This program supports the collaboration between Academia and Industry to solve an industry-based problem and drive the commercialization of Intellectual Property [IP]. The institution will leverage the unique skills and specialized infrastructure that is instrumental to streamline internal innovations and commercialization needs. Resulting in targeted training of individuals and direct engagement with Industry to work on commercially viable solutions.

Best suited for:

Research Partner: 

• Principal investigator at Ontario publicly funded university/research hospital, or applied research officer at Ontario publicly funded college 

Industry Partner: 

• For-profit company  
• Incorporated in Ontario for a minimum of two years, and five full-time equivalent (FTE) employees in Ontario 
• Operations and/or R&D in Ontario with capacity to commercialize results of the project 

Project: 

• Utilizes unique skills/resources of post-secondary institution to meet industry innovation and commercialization needs 

NSERC Funding Streams

In partnership, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) and the Ontario Centre of Innovation are offering C2C grants to support post-secondary research and development collaborations with the highest potential for regional economic development and commercialization in Ontario.

This partnership is offered through two streams – NSERC-Alliance for Universities and NSERC-ARD for Colleges.

NSERC-Alliance Stream

Individual proposals can request from $20,000 up to $50,000 from NSERC Alliance grants and from $20,000 up to $50,000 from OCI C2C, with a corresponding $20,000 to $50,000 from the industry partner (at least 50% must be cash provided to the academic institution).

NSERC-Applied Research and Development (ARD) Stream

Individual proposals can request from $20,000 up to $40,000 from NSERC ARD grants and from $20,000 up to $40,000 from OCI C2C, with a corresponding $20,000 to $40,000 from the industry partner (at least 50% must be cash provided to the academic institution).

How to Apply

Applications will be accepted through targeted calls for proposals.

The first call, open from June 1, 2026 to July 31, 2026, will focus on dual-use technologies with civilian and defence applications.

This call is to support unclassified college or university industry-academic projects dedicated to the development of non-weapon specific technologies relevant to defence.

For information on full eligibility requirements and the application process, please consult the C2C Program Guidelines.

To apply, contact your OCI Business Development Manager.

Reference documents:

• Sample application form (For reference purposes only. Applications are only accepted through OCI’s online system where full application requirements are listed.)
• C2C Letter of Support Template (For reference purposes only. The finalized letter of support is to be included in the application)
• Eligible Expenses Guidelines
• Funding Agreement

Upcoming Virtual Information Sessions

Join us for a virtual information session to learn more about the C2C program. Each session will cover program details, eligibility, and success stories, plus a live Q&A with our team.

New sessions to be announced soon!