How much funding can be received?

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|projects

Eligible projects and activities for this grant focus on research and development that lead to technology-driven innovation. These include efforts towards creating new or improved products, services, or processes in Canada.

Research and development of innovative technologies.
Commercialization of technology-driven new or improved products, services, or processes.
Development of new, innovative products.
Original software creation.
Development and commercialization activities leading to significant business growth and economic benefits for Canada.

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

This grant targets small and medium-sized Canadian businesses that are focused on technology-driven innovation. The following types of businesses and industries may be eligible for funding:

Incorporated, profit-oriented small or medium-sized businesses in Canada
Industries involved in developing and commercializing innovative, 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

The NRC IRAP grant covers eligible expenses related to research and development activities, including salary and subcontractor costs.

80% of salaries
50% of subcontractor costs

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

Eligible companies for this grant are those that are incorporated and profit-oriented small or medium-sized businesses in Canada. The funding is targeted at Canadian businesses looking to develop and commercialize innovative technology-driven solutions.

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

Apply to this program

NRC IRAP: Fueling Innovation for Canadian SMEs

The National Research Council of Canada's Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) supports small and medium-sized Canadian businesses pursuing technology-driven innovation by providing financial assistance and expert advisory services. Eligible firms can access substantial funding to support research and development projects, helping them grow and contribute significantly to Canada's economic landscape.

Comprehensive Guide to NRC IRAP for Canadian Innovators

The National Research Council Canada's Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) has long been a pivotal resource for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Canada that are pushing the boundaries of technology-driven innovation. As these companies strive to develop, commercialize, and scale up new products, services, or processes, NRC IRAP steps in to fuel their journeys with much-needed financial and advisory support.

NRC IRAP is renowned for its comprehensive assistance to SMEs, extending non-repayable financial contributions to alleviate the costs associated with research and development (R&D) projects. Particularly noteworthy is the program's expansion in 2018-2019 that increased funding thresholds to up to $10 million for larger projects. This strategic move underscores the program's commitment to facilitating rapid and transformative growth within five years post-project completion, thereby bolstering Canada's economic prosperity.

Eligibility for this esteemed program requires that the applicant be an incorporated, profit-oriented SME in Canada, with 500 or fewer full-time equivalent employees. The applicant must also have a business agenda geared toward technological innovation that promises growth and profitability via the commercialization of their innovations within Canada. Upon meeting these criteria, businesses are encouraged to contact NRC IRAP by phone to discuss eligibility further. This initial interaction sets the stage for a collaborative process with an Industrial Technology Advisor (ITA), who will work closely with the business to ensure every opportunity for success.

Once connected, the ITA will conduct a detailed assessment of the business, examining the proposed project, the current market landscape, and potential commercialization opportunities. This involves an in-depth diagnostic approach to identify gaps, challenges, and growth possibilities, all while strategizing on methods to overcome obstacles and capitalize on opportunities.

Following this alignment, businesses are invited to submit a project proposal. This proposal undergoes thorough evaluation that considers not only the project's technical viability but also its potential impacts on the business, including management and financial capacity, expected results, and commercialization plans. It is essential that the proposal also outlines the benefit that the project presents to Canada, such as job creation or economic enhancement.

Successful applicants receive funding to cover a significant portion of their R&D project costs. During the project lifecycle, businesses must submit monthly reimbursement claims to NRC IRAP, ensuring transparency and accountability. The ITA continues to play a supportive role throughout the project duration, offering guidance and insights to help the business navigate challenges and optimize outcomes.

Moreover, NRC IRAP doesn't just focus on financial contributions. It historically integrates advisory capabilities with a vast network of Industrial Technology Advisors across Canada, providing invaluable support, knowledge, and connections that help SMEs amplify their innovation efforts. The program emphasizes a collaborative approach that transforms ideas from concept to commercialization efficiently and effectively.

The program structure is designed to be flexible and responsive to different business needs and project scopes. This includes facilitating smaller-scale technology innovation projects, larger R&D initiatives, and fostering youth employment strategies to inject fresh talent into Canada's innovation ecosystem. By offering a range of funding levels and advisory services, NRC IRAP meets businesses where they are, creating pathways for sustainable growth and market success.

In an intensely competitive global market, the ability to innovate rapidly and at scale is critical. NRC IRAP serves as a crucial catalyst, not only offering Canadian SMEs the financial means to pursue high-impact projects but also providing the strategic guidance needed to navigate the complexities of innovation and drive meaningful economic contributions.

Ultimately, NRC IRAP embodies a robust support system that champions the innovative capabilities of Canadian SMEs, underpinning their ambitions with substantial resources, expert guidance, and a steadfast commitment to amplifying the nation's technological prowess and economic vitality. Through its nuanced understanding of business needs and market dynamics, NRC IRAP remains a linchpin in Canada's innovation landscape, enabling businesses to thrive and setting a benchmark for R&D support programs globally.