Funding Programs

Knowledge translation research is aimed at moving research discoveries into practical use to improve the health and quality of life of those living with SCI. Relevant research discoveries may result from many different sources, including foundational research or human trials. Thus, knowledge translation research may involve taking foundational research findings and integrating them into the design of clinical studies or may involve taking clinical research findings and incorporating them into clinical, health services and/or public health practices, services or policies. The latter is the focus of this competition as it is more likely to directly affect health outcomes and quality of life of people living with SCI as well as their families and caregivers.

Translational research of greatest interest to this competition is multi-disciplinary, multi-method, and involves knowledge users (individuals or groups that will use or benefit from the research knowledge generated, included but not limited to persons with lived experience of SCI, policymakers, health and/or service providers, professional organizations, and industry partners) to improve the health and quality of life of people living with SCI.

Eligibility

This competition is open to independent researchers or postdoctoral fellows affiliated with the University of Alberta, Calgary or Lethbridge conducting knowledge translation research in the field of SCI in Alberta. Campus Alberta Neuroscience and the Alberta Paraplegic Foundation encourage applicants of diverse backgrounds to apply to this funding opportunity.

Funding and Award Period

A maximum of four SCI knowledge translation research projects will be funded, each for a maximum of 1 year and limited to $25,000. The funding is non-renewable. Awards are contingent on guaranteed matched funding at a minimum of $25,000. The funding of this competition can be further leveraged with Mitacs.

Key Dates

Application Deadline Extension: May 16, 2022 by 5:00 PM MST

Application Review: May 2022 – June 2022

Award Notifications: July 2022 (date is tentative and subject to change)

Are you an entrepreneur in the neuroscience and mental health field in search of funding?

Campus Alberta Neuroscience (CAN) is pleased to announce its Entrepreneurship Seed Grant for 2021. The Entrepreneurship Seed Grant is a foundational pillar of CAN’s Entrepreneurship Program that provides funding and collaborative support for early-stage innovation projects with solutions that address neuroscience and mental health related challenges in Alberta.

This unique program is designed to help early-stage founders/researchers to scale their innovation/company by providing financial support and access to CAN’s extensive network of over 1,000 members including founders, industries, consultants, partners and investors.

Funding ranges between $5,000 – $30,000 CAD. All 2021 Entrepreneurship Seed Grant applicants will automatically be eligible for consideration of additional programs, including a consultation with Campus Alberta Neuroscience, mentorship, matching funding opportunities, educational opportunities, and other commercialization and entrepreneurial support through CAN and its partner organizations.

The proposed project must have a compelling plan for the creation of a product or service (e.g., devices, therapeutics, software, etc.) with a demonstrated application to impact neuroscience and/or mental health fields. Funding can be used to cover costs related to advancing/growing your innovation/company, including:

• Product development
• Access to commercialization support (legal experts, economic development or marketing expertise, web development, etc.)
• Running a demonstration project
• Support for scaling up of production/commercialization

For complete details, please see the Entrepreneurship Seed Grant Guidelines. We encourage each applicant to download the Reference Document and develop their responses before completing the application form as you will not be able to save during the submission process.

If you are interested in applying to this program and require further information, please contact us at [email protected] with the subject line “Entrepreneurship Seed Grant”.

Click here to start your application.

Key Dates

Application Opens: May 3, 2021
Application Deadline: June 30, 2021 by 12:00 PM MST (noon)
Elevator Pitch Sessions: July 27 and 28, 2021 (afternoon)
Notice of Decision: Week of August 2, 2021 (date is tentative and subject to change)

See some of the work from our past entrepreneurship seed grant recipients:

There is a thriving entrepreneur culture in Neuroscience across the province. However, there exists a challenge of both knowledge and awareness of how to launch new companies and succeed in this competitive environment.

The goal of the CAN Entrepreneur Consultation Program is to bridge the gap between research, commercialization and translation. The aim is to ensure that each neuroscientist has access to the plethora of resources available within the province. CAN will seek to build collaboration between researchers and companies and organizations, while providing education alongside this program with a series of entrepreneur focused workshops.

This could include support with business plan development, legal and intellectual property advice, financing, or a myriad of other aspects. The program will not provide direct funding from CAN or angel investors but, rather, acts as a catalyst to connect neuroscience entrepreneurs with commercialization resources, contacts and information.

Entrepreneurs will have access to:

• A free 1-hour consultation
• A targeted and individual assessment of needs
• A plan for moving their innovation forward
• Connections to organizations, people and areas of exploration

HOW TO APPLY

To submit a application for consultation please fill out this form.