Archived
Source verified June 7, 2026
Canada–Japan Keihanna Global Acceleration Program—Spring 2026
Support for Canada-Japan innovation partnerships
Funding available
$ 75,000
Deadline
March 25, 2026
Location
Canada
Overview
This program supports Canadian SMEs seeking innovation partnerships with Japanese companies. Selected participants may receive support for an international R&D collaboration and related activities, up to CAD 75,000.
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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 80% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- $ 500,000 minimum revenue
Organisation size
- 5-500 employees
Audience
- Canadians
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- One-week acceleration program in Japan
- Mentoring, networking, and business strategy development
- Pitching to Japanese entrepreneurs and potential partners
- International innovation partnership development
- International collaborative R&D project development
Documents Needed
- Basic applicant and organization information
- Expression of interest form
- Additional details on the applicant, technology, and innovation opportunities
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises
- Incorporated for-profit companies in Canada
Who is not eligible
- Non-Canadian SMEs
- Non-incorporated businesses
- Non-profit organizations
- Companies with more than 500 full-time equivalents
- Organizations affiliated with a named research organization
Eligible expenses
- Employee salaries
- Contractor fees
- International staff travel
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
- Japan
- Osaka, Japan
Selection criteria
- Alignment with civil applications in any sector
- Technology differentiation and market potential
- Financial and operational capacity to carry out international collaboration
- Potential for growth and commercialization
- Existing commercial traction or Japan market experience may strengthen the application
How to apply
- Step 1: Register online
- Use the online registration button to provide basic applicant and organization information.
- If not already a client, confirm eligibility for NRC IRAP support.
- Step 2: Submit expression of interest
- Complete the expression of interest form with details on the applicant, technology, and collaboration opportunities.
- Contact your NRC IRAP Industrial Technology Advisor, if applicable, for guidance.
- Step 3: Await review and notification
- Applications are assessed upon receipt.
- Eligible applicants are notified of the next stage.
- Step 4: Participate if selected
- Selected SMEs join the one-week mentoring program.
- Selected participants may later submit a more detailed proposal for international R&D collaboration.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed as they are received.
- Eligible applications enter a competitive selection process.
- Selected SMEs are notified and invited to the one-week mentoring program.
- Only selected SMEs may submit a more detailed R&D collaboration proposal.
Additional information
- This program is archived and no longer updated.
- Selected Canadian SMEs may be invited to submit a more detailed R&D collaboration proposal.
- Applicants must be eligible for NRC IRAP funding as clients.
- The program involves an online week followed by travel to Japan for partner meetings.
Contacts
Other components of this program
Explore related funding streams and grants that belong to the same program.
- Canada–Japan Keihanna Global Acceleration Program—Winter 2025Supports Canadian SME co-innovation in Japan
Frequently Asked Questions about the Canada–Japan Keihanna Global Acceleration Program—Spring 2026 Program
What is the Canada–Japan Keihanna Global Acceleration Program—Spring 2026?
This program supports Canadian SMEs seeking innovation partnerships with Japanese companies. Selected participants may receive support for an international R&D collaboration and related activities, up to CAD 75,000.
How much funding can be received?
Canada–Japan Keihanna Global Acceleration Program—Spring 2026 Funds up to 80% of admissible expenses, capped at $75,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Canada–Japan Keihanna Global Acceleration Program—Spring 2026 program?
To be eligible for the Canada–Japan Keihanna Global Acceleration Program—Spring 2026 program, you must:
Canadian incorporated for-profit SME
At least 12 months in business
At least 5 FTEs in Canada
What expenses are eligible under Canada–Japan Keihanna Global Acceleration Program—Spring 2026?
One-week acceleration program in Japan
Mentoring, networking, and business strategy development
Pitching to Japanese entrepreneurs and potential partners
International innovation partnership development
International collaborative R&D project development
Who can I contact for more information about the Canada–Japan Keihanna Global Acceleration Program—Spring 2026?
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 Keihanna Global Acceleration Program—Spring 2026 available?
The Canada–Japan Keihanna Global Acceleration Program—Spring 2026 program is available across Canada.
Is the Canada–Japan Keihanna Global Acceleration Program—Spring 2026 a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Canada–Japan Keihanna Global Acceleration Program—Spring 2026 is a Partnering and Collaboration