Frequently Asked Questions at TECTERRA
How do I apply for funding from TECTERRA?
TECTERRA released its first Call for Proposals on June 7, 2010, for innovative commercialization and applied research and development projects in Geomatics for Integrated Resource Management (IRM).
Call For Proposals
Call For Proposals
What are the different programs TECTERRA offers?
TECTERRA has designed a suite of investment programs to achieve its goals and objectives through:
- Funding and support of geomatics commercialization projects.
- Funding and support of the attraction, development and retention of highly qualified professionals in geomatics engineering and business management.
- Extending other funding and support opportunities from other sources to TECTERRA’s partners.
What are the different commercialization programs TECTERRA offers?
TECTERRA has designed a suite of investment programs to achieve its goals and objectives through the funding and support of geomatics commercialization projects through direct partnerships with:
- Canadian Industry Projects – open to all Canadian geomatics companies leading the development of a geomatics product and/or service addressing a specific market need and application.
- Alberta University Research Groups – open to all Alberta research groups in collaboration with national or international industry partners for the development of a geomatics product and/or service addressing a specific market need and application.
- Canadian Resource Sector Projects – open to all Canadian geomatics companies and Alberta research groups generating product and/or service solutions addressing specific resource development and management challenges in Canada.
What are the different HQP placement programs TECTERRA offers?
TECTERRA works with its industry, university and government partners to support the attraction, development and retention of highly qualified professionals in geomatics engineering and business management through a number of programs:
- Indirect funding of HQP placement in Canadian geomatics companies as part TECTERRA’s funding of commercialization projects.
- Direct funding of HQP placement into geomatics companies across Canada.
- Direct funding of internship business and technology/engineering students into geomatics companies across Canada.
- Industry-Research workshops introducing university HQP candidates across to industry partners.
Are university research groups eligible to apply for funding from TECTERRA’s industry-targeted CFP?
Yes, through a qualified industry partner. TECTERRA’s commercialization programs are aimed at facilitating the introduction of geomatics innovation to the market where it makes a difference in efficiently and effectively managing our resources. University research programs offer a wealth of leading edge technology ripe for commercialization through direct partnerships with industry. The industry partner is eligible to apply for TECTERRA’s industry funding as the Lead Project Partner.
Are Canadian companies eligible to apply for funding from TECTERRA’s applied research-targeted CFP?
Yes, through a qualified Alberta university research group. TECTERRA’s commercialization programs are aimed at facilitating the introduction of geomatics innovation to the market where it makes a difference in efficiently and effectively managing our resources. Canadian industry is the channel through which such innovation will make it to market. The Alberta university research group is eligible to apply for TECTERRA’s applied research funding as the Lead Project Partner.
When will TECTERRA’s applied research-targeted CFP will be issued for Alberta research groups to apply?
TECTERRA is currently discussing with the universities of Alberta, Calgary and Lethbridge a funding agreement whereby TECTERRA will be able to directly fund applied research programs leading to commercialization with a definitive business plan through an industry or government partner. TECTERRA expects to finalize such agreements and issue a CFP for Alberta research groups in early Fall 2010. Stay tuned.
How often will TECTERRA issue a commercialization CFP?
TECTERRA intends to issue CFPs on a regular basis to extend the value and the impact of its programs as long as possible throughout the its funding period from funding partners. It is anticipated that each commercialization funding program will be available through 1-2 CFPs per year.
Is infrastructure/capital expenditure allowed as part of funded projects by TECTERRA?
No. TECTERRA’s funding is strictly intended for project-specific development expenses including project-related labor charges, prototyping costs and other development expenses. Due to the longer life span of infrastructure and capital equipment, TECTERRA’s funding may only be applied towards project-specific utilization costs of such equipment. TECTERRA’s funding is not intended for corporate development.
Will TECTERRA seek Intellectual Property (IP) rights to technology generated from funded projects?
No. TECTERRA’s mission is to generate economic value for Canada through the facilitation of commercialization activities in the geomatics industry. TECTERRA is looking for fast-paced commercialization programs that launch new innovation into the market with minimum delay and commercial complexity.
Will TECTERRA seek equity in companies receiving commercialization funds?
No. TECTERRA is not seeking nor will it accept equity offers in any corporate entity.
What are the accepted financial models between TECTERRA and the funded entities?
Aside from corporate equity, which TECTERRA will not accept, the financial arrangement between TECTERRA and the funded entities is kept as flexible as possible and up to the creativity of the funded agency in its proposal. TECTERRA is a non-profit organization. Notwithstanding, TECTERRA is looking for sustainability opportunities to be able to extend its mission as far out as possible to continue to support Canadian industry and applied research initiatives. Therefore, TECTERRA will evaluate proposals primarily based on the economic value generated at large and only partly on the financial return to TECTERRA. Models like royalty payments, loan payback and other simple financial models are being entertained. While TECTERRA’s funding is not a free grant, it should not be confused with a loan or a line of credit per se. The financial return for TECTERRA is only predicated upon the success of its respective partner and is expected to be balanced with the overall commercial and innovative value of the project.
What are TECTERRA’s expectations from the royalty payments, if it is industry partner’s financial model of choice?
TECTERRA is very flexible and that is why we do not specify the model. We keep the model details for the partner to propose concerning the amount of royalty payment, the royalty period, the overall cap, the treatment of derivative products, etc. TECTERRA is a nonprofit organization and what we are interested in is the overall economic value created for the partners, the province and the country. With your success, we would like to enjoy some level of financial return to help with our sustainability, which is intended to not be at all as demanding as standard financing or loan models.
Will TECTERRA have any lien rights to the intellectual property created?
No. TECTERRA’s mission is to generate economic value for Canada through the facilitation of commercialization activities in the geomatics industry. TECTERRA is looking for fast-paced commercialization programs that launch new innovation into the market with minimum delay and commercial complexity. We are specifically and intentionally staying out of the IP ownership model. We believe that university and industry partners bring the most value to their programs and we will let them share IP ownership amongst themselves under whatever arrangement they choose. We will not seek or accept any rights to corporate equity or IP. Additionally, we only expect a modest financial return upon the success of the project.
How will TECTERRA handle the confidentiality of the projects and partners’ business?
Preliminary CFP responses (i.e. Expression of Interest – EOI) are required to be submitted under non-confidential basis. These responses will be reviewed by TECTERRA’s Business and Technical Advisory Committees fro around academia and industry. Once a project is selected, confidential discussions will take place between TECTERRA’s management and the applicant to develop the definitive agreement. All confidential information before, during and after the project will be handled to legal and industry standards. Confidential discussions can be had with TECTERRA’s management at any time in support of your application.
What is an Alberta Ingenuity Centre?
The Centers program is one of Alberta’s key innovation tools. The Centers currently in operation in Alberta are creating new global market opportunities, solving global health problems and answering Alberta’s energy needs for a sustainable future. The collaborative hubs are fully integrated into Alberta’s universities, training Alberta’s top students, working with local and international industry partners, and providing a strong platform for Alberta’s next generation economy. www.albertainnovates.ca
What is an NCE CECR?
An NCE CECR is a Centre of Excellence in Commercialization and Research, funded by Canada’s Networks of Centres of Excellence program. www.nce-rce.gc.ca
The goal of the NCE CECR program is to create internationally recognized centres of commercialization and research expertise in four priority areas in order to deliver economic, social and environmental benefits to Canadians
The CECR program’s goal is accomplished by investing in research and commercialization centres that yield the following benefits:
The goal of the NCE CECR program is to create internationally recognized centres of commercialization and research expertise in four priority areas in order to deliver economic, social and environmental benefits to Canadians
The CECR program’s goal is accomplished by investing in research and commercialization centres that yield the following benefits:
- Create sufficient scale and focus to position Canada at the forefront of international research breakthroughs that will yield economic, social or environmental benefits to Canadians;
- Create, grow and retain companies in Canada that are able to capture new markets with breakthrough innovations;
- Draw on existing research and commercialization strength, infrastructure, networks and funding sources to enhance capacity;
- Attract and retain top talent including post-graduate and post-doctoral students from around the world and including internationally recognized business leaders;
- Provide high quality post-graduate and post-doctoral training in innovative and internationally competitive research;
- Strengthen domestic collaboration to address significant research challenges and ensure that benefits spill over to a wide array of firms, sectors and regions of the country;
- Open up new opportunities for Canadian researchers and firms to access world-class research equipment, facilities and networks;
- Develop relationships with major international centres and research programs;
- Accelerate the commercialization of leading edge technologies, goods, services in priority areas where Canada can significantly advance its competitive advantage;
- Attract investment (including foreign direct investment and venture capital); and
- Brand Canada as the host of internationally recognized centres of excellence in commercialization of research results
When is TECTERRA’s annual meeting?
TECTERRA held its Annual General Meeting on June 15, 2010 in Calgary. Our Annual Report will be available for download on this site on July 23, 2010.
If you have any questions that you don't see answered here, please contact us at info@TECTERRA.com
