Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) — Financial Assistance

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Q: Who is eligible for the Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) — Financial Assistance program?

To be eligible for the Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) — Financial Assistance program, you must: • Incorporated, profit-oriented Canadian small or medium-sized business • 500 or fewer full-time equivalent employees • Focused on growth through technology-driven innovation

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) — Financial Assistance?

You can contact National Research Council Canada (NRC) by email at info@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca or by phone at 1-877-994-4727.

Q: Where is the Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) — Financial Assistance available?

The Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) — Financial Assistance program is available across Canada.

Q: Are youth (under 40) eligible for the Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) — Financial Assistance program?

Yes, youth under 40 are eligible to apply for the Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) — Financial Assistance program.

Last Update: August 20, 2025

Canada

Financial support for technology innovations

At a glance

Eligible Funding

Up to 75% of project cost

Timeline

Unspecified

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Professional, scientific and technical services

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Open

Overview

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.

Financing terms and conditions

For small technology innovation projects, grants of up to $50,000 to fund R&D and/or the commercialization of technology projects.
For medium-sized technology innovation projects, financing can reach up to $10 million, primarily intended for R&D activities and the development of innovative products.
The non-repayable financial assistance covers up to 80% of salaries and 50% of contractor costs for accepted projects.

Activities funded

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.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 400,000

Advancement of smart home devices for energy management

$ 280,000

Launch of an online platform for remote mental health support

$ 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

$ 380,000

Development of a smart energy management system

Eligibility

The applicant must be an incorporated, profit-oriented small or medium-sized business in Canada.
The business must have 500 or fewer full-time equivalent employees.
The business must have the objective to pursue growth and profit by developing and commercializing innovative, technology-driven new or improved products, services, or processes in Canada.

Who is eligible?

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.

Who is not eligible

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

Eligible expenses

80% of personnel salaries for project-related roles.
50% of costs for subcontractors involved in project implementation.

Eligible geographic areas

All provinces and territories within Canada.

Selection criteria

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

How to apply

Check eligibility criteria

Confirm your business is profit-oriented and incorporated in Canada
Ensure your business has 500 or fewer full-time equivalent employees
Verify the intent to develop and commercialize technology-driven innovations

Contact NRC IRAP

Call NRC IRAP at 1-877-994-4727 to discuss eligibility

Prepare documentation

Prepare a business plan or pitch deck
Provide company financials
Gather resumes or biographies of management and technical team

Meet with ITA

Meet with an industrial technology advisor (ITA)
Discuss your business strategy, challenges, and growth opportunities

Develop and submit proposal

Receive invitation to develop a project proposal after ITA assessment
Submit the project proposal for NRC IRAP funding

Proposal assessment

NRC IRAP assesses the proposal's technical and commercial viability
A decision is made within three months

Receive funding and execute project

If successful, receive funding for R&D costs
You must submit monthly reimbursement claims
Your ITA will support project execution

Additional information

The NRC IRAP does not tolerate inappropriate behaviour, aggression, harassment, or foul language towards its employees; conversations exhibiting such conduct will be terminated immediately.
Feedback regarding service quality can be provided through the NRC IRAP feedback process to aid program improvement.
Project funding is determined in collaboration with an Industrial Technology Advisor (ITA), whose assessment customizes support and guidance throughout the project.
Projects funded by IRAP must align with the NRC IRAP fiscal year (April 1 to March 31), and it is recommended to contact an ITA before April 1 to discuss funding cycles.

Contacts

info@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

1-877-994-4727

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) — Financial Assistance Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) — Financial Assistance. 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.