International Technology Pilot and Demonstration Program — Cleantech (Global Markets)

• Expression of Interest (EOI) form
• Full Project Proposal form
• Letter of Intent (LoI) or Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
• Signed NRC Research Security Requirements Attestation form
• Canadian SME cash-flow projection

Who is eligible?

• Canadian incorporated, profit-oriented small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) developing and commercializing innovative, technology-driven products, services, or processes
• Cleantech companies in clean energy (e.g., solar, wind, hydro, hydrogen and fuel cells, energy storage, energy efficiency, clean fuels, smart grid, combined heat and power)
• Carbon management companies (carbon capture, utilization and storage)
• Environmental technology companies (water, wastewater, soil, solid waste, air pollution)
• Circular economy companies (reuse or recycling of materials or resources)

Who is not eligible

• Non-incorporated businesses (e.g., sole proprietorships) and other organizations that are not incorporated Canadian companies.
• Not-for-profit organizations and any company that is not profit-oriented.
• Large enterprises (more than 500 full-time equivalent employees).
• Companies proposing projects with a military or non-civilian purpose.
• Companies or project partners/participants that are affiliated with an entity on Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s Named Research Organization (NRO) list.

Eligible expenses

• Employee salary costs directly related to the project.
• Contractor fees (e.g., external consultants/subcontractors) for project work.
• International travel costs for employees (project-related travel).

Ineligible Costs and Activities

• Any project costs that are reimbursed by another party (cannot be claimed to NRC IRAP).
• Costs related to military (non-civilian) applications or purposes.
• Activities that overlap with existing sales, procurement, or contracting arrangements with the foreign partner (must be separate from the project).
• Fee-for-service providers (consultants, subcontractors, contractors, suppliers) treated as “project partners” (they are not eligible as partners under this call).

Eligible geographic areas

• Canada (eligible applicant must be an incorporated Canadian SME).

• NRC IRAP reviews registrations and may contact the applicant if more information is required.
• Expressions of interest are evaluated as they are received; qualifying applicants are invited to submit a full project proposal.
• Full project proposals are evaluated by NRC IRAP; selected applicants are notified and proceed to the next steps.
• Selected Canadian SMEs work with their NRC IRAP Industrial Technology Advisor (ITA) to prepare an NRC IRAP funding proposal.
• If the funding proposal is approved, NRC IRAP executes a contribution agreement with the Canadian SME.

• Projects supported by NRC IRAP must be for civilian (non-military) purposes.
• NRC IRAP applies research security screening and will not directly fund projects where there is a current affiliation with an organization on the Named Research Organization (NRO) list.
• Organizations engaged under fee-for-service, consulting, subcontracting, sales, or similar contractual arrangements are not considered project partners.
• Any existing contractual sales and/or procurement agreements must remain separate from the proposed project, which must be distinct and not overlap with ongoing sales or procurement arrangements.