International Strategic Opportunities Program (ISOP) – Canadian R&D Funding Grants

Ontario’s Ministry of Research and Innovation (MRI) have designed and implemented yet another Canadian Government funding opportunity to promote collaboration between Ontario’s research institutions and the international research community. The International Strategic Opportunities Program (ISOP) is one of several Business Funding Grants for Collaborative Research and Development that is offered by the Ministry of Research and Innovation. The programs look to improve Ontario’s future economic potential by collaborating with the world’s best and brightest researchers.

ISOP Research and Development Funding

The ISOP program is only open to not-for-profit organizations that are looking to engage in strategic collaboration agreements with international research partners. The program provides funding support for any activities or projects that would improve the relationship development process with potential international research partners. These may include:

• Travel – including research exchange programs and hospitality costs for networking.
• Event Management/ Attendance – planning, coordinating and/or participating in international workshops, seminars, exhibitions, and meetings that would convey the information on best practices to international partners.
• Publishing – recording of the proceedings associated with the activities mentioned above.

Priority m ay be given to those who are looking to collaborate with research institutions within the United Stated, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Japan, China, and India.  Those eligible to apply might include Canadian universities, colleges, hospitals, and non-profit research institutions.

Funding for Small Business Collaboration with Canadian Universities

The Canadian Government recognizes the potential economic opportunities held within collaborative agreements between Canadian academia and international researchers as well as domestic  industry partners. The government encourages the development of these productive relationships through their offering of grant funding for collaborative research and development.

• Applied Research and Commercialization (ARC) – Provides up to $50K in non-repayable business funding grants to carry out integral R&D activities with the assistance of a Canadian University. These activities may include: Proof of concept, demonstration and piloting, problem solving, certification, technology development, product testing, as well as product and process applied research.
• Going Global Innovation Fund – Businesses could receive up to $75K or 75% of the eligible expenses for projects related to the pursuit of collaborative research opportunities within foreign countries. This program is primarily dedicated to Canadian SMEs with a focus on innovation, science and tech based development projects.

To learn more about the available Canadian Government Funding Programs for Research and Development, please contact one of our Canadian Government Funding Experts or inquire about one of our Canadian Government Funding Workshops. Businesses can also receive regular updates regarding government funding in Canada by subscribing to our Weekly E-Newsletter or following us on Twitter.