Many Canadian businesses want to test products, validate technology, or build new intellectual property (IP) in Northern and remote conditions—but don’t know where to start. Aurora College in the Northwest Territories (NWT) offers research partnerships that give businesses access to specialized facilities, local expertise, and jointly developed IP. This guide explains how your business can work with Aurora College, what support is available, and what to expect from the process.
Aurora College does not offer a traditional cash grant. Instead, it provides research and innovation partnerships that give your business access to people, facilities, and IP to support commercialization and problem-solving.
Through an Aurora College research partnership, businesses can typically access:
This model works well for businesses that need proof-of-concept development, product validation, or process improvement, rather than direct funding.
There is no narrowly defined eligibility list published for this program. Based on Aurora College guidance, partners commonly include:
Your business does not always need to be headquartered in the NWT, but the project usually needs a clear Northern relevance or application.
IP is often the biggest concern for businesses considering college or university research partnerships.
With Aurora College:
This flexibility makes Aurora College attractive for startups and SMEs that want to develop IP without giving up long-term commercialization rights.
Many active Canadian research and commercialization programs can complement a college partnership, especially if you need funding alongside research support. Try GrantHub to find matching programs for your project.
Aurora College partnerships are best suited to practical, applied work. Common project examples include:
Project timelines vary depending on scope and complexity. Some projects run for a few months, while others span multiple academic terms.
Aurora College partnerships are not direct funding programs. The value comes from access to expertise, facilities, and IP—not a cheque.
IP expectations should be raised early. Don’t assume ownership terms are standard across projects.
Projects usually need a clear connection to Northern conditions, communities, or industries.
Aurora College focuses on working together on practical research, not paid consulting services.
Q: What is the Aurora College research partnership program?
It is a research collaboration that gives businesses access to Aurora College expertise, facilities, and IP. The goal is to support innovation, validation, and commercialization rather than provide direct funding.
Q: Can startups work with Aurora College to develop new IP?
Yes. Startups often partner with Aurora College to build proofs of concept or early-stage technologies. IP terms are negotiated based on the project and business needs.
Q: Does Aurora College provide funding or in-kind support?
Support is primarily in-kind. This includes researcher time, student involvement, and access to facilities and equipment.
Q: Is this only for businesses in the Northwest Territories?
Not always. Businesses outside the NWT may be eligible if the project has a clear Northern application or benefit.
Q: How long does a typical partnership last?
There is no fixed length. Timelines depend on project scope, research goals, and academic scheduling.
Aurora College can be a strong partner if your business needs Northern research capacity or IP development support without giving up commercialization potential. GrantHub tracks many active research, innovation, and commercialization programs across Canada—making it easier to see which ones pair well with an Aurora College research partnership.
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