Closed
Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) – AI Assist
Supports Canadian SMEs in adopting and integrating advanced AI solutions
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 750,000 - $ 10,500,000
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Location
Canada
Overview
The Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) – AI Assist provides up to $10.5 million to support Canadian not-for-profit organizations and post-secondary institutions in helping SMEs adopt and integrate artificial intelligence solutions. Eligible activities include delivering AI advisory services, in-person or virtual engagements, and developing action plans for the implementation of generative AI, deep neural networks, and deep learning technologies.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Conduct research and development activities
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 10,500,000 $
- Minimum amount : 750,000 $
- Up to 100% of project cost
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
- Information and cultural industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Educational services
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Canadians
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Higher Education
- Research
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Employment and Training
- Business Associations
- Professional Associations
Target groups
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Provincial
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Delivery of AI advisory and knowledge services to Canadian SMEs to assess and integrate artificial intelligence into their business operations and offerings.
- Evaluation and guidance for SMEs on potential uses and integration of generative AI, deep neural networks, and deep learning technologies.
- Review of SME data quality, with considerations for governance, ethics, and privacy, to support responsible AI adoption.
- Preparation of tailored action plans and recommendations for SMEs on leveraging AI to achieve innovation and growth objectives.
- Provision of SME engagement services, including initial assessments and follow-up reporting, either in person or virtually.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Not-for-profit organizations incorporated in Canada
- Canadian post-secondary institutions
Eligible expenses
- Salary costs for project personnel.
- Overhead costs (up to 30% of salary costs).
- Professional service rates.
- Contractor fees for Canadian contractors.
- Operating expenses directly related to project delivery.
- Portion of costs subject to government refunds, rebates, or credits (HST, GST, PST) that are not claimable by the applicant or contractors.
Eligible geographic areas
- All Canadian provinces and territories
Additional information
- A mandatory midterm review will assess project progress and financial status, potentially affecting continuation of funding.
- SMEs referred by NRC IRAP are required to pay a $500 flat fee per engagement, which must be included in budget planning.
- Each SME engagement is limited to up to 20 hours over a maximum of 4 months, with only one engagement per SME per fiscal year unless otherwise approved.
- Selected organizations are prohibited from using the project or its services for their own marketing purposes.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) – AI Assist Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) – AI Assist. 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 Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) – AI Assist?
The Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) – AI Assist provides up to $10.5 million to support Canadian not-for-profit organizations and post-secondary institutions in helping SMEs adopt and integrate artificial intelligence solutions. Eligible activities include delivering AI advisory services, in-person or virtual engagements, and developing action plans for the implementation of generative AI, deep neural networks, and deep learning technologies.
How much funding can be received?
Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) – AI Assist Funds up to 100% of admissible expenses, capped at $10,500,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) – AI Assist program?
To be eligible for the Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) – AI Assist program, you must:
Must be an incorporated not-for-profit organization or post-secondary institution operating in Canada.
Must have at least 3 years of experience delivering AI advisory services to SMEs.
Must have facilities and employees in Canada, file taxes, and maintain required insurance.
What expenses are eligible under Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) – AI Assist?
Delivery of AI advisory and knowledge services to Canadian SMEs to assess and integrate artificial intelligence into their business operations and offerings.
Evaluation and guidance for SMEs on potential uses and integration of generative AI, deep neural networks, and deep learning technologies.
Review of SME data quality, with considerations for governance, ethics, and privacy, to support responsible AI adoption.
Preparation of tailored action plans and recommendations for SMEs on leveraging AI to achieve innovation and growth objectives.
Provision of SME engagement services, including initial assessments and follow-up reporting, either in person or virtually.
Who can I contact for more information about the Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) – AI Assist?
You can contact National Research Council Canada (NRC) by email at NRC.IRAPctocfp-aapcaoPARI.CNRC@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca.
Where is the Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) – AI Assist available?
The Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) – AI Assist program is available across Canada.
Is the Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) – AI Assist a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) – AI Assist is a Grant and Funding