How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $75000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Who are the financial supporters of the Canada-Japan Corporate Co-innovation Program?

Canada-Japan Corporate Co-innovation Program is funded by National Research Council Canada (NRC)

What are Canada-Japan Corporate Co-innovation Program's eligibility criterias?

The Canadian SME applicant must be an incorporated, profit-oriented business with 500 or fewer full-time equivalent employees. The SME must have a differentiated and protectable technology with commercial potential in global markets. The SME should have sufficient working capital and resources to undertake a multi-year R&D collaboration and commercialize the results.

Canada-Japan Corporate Co-innovation Program

Last Update: May 13, 2025

Canada

Canadian-Japanese SME co-innovation for global value chain access

Canada-Japan Corporate Co-innovation Program at a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $75,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Timeline

Closing date : March 5, 2025

Financing Type

Researchers And Facilities

Partnering and Collaboration

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Manufacturing
Transportation and warehousing
Information and cultural industries
Health care and social assistance
Other services (except public administration)
Public administration

Grant Providers

National Research Council Canada (NRC)

Status

Closed

Overview of the Canada-Japan Corporate Co-innovation Program program

The Canada-Japan Corporate Co-innovation Program, facilitated by the NRC IRAP, offers Canadian SMEs the opportunity to collaborate with Japanese corporations on co-innovative proof-of-concept projects, providing up to $75,000 CAD in funding. The program focuses on the adaptation, validation, and integration of innovative technologies into Japanese corporate value chains.

Financing terms and conditions

This program provides Canadian SMEs with financial assistance to engage in collaborative innovation projects with Japanese corporate partners, facilitating impactful co-innovation and commercialization efforts.

Eligible Canadian SMEs can receive up to 50% reimbursement of eligible project costs, capped at $75,000 CAD over 6 to 8 months.
The program encourages post-project completion for potential additional funding for further co-innovation with the same partner.
Japanese partners participate on a self-funded basis and provide valuable in-kind resources and expertise.

Eligible projects & activities

This program encourages Canadian SMEs to engage in collaborative research and development projects with Japanese corporations. The eligible endeavors leverage technological co-development and innovation across prioritized sectors.

Joint development, adaptation, or validation of products, processes, or services.
Projects showcasing substantial commercial potential and tangible outcomes within 2-3 years.
Initiatives focusing on technological contributions from both Canadian and Japanese partners.
Projects meeting quantifiable performance standards and aligning with civilian purposes.
Collaborations demonstrating a balanced distribution of efforts among participants.
Activities utilizing Japanese corporate expertise and resources to achieve project goals.

Eligibility criteria of the Canada-Japan Corporate Co-innovation Program program

Eligibility for this grant requires specific criteria related to the Canadian SME applicant and the Japanese corporate partner involved in the proposed project.

The Canadian SME applicant must be an incorporated, profit-oriented small or medium-sized business in Canada.
The SME must have 500 or fewer full-time equivalent employees.
The SME should pursue growth and profit by developing and commercializing innovative, technology-driven new or improved products, services, or processes in Canada.
The SME needs to have a differentiated and protectable technology with commercial potential in global markets.
The SME must have sufficient working capital and resources to undertake a multi-year R&D collaboration and commercialize the results.
The SME should demonstrate a commitment to significant growth through international market expansion.
Preference may be given to SMEs with a minimum of 10 full-time equivalent employees, who have commercialized products domestically or internationally, and have greater than $500,000 CAD in annual revenue.
Other Canadian organizations may participate as self-funded partners or subcontractors.
The Japanese partner must be a self-funded corporation recognized as a leader in the target sector, with a focus on collaboration and open innovation, and commit to providing in-kind contributions to the SME.
The Japanese partner should not have existing contractual sales or procurement contracts related to the proposed project activities.

Who is eligible?

This grant targets Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that seek to engage in collaborative co-innovation projects with Japanese multinational corporations. Eligible SMEs must demonstrate the capability to integrate and adapt technologies with partners in Japan while focusing on sectors prioritized by the grant.

Eligible expenses

The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the execution and success of the project.

Personnel costs for staff directly involved in the project.
Costs for project-related materials and supplies.
Travel expenses necessary for project collaboration activities.
Contracted services required for the project, such as consulting or technical expertise.
Use of specific equipment and facilities required for project implementation.

Eligible geographic areas

The Canada-Japan Corporate Co-innovation Program is available to Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), specifically those incorporated and operating within Canada. This eligibility aligns with the program’s objective to foster innovation and international collaborations involving Canadian businesses and Japanese corporate partners.

Businesses incorporated and operating in Canada.

How to apply to the Canada-Japan Corporate Co-innovation Program program

Registration

Access the registration portal for the Canada-Japan Corporate Co-innovation Program.
Click on the 'Register' button to begin the application process.
Ensure your SME is already registered as an NRC IRAP client. If not, contact NRC IRAP to determine eligibility.

Contact NRC IRAP Representative

Contact your NRC IRAP representative to discuss your project idea.
Obtain guidance on preparing your submission and understanding the program requirements.

Prepare Proof-of-Concept Project Form

Complete the proof-of-concept project form provided to potentially eligible applicants.
Gather necessary documentation, including information about your organization, technology, co-innovation opportunities, and your Japanese partner's letter of intent or written confirmation.

Application Submission

Collaborate with your NRC IRAP representative to finalize the NRC IRAP proposal for small projects.
Prepare a contribution agreement in consultation with your NRC IRAP representative.

Confirmation and Follow-up

Ensure all materials are submitted before the proof-of-concept project submission deadline.
Await notification of results by March 5, 2025.

Additional information

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

The Japanese corporate partner must provide in-kind support to Canadian SMEs, which can include access to unique facilities, expertise, and assistance in co-commercialization.
This program aims to broaden Canadian SMEs' access to Japanese global value chains through collaboration.
Selected projects are required to start after April 15, 2025.
Interested applicants are encouraged to discuss their project idea with an NRC IRAP representative for better guidance and understanding of the application process.
An approved proof-of-concept project may lead to eligibility for additional funding opportunities.