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Canada-Japan Corporate Co-innovation Program
Canada-Japan co-innovation support for SMEs
Last Update: June 7, 2026
Funding available
$ 75,000
Timeline
- Closing date : February 19, 2025
Location
Canada
Overview
Support for Canadian SMEs to co-innovate with Japanese corporate partners. Up to $75,000 in reimbursement is available for proof-of-concept projects in priority technology sectors.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop a new product or service
- Conduct research and development activities
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 75,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Closing date : February 19, 2025
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
- Manufacturing
- Transportation and warehousing
- Health care and social assistance
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- $ 500,000 maximum revenue
Organisation size
- 5-500 employees
Audience
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Co-development of innovative products, processes, or technology-based services
- Adaptation of technologies with Japanese partners
- Validation of technologies through a proof-of-concept project
Documents Needed
- Proof-of-concept project form
- Japanese partner Letter of Intent or written confirmation
- NRC IRAP Research Security Requirements Attestation form
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises
Eligible expenses
- Project-related labour costs
- Equipment and materials needed for the project
- Travel and accommodation tied to project activities
- External consulting and expertise
- Testing, facilities, and in-kind partner support linked to the project
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
How to apply
- Step 1
- Register using the Register button on the program page.
- Provide basic applicant and organization information.
- Step 2
- Complete the proof-of-concept project form.
- Include project, technology, and co-innovation details.
- Attach the Japanese partner’s Letter of Intent or written confirmation.
- Step 3
- Contact an NRC IRAP representative for guidance on the submission.
- Selected applicants work with NRC IRAP on the proposal and contribution agreement.
Processing and Agreement
- Registrations are reviewed by NRC IRAP.
- Eligible applicants are invited to submit a proof-of-concept project form.
- Applications are evaluated by the applicant’s ITA and the NRC IRAP International Office.
- Selected SMEs prepare an NRC IRAP proposal and contribution agreement.
- After project completion, applicants may be asked to submit an International Project Report.
Additional information
- Applicants must already be NRC IRAP clients or confirm eligibility before funding consideration.
- Selected SMEs work with an NRC IRAP representative on the proposal and contribution agreement.
- A Letter of Intent or written partner confirmation is required from the Japanese partner.
- After a successful proof-of-concept project, further co-innovation funding may be available.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Canada-Japan Corporate Co-innovation Program Program
What is the Canada-Japan Corporate Co-innovation Program?
Support for Canadian SMEs to co-innovate with Japanese corporate partners. Up to $75,000 in reimbursement is available for proof-of-concept projects in priority technology sectors.
How much funding can be received?
Canada-Japan Corporate Co-innovation Program Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $75,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Canada-Japan Corporate Co-innovation Program program?
To be eligible for the Canada-Japan Corporate Co-innovation Program program, you must:
Canadian incorporated SME
Joint project with a Japanese partner
IP and commercialization plan required
What expenses are eligible under Canada-Japan Corporate Co-innovation Program?
Co-development of innovative products, processes, or technology-based services
Adaptation of technologies with Japanese partners
Validation of technologies through a proof-of-concept project
Who can I contact for more information about the Canada-Japan Corporate Co-innovation Program?
You can contact National Research Council Canada (NRC) by email at IRAP.International.PARI@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca or by phone at 1-877-994-4727.
Where is the Canada-Japan Corporate Co-innovation Program available?
The Canada-Japan Corporate Co-innovation Program program is available across Canada.
Is the Canada-Japan Corporate Co-innovation Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Canada-Japan Corporate Co-innovation Program is a Partnering and Collaboration