In2novation - Accelerating Innovation in Health

Eligibility

• The project must involve at least one French partner and one Canadian partner.
• One of the partners must be from the private sector (start-up, company, innovation centre) while the other must be from the academic sector.
• The partners must submit an innovative R&D project with tangible health sector outcomes.
• Applicants must present a roadmap and budget.
• Projects must have a technology readiness level (TRL) between 2 and 7.

Summary

Created in 2020, In2novation is a France-Canada innovation program funded by the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research (MESR) and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED). Its mission is to foster synergies between the French and Canadian innovation ecosystems to accelerate the development of innovative and technological solutions to global challenges.

In2novation is launching a call for projects to support research and development (R&D) collaborations between France and Canada in health technologies (health tech). This call is open to innovative start-ups and research laboratories looking to develop cutting-edge solutions with strong societal impact.

Context

This call for projects is part of the France-Canada dialogue on research, led by the France-Canada Joint Committee on Science, Technology, and Innovation. It aligns with the activities of the Health Research Working Group, co-led by Udice (France) and U15 (Canada).

Objectives of the call for projects

• Foster synergies between the French and Canadian innovation ecosystems.
• Accelerate the development of health tech solutions by facilitating strategic collaborations.
• Support the funding of R&D projects in the health sector.

Priority Themes

Submitted projects must be in one or more of the following areas:

• New methodologies and technological approaches for improving healthcare and developing innovative therapies and biotherapies.
• Artificial intelligence and diagnostics: Developing AI-based tools to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of medical diagnostics.
• Production processes and development: Using data-driven approaches to accelerate bringing new solutions to market (e.g., clinical trials).
• Telemonitoring and digital health: Developing connected tools for remote patient monitoring and improved care management.

Financement et accompagnement

• $25,000 CAD to support each collaboration.
• In2novation facilitates the development of new collaborations between researchers and innovative companies.
• The In2novation network enhances project visibility and supports internationalization.

Application deadlines

RSO detailed review deadline

RSO final internal review deadline

Program application deadline

NOTE: Consult your Faculty Associate Dean (Research) (ADR) regarding Faculty-specific deadlines and submission processes.

Principal Investigators: Complete a Research Management System (RMS) record, including a copy of your complete application, and submit this for approvals in RMS.

Postdocs, students, and trainees: For fellowships and externally-sponsored research training awards or opportunities, you must complete the Research Funding Application Approval (RFAA) Trainee PDF form, and submit it, along with a complete copy of the application, to Research Services at rsotrainee@ucalgary.ca. Trainees should not use RMS at this time.

Approvals: The University of Calgary requires that all funding applications be approved prior to submission. Approval requires signatures via either RMS or the RFAA Trainee form, in the following order:

• Principal Investigator
• Department Head
• Faculty ADR/Dean
• Research Services (on behalf of the Vice-President Research)

Read the Meaning of Grant Signatures policy to understand what your approval means. Please see the agency guidelines for details about which signatures are required on your application, as it may differ from internal requirements.

Late submissions: Late submissions will only be accepted in cases of medical or family emergencies, or other exceptional circumstances. If you submit your RMS record to Research Services after the internal deadline has passed, you must secure additional approvals. Please read: Late Applications Process.

Timeline & application process

• Deadline for project submission by companies: April 30, 2025
• Rounds of introductions to match potential partners (companies + reserch groups) and submission of joint applications : July 30, 2025
• Announcement of selected projects: September 15, 2025
• Launch of funded projects: October 1, 2025

Important notes:
The company must submit an initial expression of interest.
The final application must be submitted by the startup and the research group team once formed.
The grant will be awarded to the academic partner, who will manage the funds.