Proof of Principle : Phase I (Winter 2015 competition)

The Proof of Principle (POP) Phase I program provides funding for proof of principle research projects of up to 12 months duration designed to advance discoveries/inventions towards commercializable technologies, with a view to attract new investment, create new science-based businesses, organizations and initiatives, and ultimately improve health outcomes for Canadians. Research projects across all four pillars of CIHR are eligible for this program. Note that the end product is not required to generate revenue, but there must be a demonstrated market and opportunity for your product. Applications for the continuation of a research project funded through the POP Phase I grant must progress from Phase I to Phase II.

In order for a research project to be appropriate for POP Phase I, the research should be at the stage where:

• the intellectual property (IP) that needs to be protected (or is protected) has been identified and described;
• the product/process/service, and what will be commercialized have been identified;
• the IP has been subjected to an initial technology assessment.

The goal of the Proof of Principle program is to facilitate and improve the translation of knowledge and technology resulting from academic health research for the benefit of Canadians.

The specific objectives of this funding opportunity are to:

• Provide the opportunity to determine the potential for commercial viability and other opportunities for use of IP;
• Provide the opportunity to enhance and strengthen the value of IP (or IP portfolio);
• Improve the institution and/or researcher’s business prospects and potential for downstream investments on the IP;
• Promote academic health research and technology transfer activities that support and accelerate commercialization of IP;
• Foster an entrepreneurial culture within and around the health research community in Canada;
• Promote economic development through health research in Canada;
• Support the application of health research results to improve the health of Canadians.

Faculty members considering an application to the POP Phase I program are asked to contact the EDI Office far in advance of the deadline.