Five Steps To Effective Research Proposals

Ontario Centres of Excellence Materials and Manufacturing Ontario OCE Photonics Research Ontario CRESTech Communications and Information Technology Ontario

Project Leaders and Students Universities and Colleges CITO’s Stakeholders Project Leaders and Students Universities and Colleges Ontario Business

CITO’s Value Proposition For researchers For business and industry For the economy

CITO’s Strategy Invest in research and innovation Facilitate partnerships between academic researchers and industry Facilitate technology and knowledge transfer Manage commercialization initiatives & new business growth

Research and the Institution

The role of research Why do research? How does your research agenda fit strategy and direction of the institution?

Institutional Culture A commitment and shared understanding by all concerned parties as to the role and direction of research Ability to undertake a research agenda Tech transfer capabilities that have the capacity to be effective internally and externally

Play to your strengths What is your institution known for? Are there key business sectors in your market that can guide this focus? How do you differentiate yourself from other institutions? How does the focus fit with the overall direction of the institution?

Securing Research Investment How to lever your value proposition? Clearly articulated strategy & plan? Relationships with research investment agencies Relationships with government

Industry Relationships

Developing industry relationships What are your research strengths and their industrial relevance? What is your value proposition? Identify appropriate companies; contact and build relationships with key people – understand their direction: Get out there and know your partner

Securing Industry Partnerships What programs are available to the industry partner that might strengthen your case? Be aware of them

Business centric Tax credits and other programs SR&ED tax credit program Provincial R&D tax credit programs IRAP Others

Planning your proposal

What are the goals of the research investment agency? Understand their vision and goals - position your proposal accordingly Carefully read the instructions and program criteria Understand the review criteria - address all aspects and requirements

Considerations for a good proposal Why is your work innovative? What work is being done is this area by others – is it a crowded space? What is its relevance? What market exists and how will it be adopted / commercialized? What is the commitment and capability of your industrial partner to commercialize your work?

A good proposal includes: A clear, concise and compelling abstract – (Clear goals and rationale) Focused objectives and methodologies Clearly articulated technical and industrial merits Demonstrable commitment from the industrial partner

Writing a good proposal Be mindful of your audiences Stay focused and clear in all aspects Have measurable goals and milestones If your proposal raises questions, does it provide plausible answers? Have it reviewed by a peer and a layperson Make sure it is well written, has all required signatures and meets deadlines

Results Being accountable Demonstrating results Building long-term relationships

Research Tools The various research investment agencies and their programs - your tools

CITO Investment Programs A Suite of Complementary Programs Student Internships Research Partnerships Champions of Innovation Tech Readiness Fund Accelerator Pre-seed Fund Entrepreneur Training

Student Internship Program Supports grad students for one year CITO Funds $20k with a matching in-kind and cash contribution from industry ($10k minimum) A good tool to attract or retain students A good tool to begin a relationship with a business – a win – win for all

Research Partnership Program Supports projects usually for 2 years with investment of up to $200k per year Projects should have industrial relevance and are undertaken in collaboration with industry Collaborator is the receptor of the technology In best case scenarios will realize a ROI for all parties

Champions of Innovation Invests in innovative projects that have the potential to result in the next disruptive technology Researchers have a proven track record in innovation and commercialization No Industry partner is required Expected to feed in to commercialization programs

Tech Readiness Program Invests in the commercial development of research results Short term projects, usually no more than 6 months with budgets of $20 – 30k No IP agreements or any other encumbrances Very flexible in terms of how funds can be used

Accelerator Program Invests in start-up or early stage companies that involve a CITO researcher and their work Pre-seed funding of up to $250k invested as a convertible debenture Designed to help get new companies off the ground and secure further financing Converts at the same rate as series A or can be repaid at prime + 1

Entrepreneur Training Benefits researchers interested in developing their business and entrepreneurial skills. Available to CITO-supported researchers and students - past and present Can be used to support participation in appropriate courses and seminars

Tech Transfer and commercialization Licensing and other Tech Transfer services Extensive business and finance network Assist institutions in establishing institutional TT capabilities Assist with the start-up of new companies

Questions ? Five Steps To Effective Research Proposals

Investment Structure Research Project Results: IP owned by its inventor, subject to the policies of the college Colleges can use IP for research and educational purposes The inventor(s) may publish and disclose the IP and research results with written consent of the college, CITO and third party sponsors CITO acts as “commercialization manager” and has right to an exclusive license business partner receives a non-commercial license to use any IP for internal R&D at the start of the project partners develop commercialization plan together at the end of the project business partner has a time-limited exclusive option to negotiate a commercial license Commercial license should ideally result in a return of at least three (3) times CITO’s investment, or a commercially reasonable return