What commercialization grants in New Brunswick cover in 2026
Commercialization grants in New Brunswick (NB) help organizations move from R&D to revenue by funding market validation, pilot and demonstration projects, product launch activities, and early scale‑up. In 2026, applicants seek go‑to‑market funding to cross the gap between a prototype or MVP and repeatable sales, often at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 6–9. Programs in demand include ACOA commercialization funding under REGI and the Atlantic Innovation Fund (AIF), NRC IRAP commercialization support, CanExport SMEs for export readiness, provincial streams via Opportunities NB (ONB), and NBIF commercialization funding. These non‑dilutive instruments typically operate as non‑repayable contributions, cost‑shared grants, repayable contributions, or vouchers, and they can complement SR&ED credits and private capital. Targeted sector streams in NB include advanced manufacturing, clean technology, agri‑food, ocean tech and blue economy, cybersecurity, digital health, forestry bio‑products, and AI/SaaS.
Distinguishing R&D funding from commercialization funding
Many organizations ask about the difference between product commercialization grants in Canada and R&D funding. R&D support finances the development of new knowledge and prototypes; commercialization funding covers activities that prove market fit and enable market entry. Eligible commercialization expenses frequently include market research, customer discovery, pilot project costs, testbed access, product certifications (e.g., GMP/ISO), regulatory approvals (e.g., Health Canada), packaging and labeling, export marketing, e‑commerce enablement, trade shows, sales enablement, and initial scale‑up of manufacturing lines. In NB, this often means moving from lab‑to‑market, building a commercialization roadmap, and demonstrating traction with early pilot customers. Many programs require matching funds, so applicants should plan cash flow and cost‑share percentages in advance.
Who can apply in NB: eligibility essentials for 2026
SMEs, startups, mid‑market companies, large firms, non‑profits, universities and spin‑offs, cooperatives, social enterprises, and Indigenous‑owned organizations can be eligible for commercialization grants in New Brunswick. Programs often prioritize high‑potential projects with clear commercialization pathways, intellectual property (IP) strategies, and evidence of market demand such as letters of intent, pilot MOUs, or distributor interest. Applicants based in Fredericton, Moncton, Saint John, and rural regions (e.g., Edmundston, Miramichi, Bathurst, Dieppe, Woodstock, St. Stephen) can access regionally flexible funds, with some streams encouraging projects in rural or underserved communities. Special pathways may support women‑led startups, youth entrepreneurs, newcomers, francophone businesses, Indigenous businesses (Wolastoqey, Mi’kmaq, and First Nations communities such as Fort Folly), and not‑for‑profits advancing commercialization outcomes.
Federal programs used in New Brunswick for 2026 commercialization
ACOA commercialization funding: REGI and the Atlantic Innovation Fund (AIF)
ACOA supports commercialization, scale‑up, and market expansion in Atlantic Canada through the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program and the Atlantic Innovation Fund (AIF). For NB companies, ACOA can fund pilot demonstrations, market validation, product launch, and productivity improvements tied to commercialization outcomes. Projects may involve matched funding; eligible expenses commonly include marketing and branding for new products, certification and testing, equipment to bridge prototype‑to‑production, and export readiness activities. Applicants should present a commercialization budget, define milestones, and articulate benefits such as jobs, supplier diversification, and supply chain resilience across NB.
Matching funds, timelines, and success factors with ACOA
Many ACOA contributions are cost‑shared, so applicants must document secured cash or in‑kind resources. Strong files typically include: a credible go‑to‑market plan; letters from pilot customers; IP and regulatory roadmaps; a clear link between equipment and near‑term revenues; and a risk plan addressing procurement, certification, and quality systems. Approval timelines vary from weeks to months depending on complexity. Early engagement with an ACOA program officer and a structured commercialization budget often improves outcomes.
NRC IRAP commercialization support (NB)
NRC IRAP can support Canadian SMEs undertaking activities that advance technology commercialization, including product readiness, validation with early adopters, performance trials, and market entry planning. In New Brunswick, IRAP Industrial Technology Advisors (ITAs) look for credible teams, feasible technical paths, and near‑term commercialization potential. Typical eligible costs may include technical staff, subcontracted expertise for productization, testing and validation, and aspects of market assessment tied to technical outcomes. Companies often combine IRAP support with SR&ED and provincial funding to create an R&D‑to‑commercialization bridge.
CanExport SMEs funding for export‑ready NB companies
CanExport SMEs provides cost‑shared assistance for export marketing and international business development. NB firms use this program to enter the US and EU markets, fund trade missions, attend trade shows, adapt bilingual or localized marketing materials, implement e‑commerce for cross‑border sales, and conduct market research. Align your application with your overall market entry strategy, demonstrate product‑market fit, and ensure your budget includes eligible export activities. For 2026, plan ahead for deadlines, intake windows, and lead times to secure approvals before key trade fairs.
Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) for larger commercialization projects
For substantial scale‑up or transformative commercialization projects, the Strategic Innovation Fund can provide repayable or non‑repayable contributions, focusing on high‑impact outcomes such as advanced manufacturing, clean technology, and digital transformation. NB applicants should emphasize national benefits, supply chain development, and collaboration with Atlantic partners. SIF projects often require deep financial planning, strong governance, and partnerships with universities, utilities, or anchor customers.
Innovative Solutions Canada (ISC) testing stream and procurement pilots
ISC offers challenge‑based funding where federal departments test and procure innovative solutions. The testing stream can serve as a path to commercialization by validating performance with a government customer. NB companies can leverage ISC to secure first‑customer references, de‑risk technical claims, and build credibility for broader market adoption. Consider how an ISC pilot supports certification, regulatory progress, or data generation needed for private‑sector sales.
Global Innovation Clusters and consortia
NB organizations participate in national cluster programs that fund commercialization and scale‑up:
- Canada’s Ocean Supercluster for ocean tech and blue economy projects with partners in Saint John and across Atlantic Canada.
- NGen (Next Generation Manufacturing Canada) for advanced manufacturing scale‑up, automation, robotics, and pilot manufacturing lines.
- Scale AI for AI and software commercialization use cases across supply chains.
Cluster projects typically require multi‑partner consortia, cost‑sharing, and demonstrable economic benefits, including IP strategy and commercialization plans.
Provincial and regional programs in New Brunswick for 2026
Opportunities NB (ONB) commercialization and market expansion
ONB supports investment, productivity, and export growth. For commercialization, ONB programs may help fund market entry, export marketing, product readiness, and technology adoption related to scale‑up. Costs can include marketing assets, certifications, specialized consulting, and trade readiness. ONB often collaborates with ACOA and IRAP, enabling blended funding packages. Applicants should prepare financial statements, a commercialization roadmap, and performance metrics like revenue targets, export milestones, and job creation.
New Brunswick Innovation Foundation (NBIF) commercialization funding and vouchers
NBIF offers commercialization vouchers and investment programs for startups and SMEs advancing from MVP to market. Vouchers may support market validation, IP strategy, product‑market fit testing, and expert consulting. For more capital‑intensive commercialization, NBIF equity or co‑investment can complement non‑repayable contributions. Applicants should clarify TRL levels, define customer segments, and present an evidence‑based pricing and channel strategy. Monitoring NBIF deadlines in 2026 is critical to align your application with other funding sources.
Regional and sectoral complements
NB firms can combine provincial support with sectoral initiatives: agri‑food funding for processing and certification; forestry bio‑products for value‑added product launches; aquaculture and fisheries for processing upgrades; and tourism or creative industry programs for new commercial experiences and content. Clean technology streams may fund demonstration sites, grid pilots, or energy storage testbeds in collaboration with NB utilities and municipalities.
Sector‑specific commercialization streams across NB
Advanced manufacturing and scale‑up (Moncton, Bathurst, Dieppe)
Manufacturing commercialization grants in New Brunswick emphasize pilot manufacturing lines, prototyping‑to‑production transitions, robotics and automation, and product certification for domestic and export markets. Moncton companies often pursue NGen projects, ONB productivity grants, and ACOA contributions to install pilot lines, validate throughput, and meet supplier requirements. Eligible activities can include GMP/ISO readiness, tooling, packaging redesign for US retail, and digital quality systems.
Ocean tech and blue economy (Saint John and Atlantic coast)
Ocean technology commercialization draws on the Ocean Supercluster, ACOA, and regional testbeds for sensors, data platforms, and maritime equipment. Saint John companies may focus on port logistics optimization, aquaculture technologies, or ocean data services. Projects often include pilot deployments, standards compliance, and integration with supply chains serving Atlantic fisheries and global marine markets.
Forestry and bio‑products
NB forestry product commercialization includes bio‑composites, engineered wood, biomass, carbon‑smart materials, and circular economy solutions. Grants support pilot demonstration, certification, and market development, including partnerships with mills, universities, and clean tech clusters. Applicants should show how new products meet performance specs, reduce carbon intensity, and unlock new revenue streams with downstream manufacturers.
Agri‑food and food processing (Grand Falls, blueberry and maple regions)
Agri‑food commercialization funding in NB covers packaging and labeling, shelf‑life testing, food safety certifications, and pilot runs to enter retail and foodservice channels. Programs may also support e‑commerce and export readiness, especially for blueberry, maple, and value‑added food producers. Applicants should include a sales plan, distributor onboarding steps, and compliance with regulatory and labeling rules in US and EU markets.
Clean technology and smart grid pilots
Clean technology commercialization funding in NB includes energy efficiency, carbon tech, storage, and smart grid pilots. Demonstration projects may occur on utility or municipal sites, providing performance data for investors and customers. Grants often cover field trials, third‑party validation, and standards testing required for bankability and procurement.
Digital technologies: AI, SaaS, cybersecurity, gaming, rural broadband/ICT
For AI and software commercialization in NB, funding priorities include market validation, customer discovery, privacy compliance, and export marketing. Cybersecurity projects in Fredericton can access targeted commercialization support due to the region’s cyber cluster and academic partners. Gaming studios and creative tech firms may receive grants for prototype‑to‑market, marketing, and internationalization via trade shows. Rural broadband/ICT ventures can leverage pilot deployments with local governments, enabling case studies and procurement pathways.
Life sciences, medtech, biotech, and digital health
Medtech and digital health commercialization requires regulatory planning, clinical validation, and procurement pilots with health providers. Grants can support standards compliance, usability trials, and data security certifications. Applicants should document clinical need, reimbursement considerations, and partnerships with hospitals or clinical networks, while aligning with Health Canada approval strategies.
Geographic considerations and local ecosystems
- Fredericton: cybersecurity commercialization funding, university spin‑offs, IRAP access, and startup accelerators.
- Moncton/Dieppe: advanced manufacturing scale‑up, logistics and distribution, and collaboration with NGen.
- Saint John: ocean tech commercialization, port and marine partners, and blue economy funding.
- Edmundston, Miramichi, Bathurst, Woodstock, St. Stephen: rural commercialization grants, community testbeds, and export readiness for SMEs.
Ecosystem partners—universities, colleges, accelerators, municipal innovation offices, and sector associations—often provide letters of support, pilot sites, and talent pipelines that strengthen grant applications.
Eligible expenses and matching funds: what counts in 2026
Common eligible commercialization expenses in NB include:
- Market research grants NB and customer discovery;
- Marketing and branding for new product launch; bilingual packaging and labeling;
- Export readiness and e‑commerce enablement; trade show and trade mission funding;
- Product certification and regulatory approval support (e.g., GMP/ISO, Health Canada);
- Pilot project funding, testbed access, demonstration site costs;
- Sales enablement funding (CRM, enablement content, training);
- Pilot manufacturing line funding, tooling, and small‑scale equipment linked to near‑term revenue;
- IP strategy vouchers, patenting support, and technology licensing costs;
- Go‑to‑market consulting vouchers and commercialization training programs.
Most programs require matched funding. Applicants should detail sources (cash on hand, private investment, repayable contributions) and ensure spending aligns with program‑specific eligibility.
Application process, documents, and timelines for NB in 2026
A structured approach increases success:
1. Define the commercialization outcome (market entry, certification, pilot sales, scale‑up) and map TRL.
2. Build a commercialization budget with clear cost categories and milestones; separate ineligible costs.
3. Gather documents: business plan, financials, commercialization roadmap, letters of intent, pilot or distribution agreements, IP summaries, regulatory plans, and team CVs.
4. Confirm matching funds and cash flow to cover claims‑based reimbursements.
5. Engage early with program officers (ACOA, IRAP, ONB, NBIF) to test fit.
6. Submit a complete, consistent application; respond quickly to clarifications.
Timelines range from weeks to months depending on program and complexity. Align submission with trade shows, certification windows, or manufacturing slots to avoid lost market opportunities.
Combining SR&ED with commercialization grants
Canadian companies often pair SR&ED tax credits with market entry funding. SR&ED supports eligible R&D costs, while commercialization grants fund pilot projects, validation, marketing, and certification. A coordinated plan can stage activities from R&D to MVP, then to pilot customers and repeatable sales. Keep timesheets, technical records, and trial data aligned across programs to simplify audits and claims.
Repayable vs non‑repayable, equity, and angel matching
New Brunswick commercialization funding includes non‑repayable contributions, repayable contributions, and equity. NBIF may provide equity that leverages angel rounds; some programs encourage private–public matching to accelerate scale‑up. Choose instruments that align with cash flow, risk, and growth pace, and model repayment scenarios when mixing repayable funding with grants and venture capital.
Inclusivity and targeted pathways
NB offers commercialization grants for Indigenous businesses, women‑led startups, youth entrepreneurs, newcomers, francophone businesses, cooperatives, and social enterprises. Additional opportunities exist in procurement pilots (e.g., ISC) and Indigenous procurement initiatives. Applicants should articulate inclusive hiring, bilingual marketing, community impacts, and rural benefits to strengthen cases for public funding.
Tips to maximize your 2026 success rate in NB
- Demonstrate traction: pilot customers, letters of intent, and validated demand.
- Clarify eligibility and fit for each program; tailor every application.
- Quantify outcomes: revenue, exports, jobs, productivity, carbon reduction.
- Secure partners: universities, testbeds, utilities, cluster organizations.
- Plan regulatory and certification steps with realistic timelines.
- Budget for matching funds and claim cycles; maintain documentation.
- Align export grants with target country strategy (US, EU, UK) and trade show calendars.
- For software, detail data security, privacy, and interoperability; for manufacturing, map quality systems and supply chain readiness.
How helloDarwin simplifies commercialization funding in New Brunswick
helloDarwin combines expert consulting with an intelligent SaaS platform to simplify access to commercialization grants in NB. Our advisors help assess eligibility for ACOA, IRAP, CanExport, ONB, NBIF, and cluster programs, then structure a stage‑gated roadmap from MVP to market. The platform automates discovery, eligibility checks, and project tracking, while consultants refine budgets, compile documents, and coordinate timelines across multiple programs. This dual approach helps organizations reduce friction, meet deadlines, and maximize non‑dilutive funding while maintaining compliance.
Summary: key takeaways for 2026 commercialization grants in NB
- High‑value programs include ACOA (REGI, AIF), NRC IRAP, CanExport, ONB, NBIF, ISC, and national clusters.
- Priority sectors span advanced manufacturing, clean tech, ocean tech, agri‑food, forestry bio‑products, cybersecurity, AI/SaaS, gaming, and digital health.
- Eligible costs cover market validation, pilots, testbeds, certifications, regulatory approvals, packaging and labeling, export marketing, e‑commerce, sales enablement, and pilot manufacturing lines.
- Plan matching funds, evidence of traction, and a robust commercialization budget.
- helloDarwin can guide your organization through discovery, application, and tracking to reach market faster with non‑dilutive financing.
