Business-Led Networks of Centres of Excellence (BL-NCE) encourage the private sector to solve major R&D challenges by drawing on the talent and resources of postsecondary institutions and research organizations. The program funds large-scale collaborative networks, led by not-for-profit industry consortia, which bring a wide range of research expertise to bear on challenges identified by industry.
Business-Led NCEs increase business investments in R&D, help companies grow, add value to products and services, create jobs, increase productivity and develop greener practices by merging academic expertise with the private sector's drive to respond to real-world challenges. Launched in 2007 and made permanent by the government in 2012, the BL-NCE program also supports the training of skilled researchers, and connects the resulting ideas and talent to businesses seeking to bring innovations to market.
Businesses play a hands-on role in the networks' agenda and the design and execution of projects. Matching requirements mean that at least half of each network's research costs are paid by partners. BL-NCEs are unique among federal granting agency programs in that they allow network-funded research to take place at private-sector partners' facilities. The program focuses on five priority research areas:
- Environmental science and technology
- Natural resources and energy
- Health and life sciences and technology
- Information and communications technologies
- Management, business or finance
2014 competition results
As a result of the 2014 BL-NCE competition, the following networks have been awarded funding over five years:
Business-Led Network of Centres of Excellence in Precision Therapeutics
Funding: $15 million
Headquarters: Québec, Quebec
The Business-Led Network of Centres of Excellence in Precision Therapeutics (PreThera Research) will help develop cancer treatments that are increasingly personalized for a particular patient by combining the latest discoveries in cancer biology with a new approach to clinical trials. The network's research program will take advantage of the current understanding that almost all tumours can be divided into smaller groups with a unique biomarker—a molecular signature that can be targeted by a specific drug. A growing database that identifies these biomarkers will make it possible to accelerate the identification of new drugs and to focus clinical trials on the portion of patients with a certain cancer who are most likely to respond to that treatment.
Ultra Deep Mining Network
Funding: $15 million
Headquarters: Sudbury, Ontario
The Ultra Deep Mining Network (UDMN) will help solve critical challenges that affect the international competitiveness of Canadian mining companies. Innovative tools will improve the safety and productivity of ultra-deep mines (deeper than 2.5 km) that produce gold, nickel, copper and other specialized metals. The results of research conducted in deep metal mines will help the oil and gas industry improve its ability to extract hydrocarbons from deep shale deposits. UDMN will also help members commercialize new technologies by offering the members the opportunity to carry out prototyping and testing of new products at actual mine sites. The network's activities will reinforce Canada's position as a leader in deep mining expertise, helping attract international investments in natural resources.
Green Aviation Research & Development Network
Funding: $12 million
Headquarters: Montreal, Quebec
The Green Aviation Research & Development Network (GARDN) helps make the Canadian aerospace industry more sustainable. Working with partner companies that span the full range of aerospace products and services, the network develops environmental technologies and processes that reduce aircraft noise and emissions. GARDN also ensures that companies address the environmental impact of their aircraft, engines and aviation systems throughout the life cycle to effectively reduce the carbon footprint of the aviation sector.
Refined Manufacturing Acceleration Process
Funding: $7.7 million
Headquarters: Toronto, Ontario
The Refined Manufacturing Acceleration Process (ReMAP) network will help Canadian electronics manufacturers compete globally by offering tools to bring innovative products to market faster. Bringing together academic partners, research organizations, and a wide range of companies, the network's R&D projects will focus on developing reliable and environmentally compliant materials such as lead-free solders, smaller and cheaper optical devices, and more efficient solar cells. Sharing resources and knowledge will help the electronics sector lower costs, improve processes and products, and become more environmentally sustainable.
