Funding Opportunities

The following funding list was gathered by the Technology Transfer Office with a purpose to advance and accelerate research and inventions. There may be overlap with programs handled by the Strategic Research Programs & Special Projects office, please check with them on whether they can assist with reviewing and filing for the opportunity first before requesting input from the TTO.

Ontario Institute for Cancer Research Cancer Therapeutics Innovation Pipeline  This funding supports projects that have a cancer target of interest (TOI) and initial validation (Early Validation Project) and have robust translational evidence that a TOI is associated with a specific cancer type. Perturbation of TOI in relevant cancer cell models produce anti-cancer effects that are sufficient to trigger a drug discovery program (Early Accelerator Project).  

Mitacs Accelerate  This opportunity provides funding for research partnerships between industry, a supervising professor and an intern (graduates, post-docs).   

Multiple Sclerosis Canada Discovery Research Grant  

  • Intended to support research operations that will help generate new scientific knowledge and improve the health and quality of life of people affected by MS. 
  • Welcomes applications that are fundamental as well as applied studies, nonclinical or clinical in nature, including projects in patient management, care and rehabilitation. 

Multiple Sclerosis Canada Catalyst Research Grant  

  • This funding allows researchers to develop and test new and innovative research questions and pursue pioneering approaches that have high potential to advance the MS field. 

Brain Canada and ALS Society of Canada Discovery Grant 2024  

  • The grant invests in projects: 
  • Focused on identifying causes of, or treatments for ALS and/or related neurological diseases, including primary lateral sclerosis, progressive muscular dystrophy, and ALS/FTLD (frontotemporal lobar dementia) 
  • Focused on avenues to maximize function, minimize disability and optimize quality of life through symptom management, and support to persons or families living with ALS. Examples include, but are not limited to, management of secretions and cramps, psychological interventions to address mental health issues, nutritional interventions, respiratory care, engineering applications to reduce physical limitations, and programs to address the needs of caregivers. 

Heart and Stroke Research Grant-in-Aid  

  • The GIA program provides operating funds to support important pertinent, novel research in areas of heart disease and/or stroke. 

Canadian Cancer Society Disruptive Innovation Grants  

  • This opportunity supports preliminary research to establish proof of principle in novel concepts and approaches with the potential to revolutionize cancer prevention, detection and treatment.  

Canadian Cancer Society Breakthrough Team Grant  

  • This funding aims to  bring together teams of scientist, clinicians, patient partners and knowledge users from across disciplines to work synergistically and ‘think big’ to address important gaps in cancer research. 
  • The objectives are 2 fold: 

Theme 1 To develop a better understanding of the biology and mechanisms associated with cancer cell dormancy. 

Theme 2 To better support people living with advanced or metastatic disease throughout the course of their disease. 

Epilepsy Canada Take Flight Award  

  • This award promotes career of young researchers, research that involves collaboration and a multidisciplinary approach is desirable. 

Epilepsy Canada Cure Epilepsy Award  

  • This award reflects CURE Epilepsy’s continued focus on scientific advances that have the potential to truly transform the lives of those affected by epilepsy, with prevention and disease modification as critical goals. 

Breast Cancer Canada Neoadjuvant Equity and Outcomes Research Matching Grants  

  • BCC has joined forces with Astrazeneca Canada to offer two collaborative grants focused on advancing research in new concepts to improve the equity of uptake, experience, and outcomes from neo-adjuvant therapy (NACT) in early-stage breast cancer. The new partnership was formed to drive progress in care for early stage breast cancer patients. 
  • The funding is available to Canadian research teams, 1 Western Canada, 1 Eastern Canada, who are developing novel programs to improve accessible referrals for neoadjuvant therapy in early-stage breast cancer and report on clinical and patient reported outcomes. 

Breast Cancer Canada Precision Oncology Research Grants  

  • BCC’s Scientific Advisory Board work as one to drive excellence in Canadian breast cancer research and leadership. How? By identifying, collaborating with, and funding groups and individuals. Specifically, those that are supporting our four pillars in precision oncology research. The pillars that bring us closer to earlier detection amd better management. 
  • BCC’s research focuses on precision oncology that deliver individualized treatment models. The projects it funds across Canada accelerate the transition from standard approaches for breast cancer treatment, to the new age of personalized medicine. 

Alzheimer Society Research Program  

  • Doctoral Award – An opportunity for promising individuals pursuing a PhD to begin the process of becoming future independent investigators in the field of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Must be within 18 months of starting PhD program; within 36 months of starting PhD program if it is a direct entry from bachelor’s to PhD. 
  • Postdoctoral Award – Graduates with a PhD or MD who wish to gain additional research experience within an established research environment. Must be within 18 months after obtaining a PhD-can be extended if there are exceptional circumstances. 
  • New Investigator Operating Grant – Designed to help launch the careers of outstanding researchers who are within the first 6 years of initial faculty position. Must be within the first 6 years of initial faculty position. 
  • Proof of Concept Grant – Designed to fund established researchers in conducting innovative high-risk and high-reward approaches to dementia research. Please do not submit existing hypotheses. Must hold a faculty position within a Canadian university or affiliated institution.  

Arthritis Society of Canada – Ignite Innovation Grants  

  • The program provides funding to support research proposals aligned with Arthritis Society Canada’s priority focus areas. See Arthritis Society Canada’s Strategic Plan 2020-2025: Accelerating Impact. 
  • The Ignite Innovation projects are based on “high risk” ideas that have a strong potential for “high reward.” 

Arthritis Society of Canada – Strategic Operating Grants  

  • The Strategic Operating Grant (SOG) program provides funding to support research proposals aligned with Arthritis Society Canada’s Strategic Plan 2020-2025: Accelerating Impact. 
  • Applicants must focus on innovative research efforts in the following priority areas: Arthritis pain research, Osteoarthritis (OA) research, Inflammatory arthritis research, Childhood arthritis research, Work related research 

Canadian Hearing Services – CHS Global Partnerships for Research & Innovation  

  • Seeks projects that are relevant and significantly impactful in breaking down barriers to participation for Deaf and hard of hearing individuals and their families. 
  • Areas of focus includes Hearing Health, Hearing Science, Deaf Studies and Quality of Life. 

Crohns and Colitis – Innovations in IBD research & Grants-in-aid of research  

Grants-in-aid 

  • The GIA program supports research projects directly related to IBD that are aligned with Crohn’s and Colitis Canada’s Promise and strategic directions. 

Innovations in IBD research 

  • Crohn’s and Colitis Canada invites applications for an Innovations Grant, to fund novel or innovative approaches to IBD research. This grant is intended to stimulate and support research which may not be encompassed within the boundaries of traditional medical research. Research proposals must conform to sound principles of research and may aim to collect pilot data for follow-on application(s). Our organization seeks mission relevance and excellence as well as innovation.

Many pharma and industry partners run funding and collaboration programs within their specific areas of interest throughout the year. As the requirements and eligibility of such programs change constantly, we encourage reviewing the industry partner’s site for partnering opportunities or if you have specific questions related to any of the programs below, please contact the TTO.