How much funding can be received?

The Xecs Call 4 is a grant under the Eureka Cluster Program designed to support collaborative R&D projects within the fields of micro and nano-electronics and photonics, aiming to foster innovation and commercialization in sectors like agrifood, digital industry, and health. While the maximum funding amount is not specified, the program primarily offers funding through national agencies like NRC IRAP to eligible Canadian SMEs developing technology-driven products or services for international markets.

grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions

The Xecs call 4 provides financing through national funding bodies, with specific modalities depending on each participant's country and project requirements.

Eligible project participants may receive funding from their respective national funding bodies.
Funds are provided following the applicable laws and regulations of the national funding body, country, or jurisdiction involved.
Non-eligible participants, such as universities or research institutes, may participate on a self-funded basis or as sub-contractors.
Participants are encouraged to contact their national funding agency early to understand specific funding conditions.
Funding is contingent upon compliance with the respective national body’s rules and procedures.

grant_single_labels|projects

This grant supports collaborative research and development in the field of Electronic Components and Systems (ECS), focusing on micro and nano-electronics and photonics applications. The eligible projects span a variety of sectors, promoting innovation and commercialization of technology-driven solutions.

Development of advanced micro and nano-electronic systems for the agrifood sector and natural resource management.
Innovative applications of photonic technologies in the digital industry to improve productivity and sustainability.
Projects enhancing digital society connectivity and services through cutting-edge ECS advancements.
Design and implementation of energy-efficient electronic components for sustainable energy solutions.
Health and well-being improvements through the integration of electronics and sensory systems.
Mobility solutions that leverage ECS technologies for smarter and more efficient transport systems.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for Canadian SMEs to receive funding from NRC IRAP under the Xecs call for proposals is determined by the following criteria:

The applicant must be an incorporated, profit-oriented small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) in Canada.
The applicant must have 500 or fewer full-time equivalent employees.
The applicant must pursue growth and profit by developing and commercializing innovative, technology-driven new or improved products, services, or processes in Canada.
The applicant must have a differentiated and protectable technology that could become competitive in global markets.
The applicant must have sufficient working capital and resources to undertake a multi-year R&D collaboration and commercialize the results.
The applicant must be committed to significant growth through international market expansion.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

Xecs Call 4 is open to project proposals that involve collaborative research and development in electronic components and systems. Projects should align with strategic applications in sectors such as agrifood and natural resources, digital industry, digital society, energy, health and well-being, and mobility. The aim is to foster innovation and international collaboration among SMEs and other organizations.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant has specific eligibility criteria that are largely inclusive but does delineate certain types of organizations that may not directly receive funding. The criteria focus funding on certain entities, potentially excluding others based on their organizational structure or funding sources.

Non-profit organizations and universities must self-fund or seek alternative sources as they do not directly qualify for funding.
Canadian organizations that are not SMEs must obtain funding independently, as funding is aimed at SMEs through NRC IRAP.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant is predominantly available to Canadian small or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP). It highlights the focus on Canadian businesses to promote growth and international market expansion.

Canadian SMEs eligible under NRC IRAP.

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:

Step 1: Register on Xecs Project Zone
Create an account on the Xecs Project Zone portal.
Provide necessary organizational details for registration.
Step 2: Notify NRC IRAP
If you are an NRC IRAP client, inform your Lead ITA about your intent to submit a proposal.
Step 3: Project Outline Submission
Prepare the initial Project Outline document as per the guidelines.
Submit the Project Outline by January 23, 2025, 17:00 CET through the Xecs Project Zone.
Step 4: Full Project Proposal Submission
Develop the Full Project Proposal based on feedback received, if any, on the Project Outline.
Ensure the proposal is comprehensive, detailing project objectives, partnerships, and expected impacts.
Submit the Full Project Proposal by April 16, 2025, 17:00 CEST via the Xecs Project Zone.
Step 5: Contact National Funding Agencies
Engage early with your national funding agency to discuss eligibility and funding possibilities.
Follow the advice given by the national agency on funding applications in parallel with your project proposal submission.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

Participants in collaborative projects should contact their national funding agency early in the process and follow their advice regarding national funding applications in parallel to the proposal submission.
Non-eligible project participants such as universities or research institutes may participate on a self-funded basis or as sub-contractors to funded participants, depending on the country's funding regulations.
Xecs is backed by AENEAS Industry Association with strategic focus from industry partners such as Airbus, Philips, Bosch, etc.
Xecs offers Matchmaking Events and Networking Tools to support consortium building and project ideation.

grant_single_labels|contact

Kasturi.Narayanan@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

Apply to this program

Xecs Call 4: Advancing Electronic Components and Systems

The Xecs Call 4 invites proposals for collaborative research and development projects focused on electronic components and systems, emphasizing innovation in micro and nano-electronics and photonics. This initiative supports sectors such as health, mobility, energy, and digital industry, aiming to foster international partnerships and technological advancements.

Detailed Insights Into Xecs Call 4 Grant and Its Benefits

The Xecs Call 4 is positioned at the cutting edge of technological innovation and development, targeting key areas like micro and nano-electronics and photonics. It seeks to bolster research and development projects that could revolutionize sectors including agrifood and natural resources, digital industry and society, energy, health and well-being, and mobility. This strategic initiative is part of the Eureka Clusters Programme and is managed by AENEAS Industry Association, which brings together a consortium of prominent industry players such as Airbus, Bosch, NXP, and Thales, emphasizing the global and collaborative nature of this grant opportunity.

The application process aligns with strict timelines, beginning with the submission of a Project Outline by January 23, 2025, followed by a comprehensive Full Project Proposal by April 16, 2025. Prospective applicants need to register via the Xecs Project Zone, ensuring they consult with their relevant contacts, especially if they are NRC IRAP clients. This approach facilitates a coordinated submission process, emphasizing detailed planning and communication with national funding agencies to understand the specific funding frameworks and regulatory requirements applicable within each jurisdiction.

Participating in this grant provides numerous benefits, including access to substantial funding resources through national bodies, which are conditional on compliance with specified rules and regulations. The grant encourages creating a highly diverse consortium of participants, extending the opportunity to universities, research institutes, and self-funded project members, thus enhancing collaborative efforts across borders. This openness fosters a rich environment for innovation, allowing participants to leverage their unique strengths and resources.

In terms of eligibility, Canadian SMEs are particularly favored if they demonstrate potential for significant growth through international market expansion. The grant provides a fertile ground for such enterprises to develop innovative technology-driven solutions that can compete globally. This support is aligned with the strategic goals to enhance competitiveness and ensure sustainable development across multiple high-stakes sectors. As a result, participating SMEs are encouraged to engage actively with NRC IRAP to refine their project scope and ensure compliance with funding criteria, thus maximizing their chances for success.

Beyond the financial incentives, the Xecs Call 4 also offers practical resources such as matchmaking events and webinars, providing a platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and project consortia formation. An upcoming matchmaking event in Hamburg on October 15, 2024, is a pivotal moment for potential applicants to connect, share ideas, and launch collaborations. Additionally, tools like the ECS Collaboration Tool enable detailed project planning and development, ensuring all elements are in place for a robust grant proposal.

This grant serves as a critical juncture for advancing technological frontiers and fostering international collaboration in the electronic components and systems sector. It not only funds immediate R&D needs but also lays the groundwork for long-term industrial growth and innovation. Interested entities are strongly advised to contact the designated representatives for detailed guidance on the application process, thereby ensuring alignment with both national and international project goals. By participating in the Xecs Call 4, organizations have the rare opportunity to contribute to transformational projects that will define the future of critical industries globally.

For additional information, potential applicants can direct their inquiries to Kasturi Narayanan to gain further insights into the requirements and opportunities presented by this exceptional funding opportunity.