R&D Proof of Concept
R&D Proof of Concept helps reduce the technical and financial risk of pre-commercial research and development (R&D) projects for small- and medium-sized enterprises where R&D is required to realize the commercial potential of innovative products, processes, or services. Target projects are up to 18 months in duration (with a maximum of 1 project per applicant at any point in time).
R&D Proof of Concept funds up to 75% of the eligible ‘out-of-pocket’ costs of early-stage R&D projects, to a maximum non-repayable contribution of $250,000 per project. Eligible activities include incremental, out-of-pocket, project-specific costs such as securing intellectual property and patent protection, materials, R&D personnel salaries, specialized equipment, technical services, access to test facilities and equipment, field trials, project-specific technical expertise, renovations, project-related travel costs, and other costs that support collaborative R&D. In some cases non-incremental (existing) salaries may be eligible for cases in which key project management or lead technical staff are required for the project, however, this exception is limited to no more than two positions and these salaries may only be supported at a contribution rate of up to 50% by RDC.
