Overview:
Under the Ideas Pillar, the Ideas Advancement Fund invests in early-stage research with the potential to advance knowledge and catalyze impact across one or more priority and/or enabling sectors. The program supports researchers to explore early-stage ideas - from fundamental scientific inquiry to the development and validation of early prototypes.
We’re looking for projects that bring news ideas to address existing challenges in a New Brunswick priority sector. Successful proposals will showcase a solid pathway to innovation that strengthens research outcomes and supports the long-term success, scalability, and sustainability of the work.
By the end of the project, researchers are expected to demonstrate how their findings have the potential to be mobilized, commercialized, or positioned to shape future research, policy, or innovation within a priority sector. Projects are expected to include a funding roadmap and a clear plan for scaling the research beyond the project period.
No leverage is required for this program as it has been designated a Seed Fund for fiscal year 2026-2027. Seed Funds aim to build capacity for long-term research investment in New Brunswick. Accordingly, projects will be required to demonstrate potential for future grant capture via a funding roadmap and a clear plan for funding sustainability beyond the award period.
Eligibility
Applicants must be researchers at one of the eligible research institutions listed in the Award Guidelines.
This program is currently:
Closed (Opens September 8, 2026)
Funding Program Details
Applications open (1:00pm ADT):
September 8, 2026
Applications close (11:59am ADT):
November 19, 2026
Anticipated notice of decision date:
February 4, 2027
Award Term:
Up to 2 years
Award Amount:
Up to $50k
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 the Award Guidelines for an in-depth workflow and explanation of this process.
Award Duration & Reporting:
The award is for a maximum of two (2) years, with an interim report due after the first year and a final status report due three months after the award end date. Awardees are required to submit 1- and 3-year Impact Reports following the Final Status Report. The reports are to be completed via the application portal.
For an explanation of our policy on extensions, see the Award Guidelines.
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.
Who can apply for funding from ResearchNB?
We have a list of eligible universities, colleges, and research institutes listed on our Award Guidelines page HERE