Unifying projects

Federative thematic team research projects

Goals

To provide ReSMiQ members with financial support for the start-up of innovative projects, in order to create critical masses of researchers in research themes identified as priorities for the advancement of knowledge and the promotion of members' expertise, all in keeping with ReSMiQ's mission.

A concomitant objective is the training of highly qualified personnel in promising research areas.

More specifically, the purpose of this start-up fund is to support the training of teams of members who will work on the development of major research projects and submit a grant application to federal or provincial granting agencies, such as NSERC, FRQNT or other equivalent organizations. In the applications, ReSMiQ will be mentioned as a Collaborating Research Centre that will support the projects and provide logistical support within the limits of its capabilities.

1. Priority themes

For the year 2024-2025, the projects to be funded must fall within one of the following themes:

1. Microsystems for artificial intelligence (e.g., optimized AI methods, custom AI accelerators, neuromorphic systems)
2. Embedded microsystems (SoC, EDA, IoT for Industry 4.0, Telecommunications, etc.)
3. Integrated biomedical circuits and systems for precision medicine (sensors, implants, devices, signal and image processing, embedded AI) or other healthcare applications
4. Printed electronics (e.g., methods, supplies, hybrid systems)
5. Embedded AI for autonomous vehicles, precision agriculture, the food industry or environmental monitoring
6. Energy Harvesting and Management for Autonomous Systems
7. Quantum systems

2. Eligibility conditions

To be eligible for this financial support competition, candidates must meet the following conditions:

• Co-applicants must be regular or associate members of ReSMiQ, including at least one regular member;
• The formed group must include at least three (3) co-applicants from two (2) or more member institutions;
• The start-up support offered must lead to a grant application to NSERC, FRQNT or another equivalent funding agency. ReSMiQ will offer the services of a research agent, if necessary.
• Only regular members can act as principal applicant, in accordance with FRQNT rules.
• Members may only submit one application as lead applicant in any one competition.
• Teams to which financial assistance is granted must submit a detailed statement detailing the breakdown of the amount received, in accordance with FRQNT rules.
• In the case of a project involving members of other strategic groups of the FRQNT, they must be co-researchers within their group.

3. Assessment

An evaluation committee will be established to assess applications according to the following criteria:

• Team composition: The team composition must include members whose affiliation promotes the greatest possible diversity in terms of ReSMiQ partner institutions and expertise.
• scientific merit (10/50): The project must be scientifically sound and generate new knowledge or apply existing knowledge in an innovative way.
•  Project work plan (10/50): The project must have a clear and coherent work plan demonstrating a high probability of achieving the objectives within the proposed timeframe. The proposal must explain how the support obtained from ReSMiQ will enable the application for an appropriate grant from NSERC, FRQNT or any other equivalent organization.
• Research Skill (10/50): The research team must have the necessary expertise to meet the defined objectives and complete the project. Academic expertise can be complemented by the know-how of potential industrial partners.

• Expected Impacts and Repercussions (10/50): The proposal must indicate how the research will benefit the economy, health, the environment, or other users within a reasonable timeframe. A tangible impact and benefits to the ReSMiQ's outreach must be demonstrated. The participation of industrial partners will be considered.
• Contribution to the training of highly qualified personnel (10/50): The proposal must highlight the research training of the students who will be involved in the project.

4. Characteristics of financial support

• The maximum amount granted will be 25,000 $ for one year;
• The funds can be used for any type of expense authorized by the FRQNT (Common general rules FRQNT).

5. Report

The team for each approved project will be required to provide a progress report six (6) months after receiving ReSMiQ funds, then a final report and a copy of the final grant application twelve (12) months after receiving the funds.

• Progress Report: This report must be submitted six (6) months after funding has been received. Only pages 1 and 2 of the provided form (see links below) are required for this report.
• Final Report: This report must be submitted twelve (12) months after obtaining the funds. This involves completing page 3 of the provided form (see links below) accompanied by a copy of the grant application related to the project.
• Form in format PDF And DOCX.

6. Preparing the application

All files must be properly assembled and submitted using the following form:
Form – ReSMIQ Start-up Financial Support

1. General information page providing the following information:

• Project title;
• Name and affiliation of each co-applicant;
• Name of the final funding body and program intended to support the project;
• Number and roles of graduate students that will be mentioned in the final grant application;
• Preliminary budget of planned expenditure;

      2. Description of the project (max. 2 pages, single-spaced, 10 points). All evaluation criteria must be clearly addressed. The text must be presented in the three (3) sections provided:

• Project description and work plan;
• Expertise and complementarity of the team;
• Expected impacts and benefits. 

7. Application submission schedule

        Applications must reach the ReSMiQ administrative offices no later than July 14, 2021.
        Applications must be submitted online via the file repository, by selecting
        " Collaborative Research Support Program ».

For any information requests, please contact the ReSMiQ coordinator.

Eric Legua, Coordinator
Tel.: 514 340-4711 ext. 5225
Email: eric.legua@resmiq.org