Research and Development Funding – NSERC Engage Grant

The Natural Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) provides government funding for research and development through the promotion of their NSERC Engage Program.The Canadian government provides funds up to $25,000 for 6 months of research and development that is to be carried out by a Canadian University. NSERC Engage grants are intended to allow Canadian SMEs to have access to the expertise and research capabilities provided by Canadian Universities. The grant is intended for research and development funding that is applicable to technological innovations that are required to solve a business’s specific technical problems. Participating SMEs would also have the opportunity to further capitalize on their relationships with the universities by hiring graduates through other top Canadian Government Grants dedicated to hiring.

Funding for Research and Development

The government funding for research and development applies to companies that have technical problems relating to the natural sciences or engineering fields of their business. The company must be able to clearly demonstrate their technological issue(s) and objectives along with some of the intended social, economic or environmental benefits that would result from a solution. The company must also be able to demonstrate their competence and ability to implement the technology into their business model once it is developed.

Intellectual Property Ownership

NSERC’s Engage grant is unique to other academic research grants because they delegate the intellectual property rights arising from the research to the company who proposed the issue. This reduces the risk of conflict arising between the proposing company and the university or the company’s competitors as defined by NSERC’s IP Policies.

Key Eligibility for Grant Funding for Business:

• Company must have a Canadian Base
• Company has been in operation for at least 12 months (start-up companies are eligible)
• Proposals are directed towards technological innovation in the natural sciences or engineering fields
• Company must clearly communicate the problem along with the intended benefits and applications from the implementation of the technology
• Company must demonstrate they have the means to implement the technology
• Focus of proposal is directed towards the development of new technology

Learn More about this Government Funding for Research and Development Program

Choose from one of the options below to learn more about this government funding for research and development program:

Benefits to Research and Development Funding

NSERC provides government funding for research and development that is intended to alleviate some of the R&D expenses of Canadian businesses. The grant would increase the amount of research funding provided to Canadian Universities and possibly foster some graduate recruitment opportunities for businesses. For other resources on Government Funding for small business, please do not hesitate to contact Bernadeen McLeod at Mentor Works.