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Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) — Financial Assistance
Funding support for SME research, development and commercialization
Last Update: June 16, 2026
Funding available
Up to 75% of project cost
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Canada
Overview
The Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) offers financial support, advisory services, and connections to help Canadian small and medium-sized businesses turn technology-driven innovations into market-ready products and services. It supports research and development and related innovation activities, including product development, commercialization, and testing.
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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
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
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
Other components of this program
Explore related funding streams and grants that belong to the same program.
- Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) — Advisory ServicesExpert business and technical advice
- Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) — Youth Employment Program (YEP)Money to hire a student
- NRC IRAP Support for Intellectual PropertyIP Advisory services for your innovations
- Tourism Industry Recovery Assistance Program (TIRAP)Funding for innovative tourism development in Quebec
Frequently Asked Questions about the Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) — Financial Assistance Program
What is the Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) — Financial Assistance?
The Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) offers financial support, advisory services, and connections to help Canadian small and medium-sized businesses turn technology-driven innovations into market-ready products and services. It supports research and development and related innovation activities, including product development, commercialization, and testing.
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