
Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) — Financial Assistance
grant_single|update April 20, 2025
Canada
Financial support for technology innovations
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- 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
- 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
- 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.
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
$ 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
$ 380,000
Development of a smart energy management system
grant_single_labels|admissibility
- 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.
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
- 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
- All provinces and territories within Canada.
grant_single_labels|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
grant_single_labels|apply
1
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
2
Contact NRC IRAP
- Call NRC IRAP at 1-877-994-4727 to discuss eligibility
3
Prepare documentation
- Prepare a business plan or pitch deck
- Provide company financials
- Gather resumes or biographies of management and technical team
4
Meet with ITA
- Meet with an industrial technology advisor (ITA)
- Discuss your business strategy, challenges, and growth opportunities
5
Develop and submit proposal
- Receive invitation to develop a project proposal after ITA assessment
- Submit the project proposal for NRC IRAP funding
6
Proposal assessment
- NRC IRAP assesses the proposal's technical and commercial viability
- A decision is made within three months
7
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
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
- 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.
grant_single_labels|contact
1-877-994-4727
Apply to this program
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