Closed
Canada-Japan Corporate Co-innovation Program
Canada-Japan co-innovation support for SMEs
Last Update: April 9, 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
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
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
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Canada-Japan Corporate Co-innovation Program. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
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