NRC IRAP – Support for clean technology

Who is eligible?

• For-profit small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) incorporated in Canada
• Companies developing, demonstrating, and commercializing clean technologies

Who is not eligible

• Non-profit organizations.
• Businesses that are not incorporated or whose legal status is not recognized in Canada.
• Projects involving only minor modifications of existing technologies.
• Businesses seeking to finance the purchase of foreign technologies for simple use in Canada, without their own development.
• Pure research initiatives without a goal of demonstration or commercialization.

Eligible expenses

• Salaries and wages of technical staff directly involved in the project.
• Fees for qualified subcontractors and contractors.
• Limited travel expenses directly related to project execution (e.g., airfare, local transportation, accommodation for approved missions).
• Salaries for eligible youth hires (within youth employment grants).
• Costs related to design, construction, and operation of pilot plants, or demonstration of the technology in real-world conditions (where applicable).
• Approved external service provider fees for intellectual property strategy development, patent/trademark searches, and legal preparation related to IP protection and implementation.

Eligible geographic areas

• Companies incorporated and operating anywhere in Canada.

• Technical aspects and feasibility of the project, including innovative technology typically at TRL 5 or 6.
• Demonstrated measurable and quantifiable environmental impacts of the technological innovation.
• Clearly identified path to commercialization, including market need, economic validation, and go-to-market strategy.
• Strength and capabilities of the management, technical, and business teams overseeing the project.
• Potential positive impact on the Canadian economy and competitiveness.

• Step 1: Initial Contact with Industrial Technology Advisor (ITA)
  • Contact a local Industrial Technology Advisor (ITA) at NRC IRAP to discuss your project and determine preliminary eligibility.
  • It is recommended to initiate contact prior to April 1 to align with the fiscal funding cycle.
• Step 2: Eligibility Assessment and Document Preparation
  • The ITA assesses organizational and project fit with NRC IRAP criteria.
  • Prepare and gather required documents, such as a business plan or detailed pitch, recent financial statements, and CVs or biographies of key technical and management staff.
• Step 3: Detailed Project Proposal Development
  • If invited by the ITA, draft a comprehensive project proposal explaining the technology, identified market need, environmental impacts, commercialization plan, project timeline, and a detailed budget.
• Step 4: Official Proposal Submission
  • Submit the complete project proposal and supporting documentation through the designated NRC IRAP channels as advised by your ITA.
• Step 5: Application Evaluation
  • NRC IRAP conducts a technical and commercial review of the proposal according to program criteria.
  • Evaluation typically takes up to 3 months after full submission.
• Step 6: Funding Decision and Contribution Agreement
  • Receive notification of approval or rejection.
  • If approved, work with NRC IRAP to finalize and sign the funding agreement.
• Step 7: Project Implementation and Claiming Funds
  • Begin project activities as per the agreement.
  • Submit monthly claims for reimbursement of eligible R&D expenses, with supporting documentation.
  • Maintain ongoing communication and reporting with your assigned ITA throughout the project duration.
• Step 8: Continuous Reporting and Compliance
  • Submit regular progress reports, financial updates, and project development information as required by NRC IRAP.
  • Obtain prior approval for any public communication regarding NRC IRAP support (e.g., press releases, website content).

• The program emphasizes the importance of measurable and quantifiable environmental impacts for supported technologies.
• Public communications about NRC IRAP support require prior approval and specific recognition guidelines must be followed.
• Industrial Technology Advisors (ITAs) provide ongoing technical and business advisory services alongside financial support.
• The program is transitioning, integrating elements from Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC), with future plans to consolidate under the Canada Innovation Corporation (CIC) by 2026-2027.