New technologies have emerged to enhance our understanding of the marine environments: imaging, autonomous vehicles, environmental DNA, underwater acoustics, quantum sensors, artificial intelligence… the list goes on. These innovations contribute to improving the collection and processing of data from the oceans. The development and adoption of these technologies helps. enable the sustainable utilization of marine resources, thereby supporting a thriving blue economy, promoting marine scientific research, and strengthening disaster response capacity. The deployment of ocean research and technologies promotes the conservation of marine ecosystems, helps mitigate the impact of climate change, and raises awareness among the public about the importance of preserving our oceans for future generations.
On April 24, 2023, the first meeting of the France-Canada JointCommittee on Science, Technology and Innovation identified Ocean research as one of the priority areas for bilateral cooperation. A workshop held in Halifax in October 2023 and co-organized by the French Embassy in Canada, DalhousieUniversity, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and their partners, provided an ideal opportunity to support the research-innovation continuum. On this occasion, it was proposed that In2novation, the France-Canada innovation platform, put out a call for projects in the ocean tech space.
In2novation, established in 2020, is a program to support joint innovation or “cross-pollination in innovation” between France and Canada funded by the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research (MESR) and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED). Its mission is to create synergies between French and Canadian innovation ecosystems in order to help protect and raise awareness of global public assets.
Through this call, In2novation will select and fund 4 collaborative projects for a period of 2 years, each with a budget of 25,000 CAD:
● 2 collaboration projects between a Canadian company (startup or SME) and a research team based in France;
● 2 collaboration projects between a French company (startup or SME) and a research team based in Canada.
The projects should focus on innovative research and development work in the field of ocean tech (technology readiness level (TRL) 2-7).
The following expenses are eligible be covered by the budget provided:
- Funding a research internship for master’s students within the company and/or laboratory
- Entrepreneur residency at a partner university
- Proof-of-concept development
- Research financing*
- Mobility financing* (presentation at a conference or exhibition)
*Specific amounts will be detailed during an information webinar on March 14, 2024.
Note that the letter of intent must be submitted by the company; the application form must be submitted by the 2 partners; the grant will be awarded to the academic partner, who will administer the grant.
Step 1 - An information webinar for companies will be held on March 14, 2024*.
Step 2 - Letter of intent: Interested companies have until April 15, 2024* to express their research needs and intentions. This document must include: a section that introduces/presents the company and a non-confidential summary of the project’s needs.
Step 3 - Matching: In2novation, supported by its partners inFrance and Canada, will find a research team across the Atlantic that can meet the needs of the selected companies.
Step 4 - Submission of application: Matched partners have until June 15, 2024, to submit the application form detailing their method of collaboration and the use of In2novation’s funds (maximum 2 pages). The form must be submitted by email at info@in2novation.com.
Step 5 - Project selection: The selection committee, made up of independent experts from France and Canada, will attribute particular importance to scientific and technological quality, benefits for partners, innovation, socioeconomic impact, and the technical and economic feasibility of the project. The selected projects will be announced on July 15, 2024.
Step 6 - Contract signing: The grant will be transferred to the research teamafter the signing of a funding agreement between the 3 partners(In2novation, the research team, and the company). Funds must be used beforeMarch 31, 2026..
Step 7 - Evaluation: In2novation will organize a retrospective event.
*Tentative schedule.
CONTACT
Applications must be submitted to info@in2novation.com
For more information on the current Call for Projects, please refer to the Calls for Projects section.
