Closed
CELTIC-NEXT – Next Generation Communications Autumn 2025 call for proposals
Funding for collaborative ICT R&D projects for Canadian SMEs
Last Update: April 16, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Closing date : October 24, 2025
Location
Canada
Overview
The CELTIC-NEXT Autumn 2025 call for proposals supports Canadian SMEs in collaborative international R&D projects focused on next-generation information and communications technologies; funding is available through NRC IRAP for eligible activities such as developing and commercializing innovative technology-driven products, services, or processes. The maximum funding amount is determined by NRC IRAP on a per-project basis according to eligibility and project scope.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop a new product or service
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Closing date : October 24, 2025
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Information and cultural industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
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
- Collaborative research and development projects in next-generation information and communications technologies (ICT).
- Joint innovation initiatives addressing market needs in telecommunications sectors.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Canadian SMEs
- Other Canadian organizations
- International project partners in CELTIC-NEXT consortia
Who is not eligible
- Canadian large corporations
- Canadian non-profits
- Canadian universities
- Canadian research centres
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
- Participating EUREKA countries
Selection criteria
- Proposals must be close to market and meet business needs.
- The consortium must include at least two partners from two different EUREKA countries.
- One partner must come from a EUREKA Member Country.
- Projects should show technical quality, business relevance, and national priority where applicable.
How to apply
1
Verify eligibility requirements
- Review the eligibility requirements for Canadian SMEs and other organizations
- Ensure your company meets the criteria, including operational history and staffing minimums
- Contact your national funding agency for initial guidance
2
Register and prepare for submission
- Register for an account on the CELTIC Online Project Portal
- Prepare the necessary documentation and information required for registration
- Inform your IRAP Industrial Technology Advisor of your intention to submit a proposal
3
Prepare the collaborative proposal
- Develop a full project proposal in collaboration with at least two partners from different EUREKA countries
- Ensure the project is close to market and addresses business needs
- Align the proposal with both CELTIC-NEXT and national funding agency criteria
4
Submit your project proposal
- Submit your completed project proposal through the CELTIC Online Project Portal by October 24, 2025
- Submit any additional required documentation to your national funding agency, if applicable
- Ensure all consortium partners have completed their respective submissions
5
Await evaluation and results
- Monitor communications from CELTIC-NEXT and your national funding agency
- Respond promptly to any requests for clarification or additional information
- Wait for notification regarding the status of your application
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by industry experts and public authorities.
- The CELTIC label decision is made in three stages: proposal submission, evaluation, and label decision.
- A positive label does not confirm funding approval.
- Funding negotiations are handled separately by each project partner with the relevant national authority.
Additional information
- Participation requires a consortium with at least two organizations from two different EUREKA countries, including at least one EUREKA Member Country.
- CELTIC-NEXT launches two calls per year for joint research and development projects.
- Applicants planning to participate should inform their IRAP Industrial Technology Advisor early in the process.
- Applicants are encouraged to review recordings and attend related launch and brokerage events to foster collaboration and information exchange.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the CELTIC-NEXT – Next Generation Communications Autumn 2025 call for proposals Program
What is the CELTIC-NEXT – Next Generation Communications Autumn 2025 call for proposals?
The CELTIC-NEXT Autumn 2025 call for proposals supports Canadian SMEs in collaborative international R&D projects focused on next-generation information and communications technologies; funding is available through NRC IRAP for eligible activities such as developing and commercializing innovative technology-driven products, services, or processes. The maximum funding amount is determined by NRC IRAP on a per-project basis according to eligibility and project scope.
Who is eligible for the CELTIC-NEXT – Next Generation Communications Autumn 2025 call for proposals program?
To be eligible for the CELTIC-NEXT – Next Generation Communications Autumn 2025 call for proposals program, you must:
Canadian small or medium-sized enterprise (SME), incorporated and profit-oriented
Minimum of 12 months in operation and 5 full-time employees in Canada
Developing innovative, technology-driven products or services for commercialization
What expenses are eligible under CELTIC-NEXT – Next Generation Communications Autumn 2025 call for proposals?
Collaborative research and development projects in next-generation information and communications technologies (ICT).
Joint innovation initiatives addressing market needs in telecommunications sectors.
Who can I contact for more information about the CELTIC-NEXT – Next Generation Communications Autumn 2025 call for proposals?
You can contact National Research Council Canada (NRC) by email at Vance.Pan@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca or by phone at 1-877-994-4727.
Where is the CELTIC-NEXT – Next Generation Communications Autumn 2025 call for proposals available?
The CELTIC-NEXT – Next Generation Communications Autumn 2025 call for proposals program is available across Canada.
Is the CELTIC-NEXT – Next Generation Communications Autumn 2025 call for proposals a grant, loan, or tax credit?
CELTIC-NEXT – Next Generation Communications Autumn 2025 call for proposals is a Partnering and Collaboration
Who are the financial supporters of the CELTIC-NEXT – Next Generation Communications Autumn 2025 call for proposals?
CELTIC-NEXT – Next Generation Communications Autumn 2025 call for proposals is funded by National Research Council Canada (NRC)