In support of New Brunswick’s Climate Action Plan and aligning with federal and provincial goals of shifting to a low-carbon economy, NBIF is partnering again with the Province of New Brunswick to support innovation and R&D projects at NB companies. Cleantech innovation at New Brunswick companies is increasingly important for maintaining competitiveness in the shift to a sustainable, low-carbon economy. The Corporate Cleantech Innovation fund will support the development and implementation of innovative solutions (including, but not limited to, new technologies, processes, services) at corporations in the Province of New Brunswick. The award is in the form of a non-repayable grant made to fund the proposed project at eligible New Brunswick-based businesses.
What Types of Projects?
Innovative: Projects supported by this fund must feature an innovative component. This includes either developing or implementing a new technology or using an existing technology or approach in a new way. Projects should not be for implementing an off-the-shelf solution.
Address a gap in development: Applicants should show that there is a need to address a gap in technical development for the innovation to be used in their business. Projects supported should be technology readiness level 4 or higher and focus on increasing scale or demonstration for specific use-cases.
Aligns with cleantech: The technology clearly falls under federal definition of cleantech (www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/061.nsf/eng/h_03119.html). Applicants must show how their innovation will reduce emissions or have tangible environmental benefit.
The program is structured to support both proof-of-principal projects and demonstration and scale-up projects. These are offered through two streams of the program. The table below summarizes maximum grant size and the contribution amounts from each company. Company contributions can be from other granting agencies (e.g., IRAP etc.), company funds or a combination. Proof of contributions is required prior to NBIF disbursing funds.
| Proof-of-Principle Grant | Demonstration Grant | |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Grant | $60K | $160K |
| Company contribution | 25% ($15K for a 60K grant) | 100% (requires an equal match from other sources) |
| Environmental impact metrics | Define benefits qualitatively in application. Quantitative benefits can be described broadly or with some degree of uncertainty. Project can be used to demonstrate environmental benefit and support them with data. | Define benefits both qualitatively and quantitatively. Quantitative metrics must be supported by data (e.g., from small scale trials) and show projections for implementation. |
| Project duration | 8-12 months | 12-18 months |
| Types of projects | Evaluation of GHG metrics, technoeconomic assessments, prototyping. | Building or installing equipment or infrastructure, precommercial trials, development work with a strategic partner. |
Corporations that are either based in New Brunswick or that have an operating presence in the province. Applicants should have demonstrated revenue in FY2022-2023.
Interested researchers should reach out to NBIF with questions about project eligibility and focus. The program manager is Paul Thornton, paul.thornton@nbif.ca.
Expenses must be directly linked to the activities of the proposed project and can include:
Briefly, the award may be used for:
- Student or research professional salaries
- Small lab equipment purchases or supplies, materials and reagents.
- Costs to travel to collect data or use facilities in the course of the project
- Costs to draft and create intellectual property (patent applications etc.).
- Costs for third-party testing or prototyping
- Knowledge transfer work or engagement with industry
This list is not exhaustive. Please include specifics for proposed expenses in the application budget.
Submit applications via the NBIF Application portal. Once the application is submitted, NBIF will evaluate applications in accordance with program/internal guidelines and evaluation criteria. Successful applicants will be notified with an award letter with funds being disbursed after completion of a funding contract between NBIF and the corporation.
The fund Launches Aug. 22, 2022, and closes Feb. 24, 2023. Application review and awards will be done semi-quarterly (November 1, Jan 10, and Feb.21 anticipated). Program will run while funds are available. Applications must be submitted via the NBIF Portal: https://nbif-finb.smapply.io/
All applications should be received prior to Feb 21, 2023. Due to the structure of this funding, all award conditions and contracting must be completed by March. 31, 2024. The project can start immediately after the funds are received. Projects should be 2 years or less in duration. Reporting will be due after the first 12 months (an interim status report) and after project completion (final status report). A maximum 6-month extension is possible with written approval from NBIF.