Funding for Industrial R&D Projects MITACS Elevate
The MITACS Funding Organization supports industry innovation through their provisions of small business funding grants for collaborative R&D with post-secondary institutions. Through the MITACS Elevate program, recent graduates from a post-doctorate programs are provided with the training and financial support to lead a major industrial research project in collaboration with a Canadian industrial partner. This program is geared towards the development and application of a PhD’s expertise while increasing the capacity and efficiency of Canadian Industries.
Canadian Government Funding Details
The Elevate program provides PhDs with an opportunity to lead a high-priority collaborative research and development project with support from an industry partner. A significant portion of the program revolves around the training and development of the participating post doctorate fellow. Participants will undertake an advanced training program to further develop their leadership and management skills to better their abilities as project leaders. Projects can be awarded up to $65K in non-repayable business funding grants; of this, a minimum of $55K must be allocated to the post-doctorate fellow as a stipend. Industrial partners are required to contribute at least $30K in cash and in kind contributions towards their government funded research projects.
Eligibility Overview for Canadian Government Small Business Grants
Participating post doctorate fellows can be trained in any academic discipline as long as they have received a PhD from a recognized university. Projects are to be carried out under the supervision of an academic supervisor that holds a regular tenure-track position at a partnering university. The participating industrial partners must be willing to offer their services and expertise towards the completion of the project and have operations in the same province as the university. Projects can only receive funding for 12 months; however, businesses have the ability to reapply for a second year of funding.
Applying for Ontario Business Grants
Unfortunately, this program is currently only available to small businesses and universities in New Brunswick. However, the Mitacs Organization offers a program with similar objectives and benefits called the MITACS Accelerate Program. To receive additional advice and support, contact one of our Canadian Government Funding Experts or sign up for one of our Free 60 Minute Ontario Business Funding Workshops. In the meantime, we will continue to monitor the status of the MITACS Elevate Programs and provide important up-dates through our Weekly E-Newsletter and Google+ Posts.