These programs provide robust opportunities for Ontario universities to translate research into market-ready innovations through strategic industry collaborations.
Federal Programs
Purpose: Accelerates collaborative R&D between academia and industry, supporting projects that address real-world problems.
Eligibility: Requires an academic researcher partnering with a Canadian company or eligible partner organization.
Funding Details: Covers up to 100% of project costs for not-for-profit partners; cost-sharing applies for for-profit partners.
Unique Features: Encourages interdisciplinary research and provides optional support for international collaborations.
Purpose: Supports formal partnerships between academic researchers, businesses, and other partners to advance knowledge and understanding on critical issues of intellectual, social, economic, and cultural significance.
Eligibility: Open to eligible institutions and partners from Canadian or international organizations.
Funding Details: Provides up to $20,000 at Stage 1 and up to $2.5 million over 4-7 years at Stage 2.
Unique Features: Allows IP negotiation, supports distinct activities, and includes infrastructure funding options.
Purpose: Accelerate the pre-competitive development of promising technology from academic institutions and promote its transfer to Canadian companies.
Eligibility: Open to college and university faculty members collaborating with Canadian companies or early-stage investment entities.
Funding Details: Offers support through four phases: Market Assessment (up to one year), Phase I (up to one year), Phase IIa (6 to 18 months), and Phase IIb (up to two years).
Market assessment
Phase I
Phase Ib
Phase IIa
Phase IIb
Form 100A required
Principal applicant only
Principal applicant and co-applicants
Duration (non-renewable)
Up to 12 months
Up to 12 months
Up to 6 months
6 to 18 months
Up to 24 months
Maximum amount requested from NSERC (% of project costs)
$15,000 (75%)
$125,000 (100%)
$60,000 (100%)
$125,000 (67%)
$350,000 (50%)
Technology transfer activities: additional funds needed from ILO or its equivalent
$5,000 (25%)
Half the cost supported by NSERC up to a maximum of 10% of the award. Institution or partner must cover the other half.
Additional funds needed from partner (cost/risk sharing)
N/A
N/A
N/A
$62,500 (33%)
50% of direct costs through in-kind and at least 40% cash
Unique Features: Provides funding for both direct research costs and certain project management expenses, with specific provisions for college faculty involvement.
Purpose: To boost Canada's defence R&D, addressing emerging threats and evolving defence needs while generating economic benefits.
Eligibility: Open to Canadian and international innovators, including individuals, academia, industry, and not-for-profit organizations.
Funding Details: Provides up to $1.2 million in phased development funding through Competitive Projects and up to $3 million for Innovation Networks.
Unique Features: Offers multiple funding mechanisms, supports IP retention by recipients, and facilitates collaboration through sandboxes and test drives.
