Research and Development

PRAC uses a number of mechanisms to fund R&D projects.

A Research Grant is financial support for an individual, group of individuals, or organization conducting research in a particular subject area or field. The grantee has full responsibility for the conduct of the project. Partial payment is usually made to the grantee in advance of expenditures. In general, there is/are no direct or indirect reimbursement to the principal investigator, no limitations on publication and no specific transfer of results to the sponsor. PRAC Research Grants do not exceed $150,000 and projects are three years or less in duration.

Transfer-to-usability (TTU) projects help bridge the gap between applied research and commercialization by supporting concept or prototype development. TTUs typically arise as the second phase of a research project previously funded by PRAC, but may have also developed outside of PRAC and need assistance in further development toward commercialization. TTU Grants are up to a maximum of $50,000 and projects are typically two years or less in duration.

Joint Industry Projects (JIPs) are characterized by higher cost, complexity, and confidentiality or protection of commercial potential. These projects are usually developed in a collaborative, targeted approach to address specific member needs. Stakeholders provide direct funding and exert more control over the direction of the research, application and distribution of research results. JIPs are typically assessed and funded on an incremental basis by individual subscribers. Projects may last beyond three years.

PRAC has allocated specific funds for Research Grants and Transfer-to-Usability Grants for this Call for Proposals. Grants will be a maximum of $150,000 over three years. PRAC also invites Expressions of Interest for larger Joint Industry Projects in the priority areas. JIPs are not limited, but funding must be linked to business value for any subscribers.