About NSERC

NSERC encourages Canadian companies to participate and invest in postsecondary research projects. They partner with over 2,400 firms and in an average year, fund more than a thousand research projects that benefit the partner and further Canadian innovation.

Funding

Over the last 10 years, NSERC has invested more than $7 billion in basic research projects involving partnerships between postsecondary institutions and industry. NSERC prides itself on helping to train Canada's next generation of scientists and engineers.

On average, NSERC contributes $150K for strategic project grants to help companies advance their R&D.

Programs

NSERC offers a full suite of funding Partnership Programs. A few of their Industry-Driven Collaborative R&D Programs include:

• Engage Grants (see Funding for Internships & Employment section) - Short-term R&D projects to address a specific problem
• Collaborative Research and Development (see detailed program description below)- conduct a focused long-term R&D project with a university researcher
• Industrial Research Chairs - Participate in a significant long-term research project.

Collaborative Research and Development (CRD) Grants

The CRD grants provide access to the unique knowledge, expertise and educational resources available at Canadian universities and colleges and to train students in essential technical skills required by industry.

Eligible projects are focused on short- to medium-term objectives, as well as discrete phases in a program of longer-range research.

Funding Amount?

• $10K to $500K per year
• Funds can be applied towards the direct costs of research, such as the salaries of students, postdocs, and research assistants, and the costs of equipment, materials, services and travel
• Must contribute an amount equal to the amount requested from NSERC, must collaborate on the project, and at least one partner must have the ability to exploit the results.
• Duration of award is one to five years

Who's Eligible?

Companies that operate from a Canadian base.

How to Apply?

• Applications can be submitted at any time.
• All proposals are peer-reviewed by external reviewers.
• Proposals requesting $150K or more per year will be reviewed by the Advisory Committee on University-Industry Grants (ACUIG); and those requesting $200,000 or more per year from NSERC will be reviewed by the ACUIG and a site visit committee.

Can You Also Claim SR&ED?

Yes, the company can also claim their portion of the expenses towards a SR&ED-eligible project.

Want More Info?

• Pacific Region:
  Call: 604.666.8818
  Email: nserc-pacific@nserc-crsng.gc.ca
• Prairie Region:
  Call: 204.984.6462
  Email: nserc-prairies@nserc-crsng.gc.ca

Action

Visit the Collaborative Research and Development Grants Webpage -

Click here to visit the Collaborative Research and Development Grants webpage.