Advancing Water Technologies (AWT): Apply by September 1, 2017
The Advancing Water Technologies (AWT) program provides Ontario government funding to support tech-focused research collaborations between businesses and post-secondary institutions. The program provides industry partners with up to 50% coverage of project expenses to a maximum $100,000 in technology grants. Ontario small business grants can be used to support the commercialization of globally competitive technologies, products, and services.
The Advancing Water Technologies program’s final intake deadline was scheduled for September 1, 2017. Please browse available research and development programs to find project grants and loans.
To be considered for funding, applicants must submit a detailed project proposal outlining why the research partners should receive Ontario government grants. Eligible candidates are required to submit applications by the stated deadline in order for their project to be considered for funding.
Advancing Water Technologies (AWT) Ontario Small Business Research Grants
The Southern Ontario Water Consortium (SOWC)’s Advancing Water Technologies program helps Ontario technology developers collaborate with academic research partners to develop, test, and enhance innovative tech solutions. Ontario government funding helps industry partners accelerate the commercialization process of new technologies and reduce the time it takes to bring them to consumer markets.
AWT provides up to 50% coverage of project expenses to a maximum contribution of $100,000 in Ontario small business grants.
Advancing Water Technologies (AWT) program has two main objectives:
- Progress Ontario’s water cluster, while improving the province’s reputation for water excellence on a global scale; and
- Generate sustainable water solutions to advance the commercialization of water technologies and services in Ontario.
Eligible Academic Partners
Ontario businesses can partner with post-secondary researchers to help perform the project’s research and development activities. Tech developers can collaborate with the following participating institutions:
- University of Guelph;
- University of Ontario Institute of Technology;
- University of Toronto;
- University of Waterloo;
- University of Western Ontario;
- McMaster University;
- Ryerson University;
- Wilfred Laurier University; and
- Fleming College.
Advancing Water Technologies Business Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for Ontario small business grants, industry partners must:
- Be located in southern Ontario;
- Retain at least two full-time employees;
- Be established for a minimum 2 years;
- Demonstrate financial stability; and
- Establish how the project will generate positive economic benefits (ex: job creation).
What Types of Projects Are Eligible for AWT Funding?
Ontario government funding will be provided to eligible organizations completing one of the following project types:
- Development of globally competitive technologies, products, and/or services for Ontario’s water sector;
- Commercialization activities for new technologies, products, and/or services; and
- Testing, validation, and/or demonstration of a prototype.
Please Note: To be considered for funding, projects must focus on technologies that will be market-ready within 18 months.
Advancing Water Technologies Funding Success Stories
Ontario government funding provided through the AWT program allows businesses to access advanced research facilities and academic expertise to develop, test, and commercialize market-ready water technologies.
Some recent project examples include:
- Forward Water Technologies: Partnering with the University of Toronto to validate and optimize the company’s forward osmosis process which supports industrial wastewater treatment, recovery and recycling procedures.
- GE Water & Process Technologies: Partnering with the University of Guelph to develop and test new methods of reducing energy consumption during daily operations. The partners will also attempt to generate new energy throughout wastewater processes.
- UV Pure Technologies: Partnering with Queen’s University and Fleming College to design and validate third generation UV water purification systems to enhance treatment processes for drinking water, reuse, and wastewater.
Apply to the Advancing Water Technologies Program
To get started, interested businesses must complete a two-stage application process which includes a preliminary intake form and a comprehensive application package. Typically, it can take up to 6-8 weeks before businesses receive approval into the program. All applicants are encouraged to contact the SOWC prior to applying to confirm their project’s eligibility.
The Advancing Water Technologies program’s final intake deadline was September 1, 2017. Please browse available research and development programs to find project grants and loans.