LeverageR&D
LeverageR&D is an academic-led program that attracts research and development (R&D) investments in priority areas where the majority of funds are coming from non-provincial, public funding sources. Target sources of funding include: the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE), and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), along with other sources of funding.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible institutions are publicly-funded academic or not-for-profit research institutes and facilities in Newfoundland and Labrador. Private sector and federal government research organizations are ineligible to apply.
Applicants must hold full-time positions for two or more years at an eligible institution.
Eligible Project Costs:
- Capital costs: building renovations, equipment and other R&D-related infrastructure
- Wages and salaries for highly-qualified personnel: researchers, research assistants, graduate student researchers, post-doctoral fellows and technical project managers
- Other direct operating funds related to materials, equipment, and maintenance
Costs incurred prior to receipt of application by RDC are ineligible.
RDC Contribution
LeverageR&D provides up to a maximum of 50 percent of total eligible costs of a specific project, with a maximum RDC investment of $500,000. RDC may consider projects that exceed the maximum contribution where the proposal warrants the investment. Priority consideration will be given to projects with greater leveraging. Preference is given to projects with a direct and indirect leverage ratio of 1:5 (RDC : Non-RDC). Proposed R&D projects must enhance R&D capacity and have significant potential for economic impact in Newfoundland and Labrador. Priority projects are those that align with industry needs and development opportunities. Through the LeverageR&D program, RDC targets investments in the following areas: energy, ocean technology, natural resources (minerals & mining, fisheries, aquaculture, forestry, and agriculture), manufacturing, health and life sciences, and information and communication technologies.
Applicants must also demonstrate that there is a need for RDC’s investment, whether as a requirement of the other funding source or when the total available funds from other sources are not sufficient to execute the project scope.
Project Timelines
The maximum duration of any project is five years. The project must commence within six months of approval, and the start date cannot be earlier that the application receipt date at RDC.
Funding Guidelines Summary
| Assessment | Contribution Rate | Maximum Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Projects should enhance R&D capacity through leveraged funding where the majority of funding is from public sources. Priority projects are those that align with industry needs and development opportunities. | Up to 50% of total eligible project costs | $500,000 |
