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CELTIC-NEXT – Next Generation Communications Autumn 2025 call for proposals
Last Update: March 6, 2026
Canada
Funding for collaborative ICT R&D projects for Canadian SMEs
Partnering and Collaboration
Grant and Funding
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.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Integrate new technologies
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop a new product
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
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
Activities funded
- Collaborative research and development projects in next-generation information and communications technologies (ICT).
- Joint innovation initiatives addressing market needs in telecommunications sectors.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 450,000
R&D of multilingual speech-to-text API for call centres
$ 380,000
Cloud-native cybersecurity solution for smart city infrastructure R&D
$ 340,000
Pilot R&D for blockchain-based telecom roaming billing solution
$ 480,000
Developing AI-powered telehealth diagnostic platform with EU partners
$ 410,000
Implementing 5G-enabled IoT sensors for smart agriculture R&D
$ 325,000
Developing algorithm for real-time video compression in mobile apps
Eligibility
- The applicant must be an incorporated, profit-oriented small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) in Canada with 500 or fewer full-time equivalent employees.
- The applicant must have been in operation for at least 12 months prior to the project proposal deadline.
- The company must have a minimum of 5 full-time equivalent employees located in Canada (on payroll and issued a T4), excluding contract employees.
- The project must be close to market and aligned with business needs, involving at least two partners from two different EUREKA countries (including at least one EUREKA Member Country).
- The applicant must pursue growth and profit through the development and commercialization of innovative, technology-driven products, services, or processes in Canada, and have the capacity to undertake international multi-year R&D collaboration.
Who is eligible?
- Canadian small or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) engaged in Information and Communications Technologies (ICT)
- Large corporations in Canada (participation possible with alternative or self-funding)
- Non-profit organizations in Canada (participation possible with alternative or self-funding)
- Canadian universities (participation possible with alternative or self-funding)
- Canadian research centres (participation possible with alternative or self-funding)
Who is not eligible
- Canadian organizations that are not incorporated, profit-oriented small or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are not eligible for NRC IRAP funding (including large corporations, non-profits, universities, research centres, etc.), though they may participate on a self-funded basis.
Eligible geographic areas
- Companies incorporated and operating in Canada.
Selection criteria
- Proposals must be close to market and address business needs.
- The project consortium must include at least two different partners from two different EUREKA countries (one must be a EUREKA Member Country, the other can be either another Member or an Associated Country).
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
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
Vance.Pan@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
1-877-994-4727
