NSERC Alliance: $50,000 to $1,000,000 for Industry-University R&D
Some technical problems need more research capacity than a company has in-house. NSERC Alliance grants are built for that situation: they support partnerships in which your company works with a university researcher on applied science and engineering R&D.
Your company co-funds the research, and NSERC provides matching funding to the university. Grants range from $50,000 to $1,000,000. The program is open, and applications are being accepted.
What is NSERC Alliance?
NSERC Alliance grants support partnerships between companies and university researchers for applied science and engineering R&D.
The money flows through the partnership: the company co-funds the research, and NSERC provides matching funding to the university that carries it out.
NSERC Alliance at a glance
| Detail | NSERC Alliance Grants — Industry-Academic Research |
|---|---|
| Funding amount | $50K – $1M |
| Program type | Grant |
| Level | Federal |
| Where it applies | Canada-wide |
| Status | Open |
| Deadline | Continuous intake — no fixed deadline; applications accepted at any time, with review timelines varying by project size. |
| What it funds | R&D / Proof of Concept, Prototype / Product Development |
| Industries | Software & IT, ECE, Advanced Manufacturing, Clean Tech, Biotech & Agriculture |
| Company stage | Startup, Growth, Expansion |
| Payment model | Milestone |
| Matching funds required | Yes |
| Competition level | Moderate |
How much funding is available?
An NSERC Alliance grant ranges from $50,000 to $1,000,000. Your company co-funds the research, and NSERC adds matching funding to the university.
Your company must provide a minimum cash contribution, typically 25% of the total. Funding is paid against milestones.
Who is eligible?
Your company
- Your company must be a Canadian company partnering with a Canadian university or college researcher.
- Your company must provide a minimum cash contribution, typically 25% of the total.
The project
- The project must involve natural sciences or engineering R&D.
When and how to apply
The program is open, and applications are being accepted. Intake is continuous, with no fixed deadline: applications are accepted at any time, and review timelines vary by project size.
Before you apply, line up a Canadian university or college researcher to partner with and confirm that your company can commit its cash contribution.
The status of NSERC Alliance Grants — Industry-Academic Research in EVAMAX Grant AI™ is currently Open. Grant AI™ re-checks it against the official program page, so look there for the latest before you start an application.
Is NSERC Alliance right for you?
NSERC Alliance suits Canadian companies at the startup, growth or expansion stage that have a natural sciences or engineering question worth researching with an academic partner. Watch the structure: you need a university or college researcher on board, and your company puts in cash, typically 25% of the total, which NSERC then matches.
Next steps: look up NSERC Alliance Grants — Industry-Academic Research in EVAMAX Grant AI™ to see its live status and other programs that fit your company, or talk to EVAMAX about building your application.
Program details are from the EVAMAX Grant AI™ record as of October 29, 2026. Programs change — confirm current terms on the official program page before you apply.