NSERC Alliance Grants
$20,000 (company cash contribution)–$1,000,000+GrantFederalNatural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
Supports research collaborations between Canadian university researchers and partner organizations (companies, non-profits). The company partner contributes cash or in-kind; NSERC matches or exceeds it. Strong for tech companies with a problem requiring academic R&D expertise.
Deadlines
- Intake type: Rolling — apply any time
- Typical processing time: 4–6 months
What you'll need
University Research Partner
Identify a Canadian university professor to lead the research project
Company Cash Contribution
Commit minimum cash contribution (varies by Alliance stream)
Collaborative Research Plan
Joint research plan developed with university partner
Submit via University
Application is submitted by the university researcher on your behalf through NSERC online
Official program page · Details verified Aug 14, 2026
Related funding
- Atlantic Innovation Fund — Federal, up to $3,000,000
- Canadian Agricultural Partnership — Agri-Innovation — Federal, up to $500,000
- Forest Innovation Program — Federal, up to $3,000,000
- Innovation Saskatchewan Research Program — Saskatchewan, up to $100,000
- Mitacs Accelerate — Federal, up to $15,000 per 4-month internship unit (clusters of 2+ units typical)
- NRC Industrial Research Assistance Program — Federal, up to $250K+