The Brock-Niagara Validating, Prototyping and Manufacturing Institute (VPMI) is offering a boost to the University’s researchers working with Canadian industry partners.

Brock researchers and their partners can apply to the VPMI for up to $20,000 in funding per year for an applied research project, with the partner contributing a minimum $5,000 for the project per year.

“We’re offering this funding as a means for industry to explore partnerships with Brock researchers,” says Associate Professor of Chemistry and VPMI Director Paul Zelisko. “Our hope is that fruitful partnerships will allow teams to apply for larger grants and take research endeavours to the next level.”

The VPMI is a collaborative hub integrating technical expertise and innovation at Brock University with industry partners.

These industry-academia partnerships are cultivated mainly in southern Ontario’s bioproducts, bioscience, bioagriculture and chemical manufacturing sectors. However, the current funding opportunity is for industry partners for any sector or field, says Zelisko.

“The projects funded by this opportunity are like a first date,” he says. “New relationships can make one nervous and the goal of this funding is to facilitate our academic colleagues and their industry partners forming a relationship that focuses on tackling industry-driven challenges.”

Facilitating the research is a suite of state-of-the-art equipment along with training and services to support businesses, from concept development to testing to the launch of new products or processes.

While Brock researchers can apply at any time, the Office of Research Services recommends earlier submissions, as the number of projects to be funded is limited. Projects must have an end date no later than March 31, 2023.

Application forms can be submitted to vpmi@brocku.ca for evaluation by a review committee, which may take up to three weeks. For more information, visit brocku.ca/vpmi or contact Iva Bruhova and Suramya Mihindukulasuriya in the Office of Research Services.