Eligibility Criteria

All academic and research organizations in New Brunswick can apply for funding under the RIF. All disciplines are considered, with emphasis placed on those that fit with the foundation’s strategic industries. Applications that can demonstrate value-added relationships with the private sector are encouraged. Proposals must meet the minimum requirements of each project type, as explained in the sections: emerging projects, start-up grants, concept validation, and innovation capacity development initiatives.

Proposals of all components of the RIF are additionally evaluated according to the following criteria:

• Scientific and technical merit
• Track record of the principal and collaborating researchers
• Potential for innovation and economic impact on New Brunswick
• Capacity to execute the project
• Extent of contributions by other funding sources and organizations
• Quality of partnerships and collaborations, where applicable
• Expected contribution of students, where applicable

In some cases, in order to receive funding, the foundation may request specific rights and privileges, including, but not limited to, the right of first refusal on future investments, and the option to convert its financial contribution into equity if a commercial venture or business entity is created as a result of the project.