CanExport Innovation
Canada
Supports Canadian R&D partnerships with international partners
grant_single|update March 28, 2025
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|closingDateJune 7, 2024
- grant_single|grantStatusClosed
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- grant_single|allIndustries
grant_single|grantors
- Trade Commissioner Service (TCS)
- National Research Council Canada (NRC)
- Government of Canada
- Global Affairs Canada (GAC)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
CanExport Innovation provides grants up to $75,000 to Canadian organizations to establish collaborative research and development partnerships with international partners. Eligible activities include travel-related meetings, virtual meetings, and IP protection, aiming to support technology development, adaptation, and validation.
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
The CanExport Innovation grant provides financial assistance in the form of cost-sharing grants designed to foster international R&D partnerships. The program aims to co-finance specific eligible costs of R&D projects, ensuring shared financial responsibility between the applicant and the funding body.
- The program offers funding that covers up to 75% of eligible costs, with a maximum funding limit of $75,000 per project.
- Grants are paid upon the signing of the funding agreement; recipients are not required to submit claims.
- Applicants must bear 25% of the project costs, and in-kind contributions are not allowed.
- The maximum budget that can be submitted by an applicant is $100,000.
- Funding decisions are made based on a risk assessment of the applicant and project, and past grants do not guarantee future funding.
- No transfers of funding between fiscal years are allowed; expenses must align with the Government of Canada's fiscal year, from April 1 to March 31.
- There is a stacking limit when accessing additional Canadian government funds for the same project.
- Funds support activities until the point at which partnerships are formalized, not covering the R&D work itself.
grant_single_labels|projects
- Conducting travel-related meetings with pre-identified foreign partners to negotiate R&D partnerships.
- Participating in virtual meetings with foreign partners to negotiate and formalize R&D partnership agreements.
- Engaging in virtual events relevant to the industry for B2B meetings to attract foreign partners for R&D collaborations.
- Shipping technology or sample materials for demonstration purposes to facilitate formalization of R&D partnerships.
- Applying for new certifications in foreign markets to comply with foreign regulations and assist in formalizing R&D partnerships.
- Seeking expert or legal advice for IP protection in foreign markets where the foreign R&D partner resides.
- Developing promotional materials specifically for enhancing negotiations with foreign R&D partners.
- Utilizing consultant or legal services to assist in pursuing foreign R&D opportunities, including due diligence and strategy development for international collaborations.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 70,000
Creating an R&D partnership to develop advanced battery technology
$ 60,000
Forming an international R&D partnership for solar panel technology
$ 40,000
Creating a collaborative R&D partnership for biodegradable packaging
$ 48,000
Establishing a joint R&D partnership to develop smart agriculture solutions
$ 45,000
Developing a collaborative R&D partnership in AI for healthcare diagnostics
$ 50,000
Establishing R&D partnership to validate eco-friendly material for auto parts
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and proposed activities.
- The applicant must be a Canadian small or medium-sized enterprise (SME), academic institution, or non-government research centre.
- The applicant must be an incorporated legal entity, limited liability partnership (LLP), or cooperative in Canada.
- The applicant must be registered in Canada with an active Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) business number.
- The applicant must own or co-own intellectual property rights for the technology featured in the application and/or have appropriate decision-making authority over the IP.
- The applicant must have a prototype for the technology and be at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 or higher.
- The applicant must intend to commercially launch the technology within 5 years.
- Applicants must demonstrate they have sufficient private revenues to cover 25% of costs for proposed activities.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The CanExport Innovation grant targets Canadian organizations engaging in collaborative R&D partnerships with international partners. It is aimed at facilitating the development, adaptation, or validation of Canadian technology ready for commercialization within five years.
- Capacity of the applicant to execute the project: managerial and human resources, and financial resources are key components evaluated.
- Past performance on CanExport Innovation projects: effectiveness of previous fund use and communication with the program.
- Readiness and ownership of the technology: must be at TRL 4 or above, ready for commercialization within 5 years, with existing prototypes and owned or co-owned IP rights.
- Appropriate choice of foreign partners: partners' skills, knowledge, expertise, and non-paid technical contributions are assessed, along with the company's ability to provide proof of partners' willingness to collaborate.
- Methodology for pursuing partnership: a detailed, logical plan of action to secure R&D partnerships is required.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
The CanExport Innovation grant has specific criteria for eligible applicants, which also delineate certain exclusions. The restrictions help streamline funding towards organizations that align closely with the program's objectives.
- Sole proprietorships and unincorporated businesses.
- Accelerators and incubators.
- Charities and non-profit organizations unrelated to academic research.
- Third-party representatives such as agents, promoters, consultants, trading houses, and export brokers.
- Government entities at all levels, including departments, agencies, and crown corporations.
- Organizations primarily engaging as intermediaries without directly contributing to R&D activities.
- Companies in industries facing Canadian sanctions or entities in sanctioned countries.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
- Economy class roundtrip or multi-city airfare for approved travel to meet foreign partners.
- Per diem allowances for accommodation and meals for approved travellers.
- Single entry visas for travel related to meeting with foreign partners.
- Ground transportation costs within target markets.
- Rental of meeting rooms and audio-visual equipment for meetings with foreign partners.
- Registration fees for in-person events relevant to the applicant's industry.
- Registration and translation services for virtual meetings with foreign partners.
- Shipping costs for technology or sample materials for demonstration purposes during R&D partnership negotiations.
- Certification application fees paid directly to foreign agencies for new certifications in partner markets.
- Consultant or legal fees for processing certification applications overseas.
- Translation services for promotional material and certifications.
- Consultant or legal services related to Intellectual Property protection in foreign markets.
- Consultant or legal fees for conducting due diligence, developing international R&D strategies, and drafting agreements.
- Development and translation services for promotional materials aimed at securing foreign R&D partnerships.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant is offered to Canadian organizations to help establish R&D partnerships with international partners, focusing solely on activities not conducted in Canada.
- Organizations must be registered in Canada.
- Eligible foreign activities must involve international partners.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for the CanExport Innovation grant are based on various assessment criteria to ensure the project's feasibility and alignment with the program's objectives.
- Applicant capacity to manage and execute proposed activities and conduct resulting R&D work.
- Past performance on CanExport Innovation projects, including effective use of previous funding and timely communication with the program.
- Technology readiness, ownership status, and potential for commercialization within five years.
- Appropriate choice of foreign partners with necessary skills, expertise, and contributions to the R&D objectives.
- Methodology used for pursuing and securing R&D partnerships with foreign partners, detailing a logical plan of action.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for the CanExport Innovation grant:
Step 1: Preliminary Registration
- Familiarize yourself with the program details by reading the Applicant's Guide.
- Create an account on the online portal (note: not compatible with Internet Explorer).
- Enter your information under My Profile and select Update.
Step 2: Basic Eligibility Confirmation
- Select Apply Now! on the CanExport Innovation landing page.
- Complete the Application Basic Eligibility section.
- Receive a confirmation of your Basic Eligibility by email within 7 business days.
Step 3: Complete and Submit Application
- Once Basic Eligibility is confirmed, proceed to complete the rest of your application.
- Submit a completed application at least 60 business days before the start date of the first proposed activity.
Step 4: Confirmation and Communication
- Receive an automated confirmation of submission.
- Retain the confirmation for your records and await further communication.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are some miscellaneous details about the CanExport Innovation grant.
- Applications for 2024 open on February 29, 2024, at 9am EST.
- Projects must start on or after April 1, 2024.
- Applicants are urged to review the 2024-25 Applicant's Guide carefully.
- Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted.
- Funding decisions are made within 60 business days of application submission.
- Eligible applicants include Canadian SMEs, academic institutions, and non-government research centres.
- Funding covers up to 75% of eligible project costs, to a maximum of $75,000 per project.
- Ineligible expenses include costs incurred prior to application submission and travel expenses that contravene Canada's official travel advisories.
grant_single_labels|contact
canexportinnovation@international.gc.ca
