Alberta-Germany Collaboration Fund for Product Development and Commercialization

The German-Canadian Centre for Innovation and Research (GCCIR) is pleased to announce a new funding program aimed at supporting joint product development and commercialization activities between SME's in Alberta and a partner in Germany. The program will enable Alberta companies to access high-tech resources and European markets and strengthen existing scientific ties with the economic powerhouse Germany. The goal is also to help participants become more globally competitive through developing technology and research based alliances with the potential to foster increased international trade and economic growth. Furthermore, the program serves as incitement for the development of new models of collaboration between Alberta and Germany that leverage key research & technology capabilities, address common priorities, and accelerate the commercialization of technology.

During the first phase, the GCCIR organized a symposium in Germany October 17-19, 2012. The symposium served as a kick-off event for the program as well as a meeting place and networking opportunity for companies from Alberta to meet potential partners in Germany. To read more about the symposium, please click here.

In the second phase following the symposium, the GCCIR is pleased to launch the call for proposals for the Alberta-Germany Fund for Product Development and Commercialization.

Albertan small and medium-sized enterprises (1 to 499 employees and less than $50 million in gross revenues, Source: Industry Canada, Statistics Canada) are welcome to apply to the Alberta-Germany Collaboration Fund for Product Development and Commercialization. The partner from Germany can be a small and medium-sized enterprise, as well as a big company or an independent research institution. All proposals to the program must involve an industry partner from each jurisdiction with an interest in commercialization and must be situated in one of the areas of technology: clean energy and environmental technology, advanced materials (including micro/nanotechnology), industrial bio-technology, health, and information and communication technology. Projects can include applied R&D, proof of concept, prototype development or technology demonstration.

Eligible project costs must be fully justified in the context of the project goals, and existing resources and infrastructure. No funding will be granted for duplication of infrastructure in either Alberta or Germany for the purpose of conducting a joint project. The project shall clearly demonstrate the development of long-term innovation in terms of processes, services, infrastructure, intellectual property, highly qualified people, access to capital, access to internationally recognized expertise and networks as an outcome of participating in this program. Proposals must include an intellectual property management plan.

All applications to the Alberta-Germany Collaboration Fund for Product Development and Commercialization will be peer-reviewed by industry experts from different sectors. This leads to a ranking of the applications. The final decision making authority is a Steering Committee consisting of one industry member, one member of the Alberta Government and one GCCIR board member.

At present the maximum project contribution by GCCIR is 150,000 CAD, which will be granted to the Alberta applicant. The funding can be split into different projects, if approved. A financial contribution is expected from the German company. Sources can be a German funding agency and/ or the German company itself and must match the GCCIR amount of the funding. Additional funds from German/ European pots are a bonus. All funding sources must be disclosed. Alberta proponents are also expected to contribute cash or in-kind through their own resources.

Funding applications can be submitted until January 31, 2013. The final decision will be made through Steering Committee in March 2013 in order to start the approved projects in the beginning of April 2013.

Click here to find an information sheet with more information on the project criteria for the Alberta-Germany Fund for Product Development and Commercialization. The application form can be downloaded here. Please find an in-depth FAQ about the program here. 

The Call for Proposals is closed. Thank you for your interest and applications to the program. Applicants will be in informed in March.