About the NRC Industrial Research Assistance Program

NRC IRAP to be integrated into the new Canada Innovation Corporation (CIC)

Learn more

On February 16, 2023, the Government of Canada announced that the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) will be integrated into the new Canada Innovation Corporation (CIC). The CIC will be a new, operationally independent organization solely dedicated to supporting business R&D across all regions and all sectors of the economy.

The transfer of IRAP will happen after an interim period of approximately 24 months, during which IRAP will remain part of the NRC. During this period, every effort will be made to ensure continuity of program delivery for clients and operational stability for staff. Existing funding agreements will continue and new agreements can be signed.

IRAP employees will continue to work directly with clients, under a business-as-usual approach, to ensure a smooth transition. Please contact your IRAP representative directly if you have questions or are seeking more information.

Contact us

Call us toll-free at 1-877-994-4727 to learn more about NRC IRAP.

Please note the NRC is committed to providing a respectful and harassment-free workplace. No inappropriate behaviour, aggression, harassment, or foul language towards our employees will be tolerated. All conversations with anyone behaving in this manner will be immediately terminated.

Share your feedback

We want to provide you with the best possible service. Follow the NRC IRAP feedback process to let us know how we can improve.

Helping your business grow through innovation

The National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) is Canada's leading innovation assistance program for small and medium-sized businesses.

If you operate an innovative small or medium-sized business in Canada, we can help you build your innovation capacity and take your ideas to market. We do this through financial assistance, advisory services and connections to the best business and R&D expertise in Canada. It's a winning model we've been using to drive business growth—and Canada's innovation system—for over 70 years.

Mandate

Stimulate wealth creation for Canada through innovation.

Mission

Accelerate the growth of small and medium-sized businesses by providing them with a comprehensive suite of innovation services and funding.

Vision

Be the most impactful program of its kind in the world, where Canadian firms go first to transform their ideas into commercial success.

Values

  • Provide value-added frontline service to clients
  • Respect and invest in the value of people
  • Build and contribute to partnerships
  • Maintain and enhance technical credibility
  • Ensure accountability for quality service and effective use of resources

Strategic objectives

  • Help small and medium-sized businesses in Canada develop and commercialize technologies.
  • Collaborate with regional and national organizations on initiatives that support the development and commercialization of technologies by small and medium-sized businesses.

Learn more about NRC IRAP