Applied Research and Development Grants

The Applied Research and Development (ARD) grants are intended to provide companies that operate from a Canadian base access to the unique knowledge, expertise and capabilities available at Canadian colleges, and to train students in essential technical skills required by companies. These mutually beneficial collaborations are expected to result in economic benefits to the company and/or Canada.

ARD grants support well-defined applied research and development projects undertaken by college researchers with their private-sector partners. Direct project costs are shared by the company partner(s) and NSERC.

Summary

Who manages funds?	A senior administrator at the college
Use of funds	Direct costs of research, such as the salaries of students, research assistants, and services and travel. Up to 20 percent of the award can be allocated to operating and equipment costs. In addition, 20 percent of the total award can be allocated for overhead and administration costs.
Duration of award	One to three years
Are multiple colleges involved?	If appropriate, but not required
Approximate application success rates	85%
Typical grant range	$25,000 and over per year. Three levels of grants are available.
Type of partners required	Canadian-based companies, industry associations, public utilities
Minimum company contribution	Level 1 (for a project featuring a new college-company relationship): In-kind contributions are required. Level 2 (up to $75,000 per year):  Must contribute an amount equal to at least half the amount requested from NSERC, must collaborate on the project, and at least one partner must have the ability to exploit the results. Level 3 (over $75,000 per year): Must contribute an amount equal to the amount requested from NSERC, must collaborate on the project, and at least one partner must have the ability to exploit the results.
Minimum cash contribution from company	No cash contribution is required
Is industrial in-kind contribution recognized?	Yes
Is the contribution eligible for the Scientific Research and Experimental Development tax incentive?	Yes. Consult your local  Canada Revenue Agency office for specific eligibility rules and amounts.
Application deadline	Applications can be submitted at any time
Evaluation method	All proposals requesting more than $25,000 per year will be evaluated through peer review. Proposals requesting $75,000 or more per year from NSERC will be reviewed by the College and Community Innovation (CCI) Review Committee. For large or complex proposals NSERC may organize a site visit review.
When does the CCI Review Committee meet?	January and July
Evaluation time	From receipt of the complete application: Level 1: within six weeks Level 2: within three to five months Level 3: within six months
Is NSERC willing to review drafts?	Yes
Progress report	Annual company and financial reports

For more detailed information, please refer to the  Applied Research and Development Grants description.