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NRC — Cell Culture Pilot Plant
Cell culture scale-up for biologics and vaccines
Last Update: April 9, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Montreal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
Overview
This program supports process development and scale-up for biologics and vaccines using cell culture systems. It provides access to advanced bioprocessing services, equipment, and hands-on training for activities up to 500 L scale.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Increase production or service capacity
- Develop a new product or service
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Health care and social assistance
Location
- Montreal
- Montréal
- Quebec
Legal structures
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Development and scale-up of cell culture processes for biologics production.
- Scale-up of viral production and purification processes.
- Scale-up of transient transfection processes.
- Development of cell culture media and feeding strategies.
- In-process assay development and bioreactor training.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Biotechnology companies
- Companies developing recombinant proteins
- Companies developing viral vectors
- Companies developing vaccines
Eligible geographic areas
- Montréal, Quebec
Additional information
- The facility can support transfer to contract manufacturing organizations.
- The NRC can act as a liaison to Canadian CMOs.
- Documentation and training are provided when process development is complete.
Documents and links
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the NRC — Cell Culture Pilot Plant Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the NRC — Cell Culture Pilot Plant. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the NRC — Cell Culture Pilot Plant?
This program supports process development and scale-up for biologics and vaccines using cell culture systems. It provides access to advanced bioprocessing services, equipment, and hands-on training for activities up to 500 L scale.
Who is eligible for the NRC — Cell Culture Pilot Plant program?
To be eligible for the NRC — Cell Culture Pilot Plant program, you must:
Biologics or vaccine work
CHO, HEK293, or similar systems
Process development or scale-up
What expenses are eligible under NRC — Cell Culture Pilot Plant?
Development and scale-up of cell culture processes for biologics production.
Scale-up of viral production and purification processes.
Scale-up of transient transfection processes.
Development of cell culture media and feeding strategies.
In-process assay development and bioreactor training.
Who can I contact for more information about the NRC — Cell Culture Pilot Plant?
You can contact National Research Council Canada (NRC) by email at Martin.Loignon@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca or by phone at 438-992-4161.
Where is the NRC — Cell Culture Pilot Plant available?
The NRC — Cell Culture Pilot Plant program is available Montréal, Quebec.
Is the NRC — Cell Culture Pilot Plant a grant, loan, or tax credit?
NRC — Cell Culture Pilot Plant is a Researchers And Facilities
Who are the financial supporters of the NRC — Cell Culture Pilot Plant?
NRC — Cell Culture Pilot Plant is funded by National Research Council Canada (NRC), Government of Canada