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MEDTEQ+ — Innovation Acceleration Program (IAM)
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Canada
Personalized coaching for Canadian medtech SMEs to commercialize innovations
Expert Advice
Overview
The MEDTEQ+ Innovation Acceleration Program (IAM) offers up to 30 hours of expert coaching, valued at a subsidized cost of $500 for selected Canadian healthcare technology SMEs, aiming to strengthen R&D strategies and facilitate commercial deployment. The program supports activities including commercialization planning, export strategies, regulatory strategy development, and business model innovation to help medtech companies attract venture capital and accelerate market entry.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Integrate new technologies
- Research and experimental development
- Selling in a new market
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Health care and social assistance
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Canadians
- Startups
Activities funded
- Strengthening research and development strategies to enhance competitiveness in the healthcare technology sector.
- Coaching for commercialization and export readiness, including integrated planning for R&D, clinical, regulatory, manufacturing, partnerships, intellectual property, and distribution strategies.
- Identifying and pursuing new business opportunities and value propositions for revenue growth over short- and long-term horizons.
- Facilitating the adoption and integration of medical technology innovations within healthcare settings.
- Guiding organizational skill development in innovation management to support technological advancement and commercial deployment.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 45,000
Upgrading food rescue warehouse with commercial refrigeration and racking
$ 40,000
Development of online booking system for dental cooperative clinics
$ 50,000
Implementation of energy-efficient lighting in food processing facility
$ 120,000
Conversion of delivery fleet to electric vehicles for organic grocer
$ 65,000
Installation of rooftop solar panels at community arts centre
$ 65,000
Creation of accessible training facilities for persons with disabilities
Eligibility
- The applicant must be a Canadian healthcare technology SME.
- The company must have at least a working prototype.
- The applicant must provide evidence of potential in a first identified market.
- The final selection of companies is made by NRC-IRAP.
Who is eligible?
- Innovative Canadian healthcare technology SMEs (regulated or non-regulated)
- Entrepreneurs and managers in the medtech sector with at least a working prototype and evidence of market potential
Eligible expenses
- Coaching services and expertise provided by MEDTEQ+ network specialists.
Eligible geographic areas
- Companies operating in Canada.
Selection criteria
- Maturity and profile of the applicant, specifically having at least a working prototype and evidence of potential in a first identified market.
- Final selection of companies is the responsibility of NRC-IRAP, considering company-specific needs and challenges.
How to apply
1
Assess eligibility and program fit
- Review eligibility criteria for SMEs with a working prototype in the medtech sector
- Ensure company has evidence of potential in a first identified market
- Confirm understanding of program objectives and expected results
2
Prepare application documentation
- Contact MEDTEQ+ or NRC-IRAP for further information if needed
- Prepare documentation on company profile, prototype, and market validation
- Gather supporting material for selection process
3
Submit application and fee
- Submit completed application as required by MEDTEQ+ and NRC-IRAP
- Pay the $500 participation fee upon request if selected
- Await official confirmation of acceptance into the program
Additional information
- The coaching program involves up to 30 hours of expert support for each selected company.
- The average duration of participation in the program is 3 to 4 months.
- The program is coordinated by MEDTEQ+ and NRC-IRAP, leveraging a network of specialized external experts.
- A participation fee of $500 applies, made possible through NRC-IRAP support.
