Canada-Japan Corporate Co-innovation Program
Canada
Canadian-Japanese SME co-innovation for global value chain access
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|closingDateJanuary 31, 2025
- grant_single|grantStatusClosed
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
Researchers And Facilities
Partnering and Collaboration
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- 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_single|grantors
- National Research Council Canada (NRC)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
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.
grant_single_labels|projects
The program is designed to support co-innovation between Canadian SMEs and Japanese multinational corporations through collaborative research and development projects. The eligible projects focus on co-developing, adapting, or validating innovations with commercial potential within a few years.
- Co-development of innovative products, processes, or technology-based services.
- Adaptation of existing technologies to meet market needs or integrate with partners' solutions.
- Validation of technologies alongside Japanese corporate partners to ensure market readiness and compliance.
- Generation of quantifiable commercial outcomes within 2 to 3 years of project completion.
- Innovative projects that align with civilian (non-military) purposes and offer technological contributions from each partner.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant is available for Canadian SMEs that meet specific eligibility criteria. The focus is on supporting enterprises incorporated and operating within Canada.
- Companies based in Canada.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for the Canada-Japan Corporate Co-innovation Program:
- Step 1: 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.
- Step 2: 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.
- Step 3: 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.
- Step 4: 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.
- Step 5: 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.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
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.
grant_single_labels|contact
IRAP.International.PARI@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
1‑877‑994‑4727
Apply to this program
Empowering Canadian SMEs: The Canada-Japan Corporate Co-innovation Program
The Canada-Japan Corporate Co-innovation Program aims to enhance Canadian SMEs' capabilities by fostering collaborative R&D partnerships with Japanese multinational corporations. By prioritizing key sectors such as digital industries and clean technologies, the program seeks to integrate Canadian innovations into global value chains, leveraging the substantial innovation investments made by large corporations in Japan.
In-depth Analysis: How the Canada-Japan Corporate Co-innovation Program Stimulates Innovation
The Canada-Japan Corporate Co-innovation Program, spearheaded by the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP), serves as a strategic initiative to propel Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) into the Japanese market through collaborative research and development (R&D). Recognizing Japan as a prime opportunity for growth, the program is meticulously crafted to facilitate partnerships between Canadian SMEs and leading Japanese corporations, thus creating a dynamic pathway to global value chains and fostering technological co-innovation.
Innovation and collaboration are at the heart of this program. It is specifically designed to address the challenges and opportunities in sectors identified as crucial for future economic and technological advancement. These include digital industries, clean technologies, advanced manufacturing, natural resources and energy, health and life sciences, agriculture and food, and transportation. The emphasis is not solely on technological innovation but also on ensuring that these innovations have substantial potential for commercialization and global market impact within a two to three-year timeframe.
The rigorous eligibility criteria ensure that participating entities are well-poised to contribute meaningfully to the collaboration and derive substantial benefits. Canadian SMEs must be incorporated, profit-oriented, and demonstrate a tangible commitment to growth through innovation and commercialization. On the Japanese side, the ideal corporate partner should bring a wealth of experience, sector leadership, and a genuine eagerness to commercialize new technologies born from these collaborations.
The financial aspect of the program is equally strategic. Canadian SMEs can receive up to 50% of eligible project costs up to $75,000 CAD, contingent on their NRC IRAP client status. This funding is crucial in mitigating risks associated with R&D ventures and enables SMEs to dedicate resources towards meaningful co-innovation pursuits. On the Japanese partner's part, contributions are expected in the form of in-kind resources and expertise, further enhancing the collaborative effort's depth and scope.
Application to the program is a structured process, encouraging SMEs to engage with NRC IRAP representatives to hone their project proposals. This consultative approach ensures that applicants align their projects with the program's objectives while preparing them for potential funding and business growth opportunities. Moreover, this interaction provides SMEs with access to a wider network of knowledge, guidance, and potential commercial partners in both Japan and Canada.
In summary, the Canada-Japan Corporate Co-innovation Program is a bridge to innovative excellence and market expansion for Canadian SMEs. By facilitating strategic partnerships and providing financial support, the program not only accelerates the adoption and commercialization of Canadian technologies but also enhances bilateral ties between Canada and Japan, boosting economic and technological synergy in the global marketplace.
