Get a contribution of up to $2 million to cover up to 50% of the costs of an innovative technology project that involves applied R&D and demonstration & commercialization
Who is Eligible?
Private-sector businesses alone, or in partnership with a public sector academic or research institution.
For public-private partnership projects, the private-sector business is the lead applicant and the funding recipient.
For public-private partnership projects, the partnering academic or research institution must have the relevant expertise and resources required by the private-sector partner to complete the proposed project.
What Projects are Eligible?
Applied research & development projects, and demonstration & commercialization of new and innovative technologies.
NOHFC considers innovative technology projects based on the following definition: “the development or implementation of ideas to produce new or improved strategies, capabilities, products, services, or processes with a strong focus on ensuring to satisfy a market need or desire”.
Applicants have the choice to apply for support for applied research & development or demonstration & commercialization costs under separate applications or in one combined application.
- In the event that an applicant chooses to include demonstration & commercialization costs in their project, NOHFC will not accept a subsequent application for the same technology.
- For projects where the applicant elects to combine applied research & development, and demonstration & commercialization costs, before proceeding to demonstration and commercialization phase, the applicant must:
- Own, have registered a patent for, or have the rights to exploit the intellectual property associated with the technology.
- Be able to demonstrate that the technology has been tested and fully validated.
Eligible applied research & development activities and associated costs include, but not limited to:
- Direct internal technical labour costs
- Prototyping costs (engineering and design services and component purchase, fabrication and installation costs)
- Product testing
- Intellectual property protection costs
- Research and development services provided by public sector partners
Eligible demonstration & commercialization activities and associated costs include, but are not limited to:
- Direct internal technical labour costs
- Building or renovation costs specifically related to the commercialization of the new technology
- Prototype demonstration costs (engineering and design services and equipment purchases, fabrication and installation costs)
- Material costs
- Product certification costs
- Research and development services provided by public sector partners
- Marketing costs (in-person or virtual trade show assistance and marketing material design costs) – limited to 20% of total eligible project costs
Evaluation Criteria
Factors that will be considered during evaluation of applications will include but not limited to:
- Innovation meets the NOHFC’s definition of Innovation
- Strength of the project’s detailed business plan
- Net economic benefits for Northern Ontario
- Demonstrated market need and demand
- Management capacity
- Business’ financial position
- Supply chain impacts
- Level of Risk
Funding
Funding for Applied Research and Development only projects
- Funding is in the form of a conditional contribution of up to 50% of total eligible costs to a maximum of $500,000.