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Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) — Financial Assistance - Canada
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Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) — Financial Assistance

Funding support for SME research, development and commercialization
National Research Council Canada (NRC)
Government of Canada
Last Update: March 10, 2026
Funding available
No Condition
Timeline
  • Open continuously
Location
Canada

Overview

This program provides non-repayable financial assistance of up to $10 million to support research and development and technology innovation projects in Canadian SMEs. It funds activities such as developing and commercializing innovative products, services or processes, including small and medium technology innovation projects and youth employment placements in R&D roles.
/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
Timeline
  • Open continuously

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries
  • All industries
Location
  • Canada
Legal structures
  • For-profit business
Annual revenue
  • All revenue ranges
Organisation size
  • 1-500 employees
Audience
  • Canadians
  • Youth (<40)

Next steps

1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility

Activities funded

  • Research and development of innovative, technology-driven products, services or processes
  • Development and commercialization of new or improved clean technologies with environmental benefits
  • Demonstration and scale-up projects advancing technologies toward market readiness
  • Hiring of recent graduates for 12‑month innovation and R&D internships

Documents Needed

  • Business plan or pitch deck
  • Recent company financial statements
  • Details on business ownership structure
  • CRA business number
  • Résumés or profiles for management and technical team members

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Innovative small and medium-sized enterprises in any industry in Canada
  • Canadian SMEs developing or commercializing clean technologies
  • Canadian SMEs planning to hire recent post-secondary graduates for innovation roles

Who is not eligible

  • Unlimited liability corporations (ULCs)
  • Limited liability corporations (LLCs)
  • Sole proprietorships and partnerships
  • Cooperatives

Eligible expenses

  • Project-related R&D salaries and wages
  • Contractors and subcontractors supporting the innovation project
  • Staff and materials needed to execute clean technology projects
  • Salaries for eligible youth employment strategy placements

Eligible geographic areas

  • Businesses incorporated and operating in Canada

Processing and Agreement

  • Initial business information is reviewed to determine fit with NRC IRAP and referral to an advisor.
  • Industrial technology advisors assess the firm and project, then may invite a formal project proposal.
  • Complete proposals are evaluated based on technical merit, commercialization potential, business capacity and benefits to Canada.
  • Funding decisions are normally issued within 20 to 65 business days, depending on the requested contribution amount.
  • For approved projects, contribution agreements are followed by monthly reimbursement of eligible costs upon receipt of claims.

Additional information

  • Working with an NRC IRAP advisor or being invited to submit a proposal does not guarantee funding.
  • Projects are typically carried out within NRC IRAP’s fiscal year, from April 1 to March 31.
  • Approved firms must submit monthly reimbursement claims during the project.
  • NRC IRAP can be combined with other programs such as SR&ED, with coordination of government assistance.

Contacts

info@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
1-877-994-4727

Frequently Asked Questions about the Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) — Financial Assistance Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) — Financial Assistance. 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 Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) — Financial Assistance?

This program provides non-repayable financial assistance of up to $10 million to support research and development and technology innovation projects in Canadian SMEs. It funds activities such as developing and commercializing innovative products, services or processes, including small and medium technology innovation projects and youth employment placements in R&D roles.

How much funding can be received?

Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) — Financial Assistance Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses.

Who is eligible for the Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) — Financial Assistance program?

To be eligible for the Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) — Financial Assistance program, you must: Incorporated, for-profit Canadian SME 500 or fewer full-time equivalent employees Technology-driven development and commercialization in Canada

What expenses are eligible under Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) — Financial Assistance?

Research and development of innovative, technology-driven products, services or processes Development and commercialization of new or improved clean technologies with environmental benefits Demonstration and scale-up projects advancing technologies toward market readiness Hiring of recent graduates for 12‑month innovation and R&D internships

Who can I contact for more information about the Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) — Financial Assistance?

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 Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) — Financial Assistance available?

The Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) — Financial Assistance program is available across Canada.

Is the Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) — Financial Assistance a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) — Financial Assistance is a Grant and Funding

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