National Research Council Launches Challenge to Manufacturers
April 8, 2020Cornwall Ontario – The National Research Council of Canada is looking for made in Canada alternative solutions for the industrial production of efficient filtration material to be used for manufacturing N95 respirators and surgical masks. Companies able to meet the challenge could receive up to $6 million in funding.
The Covid-19 pandemic has created an unprecedented surge in demand for personal protective equipment (PPE), with emphasis on surgical masks and N95 respirators, resulting in a global shortage of finished product and raw material, and a resultant spike in prices.
The Government is pursuing a multi-prong strategy to ensure that Canadians have the equipment they need, including N95 respirators. This includes an aggressive international procurement effort to source masks from reputable suppliers abroad. It also includes the development of permanent and significant domestic production capacity so that Canadians can be assured of availability from Canadian suppliers.
As an additional element of this comprehensive strategy of leaving no stone unturned, the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) is seeking alternative solutions for the industrial production of efficient filtration material entirely sourced and manufactured in Canada, to be used for manufacturing of surgical masks and N95 respirators. These alternative solutions could potentially further increase the security of supply for Canadians.
The Challenge
The National Research Council of Canada is seeking alternative solutions for the industrial production of efficient filtration materials to be used for the manufacturing of surgical masks and N95 respirators ensuring full protection against exposure to airborne particles and fluid hazards for healthcare personnel. The solutions must be entirely sourced and manufactured in Canada.
The awarded company could receive up to $1M for Phase 1 (7 days) and up to $5M for Phase 2 (4 weeks).
- Opening date: April 7, 2020
- Closing date: April 13, 2020, 14:00 Eastern Daylight Time
Prospective applicants should refer to the Innovative Solutions Canada Grant Instructions and Procedures document.
Additional Resources
- Canadian Manufacturers needed to help combat Covid-19
- Plan to Mobilize Industry
- https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2020/03/additional-support-for-canadian-businesses-from-the-economic-impact-of-covid-19.html
- Ontario Together Fund
We summarize the latest news about the impacts of COVID-19 on Cornwall businesses on a daily basis. Click on the following link to view: