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Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) — Financial Assistance
Canada
Financial support for technology innovations
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateApril 1, 2022
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
grant_single|grantors
- National Research Council Canada (NRC)
- Government of Canada
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
The NRC IRAP provides up to $10 million in funding to support technology-driven innovation projects for small and medium-sized Canadian businesses. Eligible activities include research and development aimed at developing and commercializing new or improved products, services, or processes.
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
- Financial support is non-repayable, covering 80% of salaries and 50% of contractor costs for qualifying projects.
- Maximum funding available for projects is up to $10 million, targeted at firms with potential for significant growth.
- Monthly reimbursement claims are required to be submitted to NRC IRAP during the project.
- The funding aims to assist firms in achieving transformative growth within five years post-project completion.
- Support extends to larger research and development projects identified by NRC IRAP as having demonstrated rapid growth potential.
grant_single_labels|projects
- Research and development projects at various stages of the innovation cycle.
- Technology innovation projects and youth employment strategy programs.
- Development and commercialization of innovative, technology-driven new or improved products, services or processes.
- Small-scale technology innovation projects under the accelerated review process.
- Medium-sized technology innovation projects focused on new products, original software development, etc.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 380,000
Development of a smart energy management system
$ 475,000
Developing AI software tool for supply chain optimization
$ 200,000
Development of AI-driven healthcare assessment tool
$ 320,000
Creating eco-friendly packaging solutions using biodegradable materials
$ 280,000
Launch of an online platform for remote mental health support
$ 400,000
Advancement of smart home devices for energy management
grant_single_labels|admissibility
If you meet the following criteria, your business may be eligible for NRC IRAP support:
- You are an incorporated, profit-oriented small or medium-sized business in Canada
- You have 500 or fewer full-time equivalent employees
- You plan to pursue growth and profit by developing and commercializing innovative, technology-driven new or improved products, services or processes in Canada
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
- Small and medium-sized Canadian businesses pursuing technology-driven innovation.
- Firms focused on developing and commercializing new or improved technology-driven products, services, or processes.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
The National Research Council Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP) primarily supports Canadian for-profit SMEs. Industries that are not eligible generally include those that do not meet the required technological or innovative criteria. Here are some possible types of restrictions
- Unincorporated businesses
- Not-for-profit organisations
- Industries with no technological innovation objectives
- Companies whose main activity is not oriented towards the development of new products or processes
- Companies with more than 500 full-time equivalent employees
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
- 80% of personnel salaries for project-related roles.
- 50% of costs for subcontractors involved in project implementation.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant is available to small and medium-sized businesses incorporated and operating across Canada. It aims to foster innovation through technology-driven projects nationwide.
- All provinces and territories within Canada.
grant_single_labels|criteria
NRC IRAP projects are evaluated based on several criteria to ensure they align with growth and innovation objectives.
- The project's technical aspects and potential impacts on the business
- The business, management, and financial capacity
- The assessed potential to achieve expected results
- The commercialization plan
- The overall market and commercialization opportunity
- The anticipated benefits to Canada
grant_single_labels|register
Step 1: Initial Contact with NRC IRAP
- Call the toll-free number 1-877-994-4727 to discuss your project.
- Determine eligibility based on criteria including business size, incorporation, and innovation plans.
Step 2: Preliminary Due Diligence
- Prepare a business plan or pitch deck, company financials, and resumes for management and technical teams.
- Provide these documents to assist NRC IRAP in conducting preliminary due diligence.
Step 3: Meet an Industrial Technology Advisor (ITA)
- If eligible, you will be referred to an ITA.
- The ITA will meet to understand your business strategy, issues, opportunities, and plans.
Step 4: Develop Project Proposal
- The ITA evaluates the business and proposed project.
- If appropriate, you will be invited to submit a project proposal for funding.
Step 5: Proposal Assessment
- The proposal is assessed within three months based on technical aspects, business capacity, commercialization potential, and anticipated benefits to Canada.
Step 6: Receive Financial Contribution
- If approved, you receive a financial contribution to share the costs of your R&D project.
- Submit monthly reimbursement claims to NRC IRAP.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Additional information worth knowing by the grant applicant includes:
- NRC IRAP provides non-repayable financial contributions covering up to 80% of salaries and 50% of contractor costs.
- The program is implemented through a network of industrial technology advisors (ITAs) across Canada.
- For larger R&D projects, NRC IRAP has increased its funding threshold up to $10 million.
- To leverage both NRC IRAP and SR&ED programs, proper coordination in applying for each is advised.
- Successful applicants must submit monthly reimbursement claims to NRC IRAP.
- Qualified businesses may also benefit from youth employment strategy programs offering up to $30,000 per graduate for a 12-month placement.
grant_single_labels|contact
1-877-994-4727
