Apply for funding now: Canada-UK Enhanced Industrial Productivity Programme
UK businesses can apply for a share of up to £5m to develop innovative technologies targeting global markets РCanadian EOI closes 15 April
On 11th February 2019 the UK and Canada opened a joint funding competition for collaborative research and development (CR&D) projects between UK and Canadian partners, aimed at advanced manufacturing businesses, food and drink processors, and automation and artificial intelligence (AI) innovators, including those applying ‘AI for design’ techniques.
All Canadian lead applicants and collaborators must submit an expression of interest application by 15th April at the latest and be selected by the NRC as eligible to progress in this competition. Successful Canadian applicants can then submit a full application with their UK partners. Further details on the application process and funding competition can be found here.
Collaborating with Canada
At approximately C$175bn (c.US$140bn) and employing more than 1.7m people, the manufacturing sector in Canada contributes to more than 10% the country’s total gross domestic product (GDP), with an annual export value of circa C$35bn.
Canada is the 14th largest manufacturing nation in the world. In 2016, the manufacturing sector was responsible for 32% (C$6.6bn) of all business enterprise R&D investments, predominantly on information technologies, additive manufacturing, automation systems, nanotechnology and biotechnology.  The manufacturing sector in Canada experienced a similar growth trend as the UK over the last few decades and therefore makes an ideal partner for new R&D to develop enhanced industrial innovative technologies.
Key Dates for applicants
11th February: Competition Opens
20th February: Online Competition Briefing (watch the recording here)
15th April: Canadian Expression of Interest Deadline (date extended from 15th March)
2nd May: Registration Closes
9th May: Competition Closes
If you are a UK organisation planning to apply for this competition, we would encourage you to talk to the team at KTN who can provide guidance on questions you may have – contact Nicole Ballantyne here.