Closed
Trade Commissioner Service — Canadian International Innovation Program (CIIP)
International innovation funding for Canadian SMEs
Last Update: May 28, 2026
Funding available
$ 600,000
Timeline
- Closing date : June 15, 2025
Location
Canada
Overview
CIIP supports Canadian SMEs pursuing commercialization-oriented innovation with international partners in targeted markets. It funds Partnership Development Activities and collaborative R&D projects to build partnerships, validate technologies, and co-develop new products, services, or processes.
/100
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
- Closing date : June 15, 2025
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
- Canadian companies participating in CIIP Partnership Development Activities
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
What is the Trade Commissioner Service — Canadian International Innovation Program (CIIP)?
CIIP supports Canadian SMEs pursuing commercialization-oriented innovation with international partners in targeted markets. It funds Partnership Development Activities and collaborative R&D projects to build partnerships, validate technologies, and co-develop new products, services, or processes.
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