Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) — Financial Assistance
Canada
Financial support for technology innovations
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Canada
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
Get a non-repayable contribution to develop, adopt or adapt new or improved technologies at any stage of innovation.
grant_single_labels|projects
- Design and development of innovative products or services.
- Research and development in industry-specific areas.
- Initiatives aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and carbon emission reduction.
- Education and training programs aimed at enhancing skills and employability.
- Cultural and artistic projects that enrich community heritage.
- Public health activities aimed at improving population well-being.
- Development of information and communication technologies for information access and civic participation.
- Social and economic inclusion initiatives for marginalized groups.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$400,000
Ottawa
Launch of a green tech start-up incubator.
$350,000
Calgary
Research for synthetic biodegradable materials.
$400,000
Montreal
Develop an online platform for mental health support.
$150,000
Halifax
Creation of a digital literacy program for seniors.
$600,000
Toronto
Community solar panel installation aimed at reducing carbon emissions.
$450,000
Vancouver
Development of AI algorithms for healthcare diagnostics.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
- Be a citizen or permanent resident of the concerned country.
- Have reached the age of majority in your jurisdiction of residence.
- Meet specific program or offer requirements (examples: income level, employment status).
- Not be disqualified for legal or regulatory reasons.
- Provide all necessary documentation to prove eligibility.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
- Individuals with citizenship or permanent residency status.
- Legally registered businesses operating within the concerned country.
- Registered nonprofit organizations and non-profit associations.
- Educational institutions recognized by the relevant authorities.
- Groups or collectives that meet the specific criteria of the program or call for projects.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
- Individuals without a valid legal or residential status in the concerned country.
- Businesses or organizations that are bankrupt or in judicial liquidation.
- Entities under legal or regulatory sanctions that prevent their participation.
- Individuals with a criminal record that renders them ineligible according to the program's criteria.
- Political organizations or groups whose activities are contrary to the program's objectives.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
- Costs related to the research and development of new products or services.
- Purchase of materials and equipment necessary for project implementation.
- Personnel expenses, including salaries of employees working directly on the project.
- Professional training expenses to improve skills related to the project.
- Marketing, promotion, and dissemination costs for launching products or services.
- Consulting fees and specific external professional services for the project.
- Rent for premises, equipment, or technologies necessary for the project.
- Expenses related to environmental protection and project sustainability.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
- Urban areas with a specific need for economic or social development.
- Rural areas that benefit from programs aimed at reducing regional disparities.
- Disadvantaged neighborhoods targeted by urban revitalization initiatives.
- Regions affected by industrial transitions, requiring support for economic conversion.
- Territories impacted by environmental issues, such as deforestation or pollution.
- Indigenous or minority communities with specific needs for support and cultural preservation.
grant_single_labels|criteria
- Relevance of the project to the goals of the program or call for projects.
- Innovation and originality of the proposed approach or solution.
- Technical and financial feasibility of the project.
- Potential impact on the targeted community or sector, including economic, social, and environmental benefits.
- Quality and clarity of the project plan, including goals, methodologies, and success indicators.
- Skills and experience of the project team, including the capacity to complete the project.
- Local support and partnerships, demonstrating the commitment of the community or other key stakeholders.
- Sustainability and potential for the project's longevity beyond the funding period.
grant_single_labels|register
- Eligibility Criteria Check : Ensure you meet all the eligibility criteria before starting your application.
- Gathering Necessary Documents : Collect all required documents and information for your application.
- Online Registration : Fill out the application form online on the website of the program or the funding organization.
- Project Description : Develop a detailed description of your project, including objectives, action plan, budget, and expected impact.
- Submission of Application : Submit your complete application dossier before the specified deadline.
- Follow-Up : After submission, keep an eye on your email and other communication means for any updates or requests for additional information.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
- Pre-Application Consultation : It's recommended to consult with a program advisor before submitting your application to clarify any doubts and optimize your dossier.
- Information Sessions : Attend information sessions or workshops organized by the funding entity to better understand the process and expectations.
- Deadline Compliance : Pay close attention to deadlines, including for document submission and potential selection phases.
- Preparation for Evaluation : Be prepared to participate in interviews or present your project to an evaluation committee if required.
- Revision and Feedback : Be open to feedback and ready to revise your proposal based on the comments received from evaluators.
- Financial Planning : Ensure you have a clear and realistic financial plan, accounting for all costs associated with the project.
grant_single_labels|contact
1-877-994-4727
Apply to this program
NRC IRAP Funding for Small and Medium-Sized Canadian Businesses
NRC IRAP offers financial support of up to $10 million to eligible small and medium-sized Canadian businesses pursuing technology-driven innovation. This program aims to assist companies in achieving transformative growth and benefiting Canada's economy.
NRC IRAP: A Comprehensive Guide to Funding for Small and Medium-Sized Canadian Businesses
The National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) is a pivotal initiative designed to support small and medium-sized Canadian businesses in their pursuit of technology-driven innovation. If you're an entrepreneur or part of a tech-focused organization, understanding the NRC IRAP could be instrumental to your growth and success. This comprehensive guide dives deep into the intricacies of the grant, helping you explore its potential benefits and detailing the application process.
Understanding the NRC IRAP Grant
NRC IRAP provides grants to eligible Canadian businesses to support research and development (R&D) initiatives. The core aim of the program is to foster innovation, enable technological advancements, and ultimately, drive economic growth in Canada. The program offers tailored support ranging from advisory services to significant financial contributions, specifically targeting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for NRC IRAP support, your business must: - Be an incorporated, profit-oriented, small or medium-sized business in Canada. - Have 500 or fewer full-time equivalent employees. - Aim to grow and profit by developing and commercializing innovative, technology-driven new or improved products, services, or processes within Canada. These criteria ensure that the support is extended to businesses that have the potential for growth and can contribute to the broader economic development of the country.
Application Process
The NRC IRAP application process involves several key steps: 1. **Initial Contact**: Connect with NRC IRAP by calling 1-877-994-4727 to discuss your potential eligibility. 2. **Preliminary Due Diligence**: Prepare essential documents such as your business plan or pitch deck, company financials, and resumes of your management and technical teams. 3. **Meeting with an Industrial Technology Advisor (ITA)**: If deemed potentially eligible, you will be referred to an ITA who will seek to understand your business deeply. This may include in-person meetings to evaluate your business strategy, technical challenges, opportunities for growth, and future plans. 4. **Diagnostic and Recommendations**: The ITA will develop a diagnostic to identify perceived gaps in your strategy and recommend potential solutions. 5. **Project Proposal Development**: Based on the ITA's assessment, you might be invited to submit a detailed project proposal for financial support. 6. **Proposal Assessment**: NRC IRAP reviews the proposal within three months, considering various factors such as technical aspects, business capacity, commercialization plan, and the potential economic impact on Canada. 7. **Funding Decision**: If successful, you will receive a financial contribution that covers a portion of your R&D project costs. Monthly reimbursement claims will be required, and the ITA will continue to support you throughout the project.
Scope of Funding
NRC IRAP funding can significantly impact your R&D activities: - **Financial Contributions**: Depending on the project's scale, funding can go up to $10 million, making it one of the most substantial support programs for SMEs in Canada. - **Advisory Services**: ITAs provide expert advice tailored to your specific needs, helping you refine your project and improving your chances of success. - **Ongoing Support**: Continuous support through the project lifecycle ensures that any challenges faced can be managed efficiently, leveraging the ITAs' expertise.
Key Benefits
Engaging with NRC IRAP offers multiple benefits: - **Accelerated Innovation**: With financial backing, SMEs can expedite their R&D processes, bringing innovative products and services to market faster. - **Economic Growth**: Successful projects contribute significantly to economic development, fostering job creation and technological advancements within Canada. - **Risk Mitigation**: Financial support lowers the inherent risks associated with R&D, allowing businesses to explore more ambitious and high-impact projects. - **Enhanced Competitiveness**: By integrating advanced technologies, SMEs can improve their market positioning, both domestically and internationally.
Success Stories
Numerous Canadian businesses have benefitted from NRC IRAP. For instance: - **Biotech Companies**: Several biotechnology firms have harnessed NRC IRAP funding to develop breakthrough medical technologies, leading to improved healthcare solutions. - **Clean Technology Start-ups**: Start-ups focused on sustainable energy solutions have scaled their operations and delivered market-ready products, contributing to environmental sustainability. - **Advanced Manufacturing Enterprises**: Companies in advanced manufacturing have enhanced their production capabilities and introduced innovative products and processes, thus boosting their productivity and competitiveness.
Conclusion
NRC IRAP stands as a cornerstone initiative facilitating the growth of small and medium-sized Canadian businesses through targeted financial and advisory support. By fostering a thriving environment for technological innovation, this program not only propels individual companies towards success but also significantly contributes to the broader economic landscape of Canada. If your business aligns with the eligibility criteria and you have a robust plan for technology-driven innovation, NRC IRAP could be the catalyst you need for transformative growth. Take the first step by connecting with the NRC IRAP team, preparing your detailed application, and embarking on a journey of innovation and success.
