Ontario-China Research and Innovation Fund (OCRIF)

Round Two Call for Proposals: Now Open to Applications

The Ministry of Economic Development and Innovation (MEDI) has launched the second Call for Proposals under the Ontario-China Research and Innovation Fund and is now accepting applications. The deadline for receipt of applications is May 31, 2012, 5 p.m E.S.T.

About the Fund

The Ontario government and the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) of the People’s Republic of China have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote scientific, technological and industrial research and commercialization cooperation.

The two jurisdictions have committed $5 million each, for a total of $10 million over five years (2011-2015), to create the Ontario-China Research and Innovation Fund (OCRIF), which supports collaborative projects between researchers and innovative companies in Ontario and China.

In the current round, Ontario and MOST will jointly invest up to $1 million each to support strategic bilateral research collaborations.

The call for proposals accepts projects focusing on the following four research themes:

• Water and water-related technologies
• Neuroscience
• Hydrogen Fuel Cells NEW
• Stem Cells NEW

Tips for Applicants

• Focus on projects in the above-named areas that will offer significant benefits for both Ontario and China.
• Review the Program Guidelines (HTML, Word - 323KB).
• Recruit a dedicated project team, including a lead China partner and at least one Ontario-based private sector partner.
• Consult Dr. Bruce Mitchell’s Insider’s Guide to Applying to OCRIF article and other related posts on the Ministry’s blog for useful tips.
• Remind your China partner to apply for funding through MOST (please see OCRIF Program Guidelines for further details).

Applying to the Fund

Deadline: May 31, 2012, 5 p.m. E.S.T.

MEDI and MOST will conduct parallel application processes. For detailed information, please refer to the program guidelines.

Program Guidelines (HTML, Word - 358KB)
Application Form (Word - 509KB)
Budget Template Forms (Excel - 74KB)
Conflict of Interest Agreement for Expert Reviewers (Word - 200KB)

If you have questions about the program, please contact:

Sandy He-Easton
Tel: 416-212-4545
Email: Sandy.He-Easton@ontario.ca