🔬 NSERC Research Grants 2026

Natural Sciences & Engineering Research Council (NSERC)

Comprehensive research funding supporting university-industry partnerships, technology transfer, and collaborative R&D initiatives. From Idea to Innovation grants up to $350K to large-scale research partnerships driving Canadian innovation.

Explore NSERC Programs Get Free NSERC Guide

⚠️ Important NSERC Program Updates (2026)

I2I Pause Notice: Market Assessment and Phase Ib applications paused as of Feb 14, 2026 for program review

Active Programs: Phase I, IIa, and IIb applications continue with quarterly deadlines

Enhanced Funding: Phase IIb increased to maximum $350K over 24 months

Partnership Focus: Stronger emphasis on university-industry collaboration

Canada's Premier Research Funding Agency

NSERC supports university researchers and students in the natural sciences and engineering, fostering innovation through discovery research, strategic partnerships, and technology transfer to Canadian industry.

$1.3B

Annual Research Investment

$350K

Max I2I Grant

30K+

Students & Researchers Supported

2,000+

Industry Partnerships

NSERC Funding Programs

Idea to Innovation (I2I) Grants

Phase I: Reduction-to-Practice

Funding Amount:Up to $125K

• Duration: Up to 12 months

• Coverage: 100% of direct research costs

• Focus: Proof-of-concept validation

• Renewable: Non-renewable

Phase IIa: Early-Stage Investment

Funding Amount:Up to $125K/year

• Duration: 6-18 months

• NSERC Coverage: 67% of costs

• Partner Contribution: 33% (cash)

• Focus: Technology enhancement

Phase IIb: Company Partnership

Funding Amount:Up to $350K

• Duration: Up to 24 months

• NSERC Coverage: 50% of costs

• Partner Contribution: 50% (40% cash min)

• Focus: Commercialization readiness

⚠️ Current Status (2026):

Active Programs: Phase I, IIa, and IIb applications accepted

Application Deadlines: Quarterly - Jan 8, Mar 31, Jun 20, Sep 22

Paused Programs: Market Assessment and Phase Ib (until further notice)

Reason: Program review and process optimization

Collaborative Research and Development (CRD)

CRD Grants

Funding Range:$20K - $500K/year

• University-industry research partnerships

• Matching funding required from partners

• Duration: Up to 5 years

• Focus on applied research challenges

Industrial Research Chairs

Funding: Up to $500K/year for 5 years

Purpose: Long-term industry-university research partnerships

Requirements: Minimum 1:1 industry matching

Benefit: Dedicated research program leadership

Strategic Partnership Grants

Networks

• Large-scale research networks

• Multi-institutional collaboration

• Up to $2.5M/year

• 5-7 year terms

Centres

• Research excellence centres

• Strategic priority areas

• Significant infrastructure

• Long-term commitments

Initiatives

• Targeted research themes

• National priorities

• Cross-sectoral partnerships

• Innovation ecosystems

NSERC Eligibility & Requirements

Researcher Eligibility

✅ Faculty Requirements

• Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• Faculty appointment at eligible institution
• PhD or equivalent in eligible field
• Active research program in NSERC areas
• Demonstrated research excellence
• Strong publication and funding record

🎯 Research Areas

• Engineering and applied sciences
• Physical sciences and mathematics
• Life sciences and biotechnology
• Computer science and IT
• Environmental sciences

Institution & Partner Requirements

✅ Eligible Institutions

• Canadian universities and colleges
• NSERC-approved research institutions
• Provincial research organizations
• Federal research facilities
• Affiliated hospitals and institutes
• International collaborations (limited)

🏢 Industry Partners

• Canadian companies (for-profit)
• Technology transfer organizations
• Government agencies and departments
• Not-for-profit research organizations
• International companies with Canadian operations

NSERC Application Process

Step 1: Eligibility Check

Confirm researcher and institution eligibility requirements

Step 2: Partner Engagement

Identify and secure industry or institutional partners

Step 3: Proposal Development

Develop comprehensive research proposal and budget

Step 4: Submission & Review

Submit application and undergo peer review process

📅 NSERC Application Timelines

• I2I Deadlines: Quarterly (Jan 8, Mar 31, Jun 20, Sep 22)
• CRD Applications: Continuous intake
• Review Period: 4-6 months typical

• Strategic Programs: Annual competitions
• Funding Start: April 1st (most programs)
• Reporting: Annual progress reports required

NSERC Application Success Strategies

✅ Best Practices for Success

Strong Research Excellence: Demonstrate clear research leadership and innovation potential

Industry Relevance: Show clear commercial potential and technology transfer pathway

Partner Commitment: Secure meaningful financial and in-kind contributions

Student Training: Emphasize HQP development and knowledge mobilization

❌ Common Application Pitfalls

Weak Partner Engagement: Insufficient industry commitment or unrealistic partnerships

Poor Commercialization Plan: Vague or unrealistic technology transfer strategy

Limited Research Impact: Unclear benefits to Canadian innovation ecosystem

Inadequate Budget Justification: Poor alignment of resources with objectives

Ready to Access NSERC Research Funding?

Get our complete NSERC application guide or work with our research funding specialists who understand university-industry partnerships and have helped secure millions in NSERC grants.

Free NSERC Research Guide

Get our comprehensive NSERC application guide with I2I templates, partner engagement strategies, and successful proposal examples.

Get NSERC Guide

Expert NSERC Support

Work with research funding specialists who can help develop winning NSERC proposals and identify the right industry partnerships.

Get NSERC Expert Help

Expert guidance • University connections • Industry partnerships • Successful track record