Overview:
The goal of the Academic Start-Up Fund is to attract and retain high-caliber, early career researchers or researchers new to their role through funding to accelerate the initiation of a research program that will contribute to advancing knowledge and research impact in a ResearchNB priority sector.
Applicants must demonstrate how the hiring of personnel, such as students and research professionals, and/or the purchase of equipment or technology, supports the research program’s development.
By the end of the project, researchers should demonstrate knowledge mobilization activities and a plan to secure diversified funding to sustain the research project.
No leverage is required for this program as it has been designated a 'Seed Fund' for fiscal year 2026-2027 and going forward. Seed Funds will be required to demonstrate future grant capture via a funding map (only required in round 2) and a clear plan for funding sustainability beyond the award period.
Eligibility
An early career researcher (ECR) who is within five years of the date of their first independent research-related appointment and has signed an employment contract within six months of the date of submission of the application with a term of at least two years or;
A full-time researcher or faculty member who is new to their role in New Brunswick and has signed an employment contract within six months of the date of submission of the application with a term of at least two years.
This program is currently:
Open (Closes April 2, 2026)
Funding Program Details
Applications open (1:00pm ADT):
Round 1: February 17, 2026
Round 2: August 4, 2026
Applications close (11:59am ADT):
Round 1: April 2, 2026
Round 2: September 17th, 2026
Anticipated notice of decision date:
Round 1: June 25, 2026
Round 2: December 10, 2026
Award Term:
Up to 2 years
Award Amount:
Up to $60k (max $30k per year)
Leverage:
Seed fund – no leverage required
Eligible Expenses:
Expenses that contribute to advancing the project are eligible.
Please see the Award Guidelines for more details.
Application Process:
Applications for this fund are only accepted through the ResearchNB application portal and are evaluated against the evaluation criteria for this fund.
See our Award Guidelines for an in-depth workflow and explanation of this process.
Award Duration & Reporting:
The award is for a maximum of two years, with an interim status report due at the end of the first year and a final status report due three months after the award end date. These reports are to be completed via the application portal.
Awardees are required to submit 1- and 3-year Impact Reports following the Final Status Report.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every project need to align with the priority sectors listed on the ResearchNB website? The website lists Health, Energy, Forestry, Oceans, and Agriculture, but there are also Advanced Manufacturing, ICT, and Data & AI included in the portal application?
Advanced Manufacturing, ICT, and Data & AI are enabling platforms that support and enhance advancement within the priority sectors. While some funding programs don’t require direct alignment with these sectors, they do require a demonstrated impact on New Brunswick. Within these funding programs, projects that don’t directly address a priority area will be evaluated equally, as long as the impact on New Brunswick is clearly outlined in the application.
Will the Knowledge Translation Grant be available? What funding is available to support the dissemination of research findings with knowledge users?
The Knowledge Translation Grant will not be offered in the upcoming year. After gathering feedback from across the province, we’ve re-designed our programs for 2025-2026 to focus on funding talent, equipment, ideas and strategic projects. However, knowledge translation related costs are eligible expenses under projects funded by ResearchNB.