Update on CIHR Funding Opportunities in Commercialization

CIHR is committed to facilitating the commercialization of health research in Canada in support of its overall mandate and is offering a suite of updated programs.

a) Proof of Principle (POP) : Phase I or Phase II

If you are an academic researcher (or wish to partner with one) and have a new concept ready to commercialize, consider applying for a POP grant.

You need to:

  • Have done an initial assessment and found significant commercial potential
  • Know what the novel invention is, what needs to be protected, and what will be commercialized
  • Obtain the support of your institution's Technology Transfer Office
  • For Phase II: Have already proven the principle of the IP and progressed to additional confirmatory testing; have a partner willing to invest matching funds (1:1, Partner:CIHR)

To apply for:

  • Phase I: Up to $160,000 over one year
  • Phase II: Up to $300,000 over one year; partner contributes matching funds, benefits from shared risk

New this year:

  • Increased maximum grant amounts
  • Increased funding pool amounts
  • More favourable funding ratio for the partner (Phase II)

Next application deadline :

  • March 1st, 2010

Note:


b) Industry-partnered Collaborative Research (IPCR)

[Note: replaces Rx&D Operating Grant and SME Operating Grant]

If you are seeking support for a collaborative research project bringing together academic researchers and a private sector partner consider the IPCR grant.

You need to:

  • Develop a collaboration between an academic researcher applicant and a private sector partner
  • Have matching funds committed from the private sector partner (1:1 Partner:CIHR; except trials)

To apply for:

  • Up to $500,000 per year for up to five years; private sector partner contributes matching funds, benefits from shared risk; can gain access to knowledge, facilities, trainees

New this year:

  • More favourable funding ratio for the partner
  • Level of partner engagement now a factor in the rating process
  • Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) are now eligible under this funding opportunity

Next registration deadline:

  • February 1st, 2010


c) Science to Business (S2B) MBA scholarship

If you have a PhD in a health-related field and want to pursue an MBA as your next step to a career supporting innovation in Canada, consider the S2B scholarship.

You need to:

  • Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
  • Have received a PhD in a health-related field within the past seven years
  • Have some entrepreneurial experience (e.g. business, policy, management, industry engagement, commercialization, innovation.)
  • Enrol in a Canadian MBA program

To apply for:

  • $30,000/year pro-rated for up to two years (full-time)
  • $15,000/year pro-rated for up to two years (part-time)

New this year:

  • Students apply directly to CIHR
  • Revised award amount
  • Eligibility no longer limited to MBA programs with a health-stream

Application deadline:

  • March 1, 2010

Contact Information

For questions on CIHR funding guidelines, how to apply, and the peer review process contact:

Edit Palencsar
Program Delivery Coordinator
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Telephone: 613-946-0095
Fax: 613-954-1800
Email: edit.palencsar@cihr-irsc.gc.ca

For questions about this initiative and research objectives contact:

Chaidwick Leneis
Senior KSE Specialist
Knowledge Synthesis and Exchange Branch
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Telephone: 613-941-4437
Fax: 613-954-1800
Email: chaidwick.leneis@cihr-irsc.gc.ca