Bio Innovation Grant

Important dates

Overview

The Bio Innovation Grant (BIG) coordinates with Canada Foundation for Innovation’s (CFI’s) Biosciences Research Infrastructure Fund (BRIF) competition to help Alberta institutions maintain cutting-edge facilities, and strengthen their capacity to advance promising industry-relevant discoveries, promote training, and develop talent in the field of biosciences.

This BIG competition is tied to the CFI’s BRIF – Partnership with Stage 2 of the Canada Biomedical Research Fund (CBRF – BRIF Stage 2). Eligible institutions may submit partnered proposals for high risk and applied research, talent development and research infrastructure funding. Each proposal must be aligned with one of the hubs’ priorities, vision, program of research, support pandemic preparedness and respond to emerging health threats. 

Applications are encouraged to align with provincial priorities in the context of the Alberta Technology and Innovation Strategy (ATIS) and address strategic infrastructure needs that will enhance the competitiveness of the province.

Funding

RCP will fund up to 40% of the total eligible project costs for successful applications.

Eligible applicants

Canadian universities, colleges, research hospitals and non-profit research institutions recognized by CFI as eligible.

Submissions are restricted to applications that have submitted to the CFI Biosciences Research Infrastructure Fund (BRIF) competition. However, if an application is declined at the CFI, it will be removed from the BIG competition. Note, eligible costs are those costs identified according to the CFI requirements.

See the CFI’s Policy and Program Guide for more details.

How to apply

The intake for this stream is closed.

After you apply

RCP’s Multidisciplinary Review Panel will review your application. The review process occurs in 3 stages:

1. Expert review (where applicable, CFI expert reviews are used).
2. Independent review by the Multidisciplinary Review Panel.
3. Decisions by the Minister of Technology and Innovation.

Reporting requirements

Awarded projects will be given a contractual grant agreement. This agreement will outline the terms and conditions of support and must be signed by both parties prior to the release of payment.

As a part of this agreement, institutions must regularly report on the financial status of projects and on the outcomes achieved. The schedule and reporting requirements will be outlined in the agreement. Both parties must agree to any significant variations in project scope or other requirements of the contract.

Documents and templates

• RCP Guidelines
• RCP Financial Report Template – for reporting requirements of awarded projects –  Only use this template if there is no CFI financial report for the period.
• RCP Outcomes Report Template – for reporting requirements of awarded projects
• Alberta Technology and Innovation Strategy
• CFI's Policy and Program Guide – for further information on the CFI

Contact

Connect with us if you have inquires, requests and reporting submissions:
Email: [email protected]