Under the Canada-India Agreement for Scientific and Technological Cooperation aimed at fostering joint Research and Development (R&D) projects, the two sides will launch R&D projects in all areas of biotechnology including life sciences and medical devices.

The Ontario-India programme has now called for proposals for collaborative projects with a view to develop innovative products and products, especially in the life science and medical devices sectors.

“It aims to stimulate innovative R&D projects (engaging small-to-medium-sized companies and/or larger, well established firms) that address a specific market need or challenge; demonstrate high industrial relevance and commercial potential; and aim to deliver benefit to all participants, and more broadly, to both nations. These projects help participants to become more competitive by developing global research-based alliances with the potential to foster increased or expanded international R&D collaboration,” said the note from the Department of Biotechnology.

The projects will be delivered through the DBT on the Indian side and International Science and Technology Partnerships Canada (ISTPCanada), a non-governmental organization selected by the Ministry of Research and Innovation (MRI), Government of Ontario on the Canadian side. In Ontario (Canada), ISTPCanada is responsible for the implementation of the Ontario/India Collaborative Research Fund, which directly supports four goals established by the Government of Ontario.

Researchers and managers of Indian companies, academic institutions, research hospitals or other R&D institutions (including not-for-profit research institutes recognized by DBT) have been asked to send in the expression of interest.

The projects, with a duration upto 24 months, must be innovative and market-driven, leading to the proposed development of a new product or process leading to commercialization. Selected Ontario (Canada)-India R&D project participants will receive funding from MRI in Canada and DBT in India. Funds will be provided in accordance with the national laws, rules, regulations and procedures established by each organization, and/or each jurisdiction/country.

“As the proportion of Canadian and Indian project costs will vary by project, participants from Ontario, Canada are eligible to receive up to a maximum of 50 per cent of approved Ontario/Canadian costs for the bilateral R&D project, to a maximum of CDN $300,000. All successful projects will have at least 50 per cent industry R&D component. In India, publicly funded academic and research organizations are eligible to receive up to 100 per cent of their approved Indian project costs as a non-repayable grant to a maximum of CDN $300,000. Private companies are eligible to receive up to 50 per cent of approved Indian project costs as grants and/or soft loan that is repayable upon the completion of the R&D project,” the official note said.