Canadian Research Teams Receive $198M Via Ontario Research Fund (ORF)
Over $198 million has been invested by the Ontario government via universities, colleges, and research hospitals across the province to support Ontario-made innovation. These research projects are supported through the Ontario Research Fund and Early Researcher Awards to advance knowledge, promote progress, and create jobs in Ontario.
“Cultivating research excellence and innovation are more important than ever as Ontario continues to respond to the impacts of COVID-19 and lays the groundwork for robust long-term economic growth. These critical investments will ensure our world-class researchers have the technology and equipment to put Ontario at the forefront of innovation, supporting the development of homegrown ideas and products and creating jobs in local communities.”
Jill Dunlop, Minister of Colleges and Universities
Throughout the province, the funding will be used to support 241 research projects and cover the costs of research operations and infrastructure, including the construction of new research facilities, renovations, and equipment, as well as support for attracting and retaining researchers.
“Research and innovation are important drivers of Ontario’s economic growth, and through these investments, our government will ensure that our research and research infrastructure continue to be competitive and attract the best and brightest talent to the province. By supporting ground-breaking research, we can advance new discoveries and innovation, help create a skilled labour force and promote new business opportunities across the province.”
Jill Dunlop, Minister of Colleges and Universities
To be selected for funding through this program, applicants were put through a highly competitive application process to determine the best candidates for grant allocation.
About the Ontario Research Fund
The Ontario Research Fund is an Ontario provincial initiative that provides funding for research projects taking place at a variety of academic and post-secondary institutions. Funding is allocated according to project requirements and overseen by two program streams: the Research Excellence and the Research Infrastructure.
Although these streams have fairly general eligibility criteria, it is quite competitive and requires that all not-for-profit organizations submit their applications in tandem with an industry partner.
Research Excellence Program
This program has two streams, the General – Basic and Applied Research and Targeted – Experimental Research
Applicants for the General stream may receive funds from $500,000 to $2,000,000 for projects that are a maximum of four years. Applicants for the Targeted stream may receive funds from $300,000 to $1,000,000 for projects that are a maximum of five years.
Eligible institutions include Ontario’s universities, colleges, research hospitals, and non-profit research institutions. The General stream is open to all research disciplines for project themes. The Targeted stream is open to projects in the following sectors:
- Information communications technologies;
- Life sciences and medical devices; and
- Industrial technologies.
Applications for this program are currently closed.
Research Infrastructure Program
Applicants for the Research Infrastructure program may receive up to 80% of funding for total eligible costs (40% from the Ontario government and 40% from the Canada Foundation for Innovation), while the remaining 20% must be provided from a private-sector partner.
Eligible institutions include universities and colleges, research hospitals, and non-profit research institutes. Projects must be for research institutions that are improving their infrastructure needs via modern facilities and equipment investments.
Applications for this program are currently closed.
Government Funding Opportunities for Canadian Research Associations
Although, the Ontario Research Fund provides significant financial opportunities for Canadian organizations taking part in R&D activities, there are many more programs available for both NPOs and FPOs. However, many businesses do not have the time to research these programs. That’s why Mentor Works has developed the most comprehensive government funding directory for Canadian businesses.
Moreover, visit our news page to review Canada’s top reader’s digest for everything government funding and tax incentives.
