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Source verified July 27, 2026
NRC IRAP – Financial support for technology innovation
Funding for Canadian SME technology innovation
Latest source updateLast Update: April 26, 2026Latest change: NRC IRAP now presents a more concise description with updated funding limits, eligible expenditures, and eligibility requirements.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: April 26, 2026
Latest change: NRC IRAP now presents a more concise description with updated funding limits, eligible expenditures, and eligibility requirements.
NRC IRAP funding details updated
NRC IRAP’s main content has been reorganized into a shorter program summary with a new focus on funding details, eligible expenditures, and eligibility requirements. The updated text specifies contribution limits, reimbursable costs, project maximums, and clearer eligible activity types for R&D and commercialization work in Canada. Compared with the previous version, the application guidance, contact information, and several supporting sections are no longer shown in the same level of detail, so applicants may need to review the current program page carefully for complete instructions.
Funding available
Up to 75% of project cost
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Canada
Overview
Financial support for technology innovation from NRC IRAP helps incorporated, for-profit Canadian SMEs develop and commercialize innovative, technology-driven products and services. It supports research and development and other innovation activities that strengthen innovation capacity, create jobs, and accelerate market readiness.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop a new product or service
- Conduct research and development activities
Eligible Funding
- Up to 75% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- 1-500 employees
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Feasibility studies
- Small to large scale R&D using employees, students, contractors for product and development or productivity improvement
- Adaptation of existing technologies
- R&D to advance unproven technologies
- Perform test model or pilot plant stage
Documents Needed
- CRA business number
- Business plan
- Recent financial statements
- Details on business ownership structure
- Resumes or profiles for the management and technical team
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises
- Businesses that are incorporated, for-profit, and operating in Canada
- Businesses employing up to 500 people on a full-time equivalent basis
- Businesses developing and commercializing innovative, technology-driven products or services
Who is not eligible
- Unlimited liability corporations (ULCs)
- Limited liability corporations (LLCs)
- Sole proprietorships and partnerships
- Cooperatives
Eligible expenses
- Portion of salary and contractor costs associated with the project
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Day-to-day operating costs
- Non-technical or purely commercial activities
- Work carried out outside Canada
- Research with limited potential for commercialization
Selection criteria
- The technical aspects of the innovation
- The business, management, and financial capacity of the company
- The likelihood of achieving results
- Commercialization plans
- The market potential of the project and benefits to Canada
How to apply
- A senior executive from the business calls 1-877-994-4727 if the company meets the minimum requirements
- The bilingual contact centre gathers details and determines whether the business is ready to meet a client engagement advisor
- The client engagement advisor reviews the business information, learns more about operations and goals, and may refer the business to an industrial technology advisor
- The industrial technology advisor further explores the business's vision, team, and innovation potential and identifies NRC IRAP supports that fit the business needs
Processing and Agreement
- A client engagement advisor reviews the business information and may refer the business to an industrial technology advisor
- The industrial technology advisor assesses the business's technical, financial, and management strengths and explores its vision, team, and innovation potential
- Funding decisions are based on a formal assessment process and the availability of funds
- After NRC IRAP receives a complete proposal and the requested documentation, the funding decision target is 20 business days for contributions of $50,000 or less, 30 business days for contributions greater than $50,000 up to $500,000, 45 business days for contributions greater than $500,000 up to $3 million, and 65 business days for contributions greater than $3 million up to $10 million
- Payments are issued within 35 business days of receiving all required documents and a correctly completed claim form
Additional information
- Meeting the minimum requirements is the first step and does not guarantee NRC IRAP support or funding
- Working with an advisor or being invited to submit a proposal does not guarantee funding
- If NRC IRAP is not the right fit, advisors can connect businesses with other programs, expertise, or partners that may better suit their stage of growth
- Federal safeguards protect proprietary business information, and sensitive information should be clearly marked as Confidential or Protected
Contacts
Other components of this program
Explore related funding streams and grants that belong to the same program.
- NRC IRAP – Advisory servicesExpert business and technical advice
- NRC IRAP – AI AssistSupports Canadian SMEs in adopting and integrating advanced AI solutions
- NRC IRAP – Defence Industry Assist (DI Assist)Support for innovative defence technology SMEs
- NRC IRAP – IP AssistIP Advisory services for your innovations
- NRC IRAP – Support for clean technologyFunding for Canadian SMEs advancing innovative clean technology commercialization
- NRC IRAP – Youth Employment Program (YEP)Money to hire a student
Frequently Asked Questions about the NRC IRAP – Financial support for technology innovation Program
What is the NRC IRAP – Financial support for technology innovation?
Financial support for technology innovation from NRC IRAP helps incorporated, for-profit Canadian SMEs develop and commercialize innovative, technology-driven products and services. It supports research and development and other innovation activities that strengthen innovation capacity, create jobs, and accelerate market readiness.
How much funding can be received?
NRC IRAP – Financial support for technology innovation Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the NRC IRAP – Financial support for technology innovation program?
To be eligible for the NRC IRAP – Financial support for technology innovation program, you must:
Be incorporated, for-profit, and operating in Canada
Employ up to 500 people on a full-time equivalent basis
Develop and commercialize innovative, technology-driven products or services and be ready to create economic benefits in Canada
What expenses are eligible under NRC IRAP – Financial support for technology innovation?
Feasibility studies
Small to large scale R&D using employees, students, contractors for product and development or productivity improvement
Adaptation of existing technologies
R&D to advance unproven technologies
Perform test model or pilot plant stage
Who can I contact for more information about the NRC IRAP – Financial support for technology innovation?
You can contact National Research Council Canada (NRC) by email at info@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca or by phone at 1-877-994-4727.
Where is the NRC IRAP – Financial support for technology innovation available?
The NRC IRAP – Financial support for technology innovation program is available across Canada.
Is the NRC IRAP – Financial support for technology innovation a grant, loan, or tax credit?
NRC IRAP – Financial support for technology innovation is a Grant and Funding