior executives (Vice President and above) have Canada as their principal residence
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
This grant is open to small businesses in Canada that focus on innovation and have the capability to submit proposals for Proof of Feasibility phases in response to challenges outlined by the Canadian government.
- For-profit small businesses.
- Incorporated in Canada, either federally or provincially.
- Maintain 499 or fewer full-time equivalent (FTE) employees.
- Conduct research and development activities within Canada.
- Have at least 50% of annual wages, salaries, and fees paid to employees and contractors primarily working in Canada.
- Ensure that at least 50% of FTE employees have Canada as their ordinary place of work.
- At least 50% of senior executives (Vice President level and above) reside in Canada.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The grant is aimed at encouraging Canadian innovators to propose solutions that deter and prevent vehicle theft through new electrical or electromechanical innovations. Eligible projects should fall under the category of Proof of Feasibility and adhere to the specified technological readiness levels.
- Projects that develop low-cost and effective electrical or electromechanical innovations for vehicles to combat theft.
- Innovation projects designed for cars, SUVs, and trucks weighing under 4,536 kilograms.
- Projects focused on creating commercially viable and affordable vehicle security solutions.
- Development of easy-to-install aftermarket solutions that function in diverse Canadian climatic conditions.
- Technological innovations that do not interfere with vehicle safety or void manufacturer warranties.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria with allocated point scores to ensure alignment with the grant’s objectives.
- Question 1a: Scope - Pass/Fail
- Question 2: Current Technology Readiness Level (TRL) - Pass/Fail
- Question 3a: Innovation - Pass/Fail
- Question 3b: Advance on State of the Art - Pass/Fail + Points (0, 5, 12, or 20 points)
- Question 1b: Scope (Additional Outcomes) - Points (0, 3, 6, or 10 points)
- Question 4: Phase 1 Science and Technology (S&T) Risks - Points (0, 5, or 10 points)
- Question 5: Phase 1 Project Risks - Points (0, 5, or 10 points)
- Question 6: Phase 1 Project Plan - Points (0, 10, or 20 points)
- Question 7: Phase 1 Implementation Team - Points (0, 10, or 20 points)
- Question 8: Inclusivity - Points (0, 10, or 20 points)
- Question 9: Phase 1 Financial Controls, Tracking and Oversight - Points (0, 5, or 10 points)
- Question 10: Phase 2 Overview - Points (0, 5, or 10 points)
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Create an Account and Log In
- Visit the official grant application portal.
- Create an account if you do not already have one.
- Log in to access the application submission form and view your submissions.
- Step 2: Prepare Your Proposal
- Read and understand the Challenge Notice along with the Grant Instructions and Procedures document.
- Ensure your innovation is within the scope and meets all essential outcomes listed under the Desired Outcomes section.
- Compile a comprehensive proposal addressing all evaluation criteria including innovation, advancements, and risks.
- Step 3: Complete the Challenge Stream Submission Form
- Detail the innovation scope, current Technology Readiness Level, and how the solution advances existing technology.
- Outline scientific basis, project risks, and mitigation strategies.
- Prepare an inclusivity plan highlighting engagement of under-represented groups.
- Describe your financial controls and oversight mechanisms for effective fund management.
- Fill in details for Phase 2 overview if selected, including tasks and resource allocations.
- Step 4: Submit Your Application
- Review the completed submission form for accuracy.
- Submit the proposal via the online portal before the deadline.
- Ensure all mandatory fields are completed and additional documents uploaded if required.
- Step 5: Confirmation of Submission
- Receive an automatic confirmation email with your application number for reference.
- Keep a copy of the application and confirmation for your records.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are some additional details to keep in mind for the grant proposal:
- All communication for meetings will take place by telephone or videoconference.
- Selected companies are eligible to receive one grant per phase per challenge.
- No travel is necessary for Phase 1.
- Proposals must pass all Mandatory Criteria to proceed to Part 2.
- Proposals must achieve a minimum pass mark of 65 out of 130 possible points in Part 2 to be considered responsive.
- Enquiries regarding the challenge must be submitted in writing no later than ten calendar days before the closing date.
grant_single_labels|contact
solutions@ised-isde.gc.ca
Apply to this program
Innovative Vehicle Theft Prevention Grant
This grant encourages Canadian innovators to develop new, cost-effective, electrical or electromechanical solutions to combat the rising tide of vehicle theft in the country. It aims to foster innovation and enhance the safety of vehicles while ensuring affordability and practicality for widespread adoption.
Detailed Examination of the Vehicle Theft Prevention Grant Initiative
Administered by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, this grant represents a concerted effort in conjunction with Transport Canada and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to combat vehicle theft, which poses a significant financial and social burden across Canada. With vehicle theft contributing to organized crime and costing Canadians billions annually, there is a pressing need for pioneering solutions to deter these crimes effectively.
The grant opens opportunities for Phase 1, which focuses on the proof of feasibility of innovative solutions that operate within Technology Readiness Levels 1-4. This phase aims to identify promising ideas that can be developed into viable products or systems. Innovators are encouraged to propose electrical or electromechanical approaches, which may include new devices, processes, or significant enhancements to existing technologies. Each solution must effectively address common vehicle theft methods such as relay attacks and key programming, ensuring they are affordable and easily accessible at a price point of $500 or less.
The initiative also emphasizes inclusivity and the capacity to operate in diverse Canadian weather conditions and geographical areas, ensuring solutions are robust and versatile. Moreover, these solutions must be aftermarket and straightforward to install, adhering to Canadian safety standards without interfering with existing vehicle systems or warranties.
Successful Phase 1 applicants can receive funding of up to $150,000 CAD over six months to develop and demonstrate their solutions' feasibility. This stage is vital for assessing the technological and financial viability of proposed innovations. From this pilot phase, up to eight projects may be selected for Phase 2, where they can receive up to $1,000,000 CAD for further development over an additional eight-month period, potentially opening pathways to commercial production and widespread deployment.
This grant supports small businesses incorporated in Canada that have up to 499 full-time employees involved largely in research and development activities within the country. This stipulation ensures the nurturing of domestic talent and growth of the Canadian economic landscape. Furthermore, the program underscores the importance of diversity and inclusivity within research teams, promoting participation from under-represented groups.
To successfully qualify and benefit from this grant, applicants must demonstrate not only technological and innovative superiority but also sound project management, financial oversight, and risk mitigation strategies. By meeting these rigorous criteria and effectively leveraging grant support, companies have the opportunity to redefine vehicle security solutions and contribute significantly to crime prevention efforts while also enhancing their market presence.
As Canada intensifies its commitment to combating vehicle theft, this grant offers invaluable support to innovators who are poised to set new benchmarks in protecting valuable assets, securing societal safety, and disrupting the illicit vehicle theft trade.
