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.
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
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
Here are answers to the most common questions about the CELTIC-NEXT – Next Generation Communications Autumn 2025 call for proposals. 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 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)