WorkSafe BC - Innovation | Proof of Principle and Prototyping

Eligibility

Any Canadian resident can apply to Proof and Prototyping as a principal applicant, including workers, employers, and academic researchers. All applicants must propose research topics that align with our research priorities.

Please note the following additional eligibility requirements:

• Academic researchers who are affiliated with a college, university, or research institution may apply, but require industry member collaborations or a non-academic partner on the research team.
• International applicants are not eligible to apply as principal applicants; however, they may participate as co-applicants.
• Full-time employees of WorkSafeBC are not eligible to apply as principal applicants; however, they may participate as co-applicants.

Summary

Proof of Principle and Prototyping is dedicated to research that may lead to novel tools and technology that can be used in workplaces to improve health and safety or work disability. A Proof of Principle and Prototyping project must be in the early stages of development — it may include proof of principle or concept; analytic or laboratory studies; or validation of concepts, tools, and technology.

Projects should not be so advanced that the tool or technology is ready for commercialization. The Government of Canada’s Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) scale is used to determine the maturity level of a technology. TRLs are based on a scale from 1 to 9, with 9 being the most technologically mature. Proof of Principle and Prototyping projects must fit within levels 1 to 6 of the TRLs.

The outcomes from projects in this stream typically include mobile applications, gadgets, prototype tools, software, or novel processes. Examples of research activities include developing, refining, and implementing designs; verifying application; conducting field studies; preparing demonstrations; building prototypes; performing beta testing; piloting a new process amongst workers; and conducting efficacy or safety trials.

Overhead

Ineligible 

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.

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.

WorkSafe BC Submission Instructions 

Please complete your application electronically and save as a Word document (i.e., do not send PDFs). Electronic signatures (digitally drawn or scanned copies of handwritten signatures) are accepted. 

Upload your completed application package to OneDrive by clicking on the following link: 2026 Proof of Principle and Prototyping Application Packages. Please note that once you click "Upload" you will not be able to modify your submission. Please ensure you use the following format to name your file: 2026 P3 Lastname (e.g., 2026 P3 Singh). Limit the file size to 5 MB — larger file sizes will not be accepted. 

Complete applications must be received by the deadline. Late or incomplete application packages will not be accepted. The only materials that will be accepted after the deadline are ethics and biosafety certificates, as required. 

Please email Research Services at resquery@worksafebc.com if you have any issues uploading your files. 

Research Services will acknowledge receipt of all applications by email within two working days.

RESOURCES

Reminder: The sooner the researcher engages with Research Services, the more help we can be!

Contact the following Research Service units for support with:

Projects Involving Indigenous Research:

Support with incorporating wise practices in Indigenous research, community engagement, and Indigenous data management is available through the Indigenous Research Support Team (IRST).

Applicants can reach out by email to IRST at IRST@ucalgary.ca in advance of the RSO internal deadline. For more information about IRST, please visit the IRST webpage.

Knowledge Mobilization, Research Impact Assessment, DORA:

Support for knowledge mobilization/engagement/translation, community partnerships, research impact, responsible research assessment (DORA), and open science, is available through the Knowledge to Impact team.

Applicants can reach out by email to the KI team at knowledge.impact@ucalgary.ca.

For more information and access to resource archives, please visit the KI team webpage.

Research Data Management:

For information on research data management plans, processes, or best practices for your research program, please contact research.data@ucalgary.ca.

EDI in Research:

RSO can provide resources and support to research teams on the integration of equitable and inclusive practices in research design and research practice.

Contact edi.rso@ucalgary.ca for more information.

Research Security:

The Research Security Division is available to ensure researchers adhere to research security guidelines and policies, including the National Security Guidelines for Research Partnerships (NSGRP) and the policy on Sensitive Technology Research and Affiliations of Concern (STRAC).

Visit the Research Security website to learn more or contact researchsecurity@ucalgary.ca.

Pre-Award Submissions:

RMS: Creating a Pre-Award LOI
RMS: Creating a Pre-Award Application