IMI: A True Strategic Partner to Industry

«IMI is a strategic partner and necessary asset...»
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For IMI, partnerships are a privileged means to promote innovation and the introduction of new technologies within companies. Researchers and industrialists pool their expertise to complement each other and reach new levels of synergy. The Institute's world class multidisciplinary teams and our strong partnership network ensure the success of projects, from R&D to the commercialization of technology developed, or the creation of spin-off companies.

Partnership Formats Adapted to your Needs

The Institute offers companies various partnership formats that are flexible and well adapted to their needs. It has never been easier or more advantageous to have access to a scientific and technical environment. These partnership formats afford industry numerous advantages, such as:

• sharing of financial risks inherent in R&D activities
• participation in planning the research program
• quick access to results
• strategic information at the international level
• technical support
• efficient technology transfer
• acquisition of technologies necessary to the company's success

Collaborative Projects

This type of project is conducted in collaboration with an individual company and involves industrial R&D work whose purpose is to provide the a specific solution to a given problem. Usually, the collaborative project results in the development of a technology that will be introduced to the market. Under "Success Stories" you will learn about some of the collaborative projects that have helped make our partners successful.

Multi-partner Projects and Consortiums

Multi-partner projects and consortiums are innovative collaboration concepts. Stakeholders who share the same common or complementary objectives combine their efforts and resources to complete a technology project. R&D activities are precompetitive, and the results target the development of a given technology common to all partners. The "Success Stories" section highlights the success enjoyed by the Bessemer consortium.

Technology Group (or Special Interest Group)

IMI has created technology groups (or special interest groups) to establish and maintain strategic collaboration with all stakeholders in the materials industry, as well as to promote the development and adoption of new technologies in industry. Work groups bring together representatives from industry, universities and government, who together decide upon the technological direction of precompetitive R&D activities. Learn more about all of IMI's technology groups (or special interest groups), which can be joined at all times:

• Special Interest Group in Blow Moulding (SIGBLOW)
• Special Interest Group in Thermoforming (SIGFORM)
• Technology Group on Polymer Nanocomposites - PNC-Tech
• Surface Engineering Technology Group - SURFTEC

Read the article "Recycled Plastics under the Hood" to learn more about the positive benefits resulting from a company's participation in one of our groups.

Technical Services

Through direct R&D partnership support, IMI offers various technical services and makes its equipment and testing and validation facilities available to its partners.

Spin-off Companies

IMI holds numerous patents for its work. Technologies developed at IMI open the door to the creation of spin-off companies. As well as patent licences available for business opportunities, IMI offers its entrepreneurs all the technical support required, including incubation. IMI has started the the Crossroads for Industrial Materials Innovation (CIMI) in collaboration with Valotech and with the support of Economic Development Canada (EDC).  The CIMI is a new approach for the NRC to support technological development, productivity improvement and innovation.  The purpose of this initiative is to stimulate the creation of new companies and encourage existing firms to expand through the development, transfer and adoption of advanced technologies applied to materials and manufacturing.

Since its inception, IMI has contributed to the start-up of many companies. In "Success Stories" you will learn more about some of these spin-off companies that have taken advantage of our technologies.

An Open Door to the NRC's Resources

Working with IMI means that you also have access to numerous support programs encompassing research and innovation, as well as a major technical and scientific resource pool (specialists and information).

The Québec Regional Office of the Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) helps small and mid-sized Canadian firms build their capability in technology and innovation. Their Industrial Technology Advisors (ITAs) work with you on-site to assess your company's needs and design solutions tailored to your business.

IRAP offers direct technical assistance, access to the latest technological advances, expertise, facilities, and resources, as well as cost-shared financing of innovative technical projects.

The NRC's Canada Institute for Scientific and Technical Information (CISTI) offers access to scientific, technical, medical and commercial information, and to in-depth research services and references. The Institute also provides market and industry data, as well as information on patents and trademarks.

The NRC's Canadian Technology Network (CTN) makes a structured system available to technology-oriented small and mid-sized companies, thus enabling them to access data and services that interest them. It helps to strengthen existing networks and sources of expertise, increase their ability to offer a full range of services to small businesses by locating sources of expertise that are added to those already offered, and by helping access sources of expertise at the international level.

Looking for someone who can answer a question you may have, or refer you to an expert in the field? The NRC Expertise database is an excellent starting point to begin your research.