For the fall 2019 ARTI competition, in consideration of the available budget, NSERC will accept a maximum of two ARTI applications from each college. Should a college submit more than two applications, only the first two submitted will be accepted.
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Note: This program is intended for college researchers. University researchers should apply to the Research Tools and Instruments Grants program.
Application deadline | November 15, 2019 |
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How to apply | See below |
Application forms |
To create or access an application, select On-line System Login. To view forms and instructions, select PDF Forms and Instructions. |
For more information | Consult the Contact List |
The College and Community Innovation (CCI) program is managed by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) in collaboration with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC). Applied Research Tools and Instruments (ARTI) grants can be across the spectrum of the natural and social sciences, engineering, humanities and/or health. All applications must be submitted to NSERC. Grants are given by NSERC, with the exception of funded proposals exclusively in the social sciences, humanities and/or health sciences, which will be given by SSHRC or CIHR, as appropriate.
NSERC is acting on the evidence that equity, diversity and inclusion strengthen the scientific and engineering communities and the quality, social relevance and impact of research. Increasing diversity and gender equity in the research enterprise are key priorities in our current strategic plan, NSERC 2020, and are highlighted in the strategic goal to “Build a Diversified and Competitive Research Base.”
The objective of the ARTI grants is to support the purchase of research equipment and installations to foster and enhance the capacity of colleges to undertake applied research, innovation and training in collaboration with local companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
ARTI grants are one-year awards that support the purchase of applied research equipment costing between $7,000 and $150,000.
The proposed equipment may be a single item or a collection of items forming a comprehensive system. A comprehensive system is one in which each tool or instrument forms part of an integrated system of operation to support the applied research program. Requests that bundle unrelated tools and instruments together will not be accepted.
If requesting more than one item, NSERC may remove expenditures associated with any item found to be inadequately justified.
NSERC will accept applications for research equipment whose total net cost is up to $250,000, provided that the applicant is able to secure funding from other sources to bring the amount requested to $150,000 or less. Funding from other sources must be clearly described in the application, in place, and confirmed at the time that the application is submitted. The use of other CCI grants is permitted, provided that the proposed equipment is aligned with the objectives of those CCI grants and prior written authorization is obtained from NSERC. Applications requesting over $150,000 that have not adequately documented the source of the additional funding will be deemed ineligible.
CCI grants can be used to pay some or all of applicable taxes, as well as some or all of the shipping and handling expenses, as long as the overall grant does not exceed $150,000. Following the grant being awarded, should the purchase price of the equipment change and the total price increase compared to the original budget, the college will be responsible for the additional costs.
ARTI grants must be used only to purchase the specific type of equipment for which the grant was awarded. Grantees who wish to purchase equipment different from that specified in the application must obtain written permission from NSERC prior to its purchase. Grantees may, however, buy a model different from that requested in the application without prior approval.
NSERC will accept applications only for equipment that has not yet been purchased. All applications are reviewed on a competitive basis.
Canadian colleges that have been declared eligible to administer grants according to the eligibility requirements for colleges of at least one of the three federal granting agencies (NSERC, CIHR and/or SSHRC) may submit an application.
If the proposed applied research and knowledge/technology transfer activities lie entirely within the mandate of a single agency (NSERC, CIHR or SSHRC) the college must be declared eligible to receive funding from that granting agency.
The table below describes the eligible expenses for Applied Research Tools and Instrument Grants.
Type of expense | Eligibility of expense |
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Salaries and benefits | Not eligible |
Equipment (new or used) or installation | Purchase or rental (to the full value of the grant) |
Installation of equipment | Eligible |
Training | Only training fees for the purchased equipment are supported |
Travel | Only travel required by college personnel to commission commission the equipment or for training purposes is supported |
Others (transportation costs for purchased equipment, extended warranty purchased with the equipment, brokerage and customs charges for the importation of equipment) |
Eligible |
Insurance costs for equipment and research vehicles | Not eligible |
Costs of the construction, renovation or rental of laboratories or supporting facilities (construction is considered to be any infrastructure changes that would remain if the purchased equipment were to be removed) | Not eligible (unless required to meet regulatory requirements) |
Consumables | Not eligible |
Software and hardware upgrades for existing equipment | Eligible |
Software licences |
Eligible |
Software upgrades for subsequent years | Not eligible |
Provision(s) in the budget for unforeseen costs (contingencies) | Not eligible |
Overhead and administration costs |
Not eligible |
Expenses not described in the submitted application | Not eligible |
To apply, submit an Application for a College and Community Innovation Grant (Form 103). Please refer to the ARTI instructions for more information on how to complete and submit an ARTI grant application.
If a cash contribution towards the purchase of the equipment is provided by an organization (other than the applicant's institution), a letter is required from the organization confirming this commitment. Partner contributions (cash or in-kind) are not required for ARTI proposals, however, contributions may strengthen the proposal by demonstrating the relevance of the equipment to the partner(s) and value to the region as a whole.
Letters from supporting organizations should clearly explain the support that the organizations will provide, including their financial contribution (cash or in-kind) to the purchase and installation of the equipment as well as their anticipated involvement in applied research and innovation activities with the college using the proposed equipment. The letter(s) of support should outline how access to this equipment will help the company with their innovation needs and lead to increased competitiveness and profitability.
Applications are evaluated on the following criteria and rated on a point scale for an overall score of 10 points. In order to be considered for funding, applications must receive a passing grade for each of the criteria:
Relevance to applied research at the college (5 points)
Value to the region (3 points)
Training (2 points)