How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Who are the financial supporters of the Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) — Financial Assistance?

Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) — Financial Assistance is funded by National Research Council Canada (NRC), Government of Canada

Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) — Financial Assistance

Q: What are Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) — Financial Assistance's eligibility criterias?

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

grant_single|update April 5, 2025

Canada

Financial support for technology innovations

grant_single_labels|summary

grant_single_labels|preview

grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions

grant_single_labels|projects

grant_single_labels|admissibility

grant_single_labels|criteria

grant_single_labels|apply

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

grant_single_labels|contact

grant_single_labels|summary

grant_single|eligibleFinancing

grant_single|projectCostPercent

grant_single|deadlines

grant_single|openingDate April 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|apply

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.