How to Qualify for Research Project Hiring Grants

ByJeff Reading Time: 3 minutes
OCE TalentEdge Research Grants Ontario Government Funding

Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) is a government funded agency that supports the development of Ontario’s economy by creating jobs and enabling breakthrough research. Through its R&D Project Hiring Grants program, OCE supports a vibrant, sustainable research and innovation advantage for businesses in Ontario.

Through the program, businesses can hire an academic researcher for up to 4 – 12 months. OCE will provide up to 50% of the researcher’s wages to a maximum $10,000 for internships or $35,000 to hire a PhD fellow. With this government funding support, businesses can overcome internal innovation challenges while helping youth researchers gain valuable experience.

To learn more about how the R&D Project Hiring Grants program can boost your business’ research and innovation capacity, read the program’s overview blog.

Employers Eligible to Receive R&D Project Hiring Grants

Businesses located in Ontario must be accepted into the R&D Project Hiring Grants program prior to hiring their academic researcher. This approval process requires that:

  • The employer has a valid Business Number (BN) provided by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA);
  • The company is for-profit and can provide the necessary cash or in-kind contributions; and
  • The business must use project results to benefit the Province of Ontario.

In special circumstances, OCE will consider applications from not-for-profit organizations. In this case, they must have an innovative product, program, or service that generates revenue. Also, the internship or fellowship must be non-STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) oriented.

Types of Research Projects Supported Through the R&D Project Hiring Grants Program

To be deemed eligible for funding, projects must:

  • Have a research and development component;
  • Be related to the intern or fellow’s experience/expertise;
  • Have clearly defined activities, milestones, and deliverables; and
  • Not provide a ‘first job’ type of placement for interns or fellows, rather be purely project-based.

Expenses Eligible for the R&D Project Hiring Grants Program

Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) will provide Ontario government grants towards the hiring of an intern or fellow over a period of up to 4-12 months. During this time, businesses can claim up to 50% of the following expenses directly related to the research project:

  • Salaries, benefits, and stipends for interns and fellows;
  • Travel costs;
  • Research materials, publication and workshop costs, license fees, supplies and services;
  • Lab analysis and product/process testing; and
  • Dissemination of findings through publications and videos.

Ineligible Expenses

Expenses not eligible to receive support from the R&D Project Hiring Grants program include any expense not directly attributed to completing the research project, or:

  • Compensation not awarded to the intern or fellow;
  • Commuting costs when traveling from the intern or fellow’s residence to the employer;
  • Travel fees outside of Ontario;
  • Immigration or passport fees;
  • Airfare purchased through benefits or points;
  • Entertainment and other personal expenses;
  • Education fees;
  • Sales tax;
  • Insurance fees; and
  • Regulatory compliance expenses.

Learn More about R&D Project Hiring Grants Program

Get Started     Program Overview

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