How much funding can be received?

The NRC IRAP – Support for Clean Technology program provides Canadian SMEs with contributions to accelerate the development, demonstration, and commercialization of innovative clean technologies. Eligible activities include research and development, prototype demonstration, market validation, and projects delivering measurable environmental benefits such as GHG reduction or improvements to soil, air, and water quality.

Financing terms and conditions

Non-repayable contributions covering generally 60–80% of internal technical labour costs and up to 50% of subcontracting expenses per project.
Accelerated review stream available for smaller projects, with funding up to $50,000, typically covering up to 80% of internal labour and 50% of contractor fees.
Substantial support for large innovation projects, with funding amounts reaching up to $10 million.
Funding for young talent placement up to $30,000 per eligible graduate for a 12-month internship.
Financial assistance for international missions, up to $5,000, covering 75% of travel and accommodation costs for participating SMEs.

Eligible projects & activities

Development, demonstration, and commercialization of innovative clean technologies.
Projects that deliver measurable environmental benefits such as greenhouse gas reduction, clean soil, clean air, or clean water.
Diversification and scaling of clean tech solutions through pilot projects and market demonstrations.
Collaboration on joint research and development initiatives with international partners in the clean technology sector.

Eligibility criteria of the NRC IRAP – Support for clean technology program

The applicant must be a for-profit small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) incorporated and operating in Canada.
The company must have 500 or fewer full-time employees in Canada.
The business must employ staff beyond the founders, including both technical and business personnel.
The company must be developing, demonstrating, and commercializing innovative clean technology solutions, with a clear environmental benefit (such as GHG reduction or cleaner soil, air, or water).
The project should be at technology readiness level 5 or 6 and have demonstrable, measurable, and quantifiable environmental impacts along with a clear commercialization plan for the innovation.

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.

Eligibility criteria of the NRC IRAP – Support for clean technology program

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.

How to apply to the NRC IRAP – Support for clean technology program

Initial contact with an Industrial Technology Advisor

Contact a local Industrial Technology Advisor (ITA) to discuss your project and initial eligibility
Recommended to initiate contact before April 1 to align with the next fiscal year

Eligibility assessment and document preparation

ITA assesses your company and project against NRC IRAP criteria
Prepare initial documents: business plan, recent financial statements, CVs of key management and technical staff

Develop detailed project proposal

If invited, develop a detailed project proposal outlining technology, targeted issues, market need, risks, mitigation measures, project plan, timeline, and budget

Official submission of the application

Submit the complete project proposal through channels designated by the ITA

Proposal evaluation by NRC IRAP

NRC IRAP evaluates both technical and commercial viability of the proposal
Decision usually made within three months of complete submission

Funding decision and agreement finalization

Receive notification of approval or rejection
If approved, work with NRC IRAP to finalize the funding agreement

Project execution and reimbursement claims

Start project activities
Submit monthly reimbursement requests with supporting documentation
ITA provides ongoing technical and business support during execution

Ongoing reporting and compliance

Submit ongoing progress reports, financial updates, and project evolution details
Comply with public communication requirements regarding government funding

Additional information

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.