The Canadian Government is adjusting some of its innovation programs to help manufacturers assist in the fight against Covid-19.  Below are several of these programs that have a track record of working with companies, especially small and medium sized companies, to bring their innovations, new technology, products and services to commercial fruition.  The mandates of these programs will be updated to prioritize innovations that help fight against Covid-19.  The goal is to rapidly develop a domestic manufacturing base for key Covid-19 fighting supplies and to develop new products to assist with the fight.  For more information on the coming changes contact your local representative for these programs.  Polyvations can assist you in making these connections if needed.

• Strategic Innovation Fund will deliver direct support to Canadian companies for large-scale projects to develop technology and / or manufacturing capability to combat Covid-19

• National Research Council (NRC) will use its programs (presumably the IRAP program) to expedite research and development with small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) for products, technology and innovations that combat Covid-19.  It is likely that this support will be prioritized towards companies that are already approved / regulated by Health Canada.  This will help ensure products can be brought to market quickly to support the current and near term Covid-19 needs.  Polyvations has extensive experience working with SMEs and NRC-IRAP to drive innovation.  Let us help you too!

• Innovation Superclusters will tap into their national network of 1,800 members to help drive solutions.  For example, the Ngen program has committed $50 million in funding to be awarded over the next 4 to 12 weeks.  These funds will be used to support select manufacturers and their partners to create the local manufacturing capability required to ensure a stable supply of critical supplies and equipment to combat the virus.

• Innovative Solutions Canada will help companies commercialize Covid-19 related products more quickly.  This is a challenge based program, so sign up with Innovative Solutions Canada to receive notifications of new challenges as they are released.

Opportunities with these programs will develop rapidly and require effective and responsive actions by the funding recipients.  If you and your team need assistance in preparing development plans, building collaborations, engaging these programs and executing the plans for new product or manufacturing capability development, Polyvations is here to help.  Contact us now.