NRC announces Plastics Challenge “In-situ sensing technology for monitoring microplastics in the marine environment” (Canada)

Deadline: 12 May 2020

The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) is seeking an innovative in situ (on site) sensing technology for identification and quantification of microplastics in water, which will enable the development of new techniques for monitoring microplastics in Canadian waters.

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Outcomes

The outcome of this challenge will support NRC strategic research goals related to development of advanced monitoring technologies to facilitate improved water quality management, and reduce and mitigate the environmental impact of plastics in waterways.

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Essential (mandatory) outcomes
The proposed solution must:
differentiate plastics from other polymers, or particulate organic/inorganic matters;
be capable of providing plastic concentration throughout water column;
facilitate concurrent measurement and geolocation;
be capable of sensing microplastics in cold water environments, including ice-covered waters;
be capable of sensing microplastics in water temperatures up to 30°C (86°F);
be able to work with both internal (built-in) and external battery;
have an scalable software for real-time monitoring and post-processing of the data;
have ability to resist and operate in in water environments with salinities of up to 40 ppt; and
have the ability to transfer data with ease (i.e. via telecommunications, Bluetooth).
Additional Outcomes
The proposed solution should:
characterize microplastic particles size, distribution and density;
identify and characterize other particulate organic/inorganic matters; and
have ability to resist/operate despite biofouling.
Funding Information

The maximum funding available for any Phase 1 contract resulting from this Challenge is $150,000.00 CAD excluding applicable taxes, shipping, travel and living expenses, as required, for up to 6 months (excluding submission of the final report).
The maximum funding available for any Phase 2 contract resulting from this Challenge is $1,000,000.00 CAD excluding applicable taxes, shipping, travel and living expenses, as required, for up to 24 months (excluding submission of the final report). Only eligible businesses that have successfully completed Phase 1 will be considered for Phase 2.
Eligibility Criteria

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Solution proposals can only be submitted by a small business that meets all of the following criteria:

For profit
Incorporated in Canada (federally or provincially)
499 or fewer full-time equivalent (FTE) employees
Research and development activities that take place in Canada
50% or more of its annual wages, salaries and fees are currently paid to employees and contractors who spend the majority of their time working in Canada
50% or more of its FTE employees have Canada as their ordinary place of work
50% or more of its senior executives (Vice President and above) have Canada as their principal residence
Calculations must take into account and include affiliated businesses, such as parent companies and subsidiaries, that are either in or outside of Canada.
For more information, visit https://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/101.nsf/eng/00091.html

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