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Trade Commissioner Service — Canadian International Innovation Program (CIIP)
International innovation funding for Canadian SMEs
Last Update: May 28, 2026
Funding available
$ 600,000
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Canada
Overview
Get up to $15,000 for Partnership Development Activities, or up to $600,000 for collaborative R&D projects. The program supports Canadian SMEs working with international partners to develop and commercialize innovative technologies in targeted markets.
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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 strategic partnerships
- Develop a new product or service
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 600,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- 500 employees maximum
Audience
- Canadians
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Partnership Development Activities to identify foreign partners through networking, education, and matchmaking.
- Collaborative R&D projects with foreign partners.
- Commercialization-focused technology development, adaptation, or validation in targeted markets.
Documents Needed
- Completed expression of interest form
- Completed International Consortium Project Proposal
- Partnership Agreement
- Funding proposal and Contribution Agreement materials
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Canadian incorporated, profit-oriented SMEs
Who is not eligible
- Businesses entirely funded by Canadian government organizations or Crown corporations.
Eligible expenses
- Economy class airfare
- Accommodations
- Meals per diems
- Local transportation
- Translation and marketing materials
- Conference and tradeshow fees
- Photocopies or printed material
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Processing and Agreement
- EOIs are reviewed by NRC IRAP and its International Office.
- Qualifying applicants are invited to submit a more detailed project proposal.
- Selected partners must complete funding proposals and sign legally binding agreements.
- Funding is managed through a Contribution Agreement.
Additional information
- Applicants do not need to be current clients of TCS or NRC IRAP.
- Partnership agreements must set out roles, IP, and budget breakdown.
- Recipients must maintain contribution agreement conditions to be reimbursed.
- There is no annual minimum revenue requirement, but financial capacity is required.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Trade Commissioner Service — Canadian International Innovation Program (CIIP) Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Trade Commissioner Service — Canadian International Innovation Program (CIIP). 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 Trade Commissioner Service — Canadian International Innovation Program (CIIP)?
Get up to $15,000 for Partnership Development Activities, or up to $600,000 for collaborative R&D projects. The program supports Canadian SMEs working with international partners to develop and commercialize innovative technologies in targeted markets.
How much funding can be received?
Trade Commissioner Service — Canadian International Innovation Program (CIIP) Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $600,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Trade Commissioner Service — Canadian International Innovation Program (CIIP) program?
To be eligible for the Trade Commissioner Service — Canadian International Innovation Program (CIIP) program, you must:
Incorporated, profit-oriented Canadian SME
Ready for international R&D collaboration
Seeking to commercialize innovation
What expenses are eligible under Trade Commissioner Service — Canadian International Innovation Program (CIIP)?
Partnership Development Activities to identify foreign partners through networking, education, and matchmaking.
Collaborative R&D projects with foreign partners.
Commercialization-focused technology development, adaptation, or validation in targeted markets.
Who can I contact for more information about the Trade Commissioner Service — Canadian International Innovation Program (CIIP)?
You can contact Global Affairs Canada (GAC) by email at innovation@international.gc.ca.
Where is the Trade Commissioner Service — Canadian International Innovation Program (CIIP) available?
The Trade Commissioner Service — Canadian International Innovation Program (CIIP) program is available across Canada.
Is the Trade Commissioner Service — Canadian International Innovation Program (CIIP) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Trade Commissioner Service — Canadian International Innovation Program (CIIP) is a Grant and Funding