Collaborative Science, Technology and Innovation Program

CSTIP Collaborative Grant & Contribution

Provides Canadian teams with NRC partnership support for mission-focused innovation projects.

The Collaborative Science, Technology and Innovation Program (CSTIP) is the National Research Council of Canada's umbrella mechanism for non-repayable grant and contribution funding to external partners who collaborate with NRC researchers. The programme spans the full R&D continuum, from disruptive or foundational research through to prototype development, knowledge mobilisation, and pre-commercialisation. It was established to bring together the best expertise from academia, industry, and government to deliver scientific discoveries and breakthrough technologies of national importance to Canada.

Eligible recipients include academic institutions, not-for-profit organisations, small and medium-sized enterprises (fewer than 500 employees), provincial and territorial governments, and Indigenous groups and organisations. Companies with 500 or more employees are generally ineligible for grant and contribution funding but may collaborate with the NRC through other mechanisms. International collaborators are eligible if the project delivers a clear benefit to Canada. CSTIP funding covers up to 75% of eligible project costs — salaries, research materials, equipment, travel, professional services, and indirect costs up to 10% — with the NRC retaining discretion to exceed 75% in exceptional circumstances. Stacking rules allow additional funding from other Canadian government sources up to 100% of eligible total costs.

Access to CSTIP funding is channelled through three NRC sub-programmes: the Ideation Fund (New Beginnings and Small Teams initiatives for exploratory early-stage research), Challenge Programs (themed mission-oriented calls, such as those covering e-mobility, quantum internetworking, low-carbon built environments, and high-throughput networks), and Cluster Support Programs. Prospective collaborators engage directly with the relevant NRC research centre or programme team, scope a joint project, and receive CSTIP funding through an agreement administered by the NRC's National Program Office. Proposals are evaluated on scientific merit, team strength, technical risk, anticipated benefits to Canada, and commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.