Why should you become an OCI Reviewer?

There are many benefits to reviewing OCI applications including:

• Getting early insights into exciting R&D projects conducted by some of Ontario’s most innovative and fastest-growing companies
• Providing feedback to entrepreneurs to help strengthen their R&D, go-to-market, and other business strategies
• Playing an important role in Ontario’s innovation ecosystem; and
• Receiving an honorarium for your time

What to Expect if You Apply to be an OCI Reviewer

Assessment

We’ll begin by asking you to complete the reviewer application so we can assess the suitability of your background and expertise. If you have the background and expertise we’re looking for, we’ll follow up by requesting your CV/resume.

Reviewer Agreement

Once we’ve reviewed your CV/resume, OCI will send you a Reviewer Agreement to review and sign. The Reviewer Agreement will require you to declare any interests you may hold in companies and other potential conflicts of interest.

Training

Once we have an agreement in place, we will train you so you’re well-equipped to start reviewing applications. You will have access to resources to guide you through reviewing and scoring applications and providing comments.  If you have any questions along the way, our team is here to help. 

Reviewing Applications                 

OCI Program Managers will assign applications to you when the subject matter of the applications matches your background and experience. You can accept or decline a request to review an application. If you accept, you will be given five business days to complete the review in the OCI application portal. Applications are completed by three reviewers, however both applicants and reviewers are not privy to the identities of the reviewers.

Feedback

Periodically, OCI will provide you with feedback regarding whether the applications you reviewed were ultimately awarded or declined for funding.

Reviewer Demographics

Our reviewers are diverse and possess a wide spectrum of business and academic expertise that spans across 16 sectors, 159 industries, and 14 subject areas of expertise specific to technology start-ups.