Ontario launches new innovation vouchers program

The Ontario government has launched its Collaboration Voucher Program (CVP) with four distinct offerings, two of which are being delivered in partnership with federal R&D organizations, giving applicants access to federal funding. The program — budgeted at $8 million annually — was announced in the province's most recent Budget (R$, May 9/13) and is being delivered by the Ontario Centres of Excellence. Its aim is to facilitate transfer of knowledge from academic institutions to industry and can be redeemed for access to knowledge and expertise at provincial universities, colleges and research hospitals. The voucher types are: Commercialization (maximum $50,000), Innovation & Productivity (maximum $20,000), E-Business (maximum $2,500) and Industry Association R&D Challenge (1:1 minimum 50% cash contributions). The Voucher for Innovation & Productivity will be delivered in conjunction with the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council and the Industrial Research Assistance Program. For the Industry Association R&D Challenge, OCE will partner with NSERC. The program was recommended in late 2012 by the Ontario Jobs & Prosperity Council….