With support from the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP), Canadian small and medium‑sized enterprises can turn their innovations into market-ready products and services.
How we help
NRC IRAP provides customized advice, valuable connections and, in some cases, funding, to help your business:
- build your innovation capacity
- strengthen the technical skills and capabilities of your team
- bring new products or services to market faster
- solve business and technical challenges
- plan for future growth
Who we work with
Important: Meeting these minimum requirements is the first step but does not guarantee NRC IRAP support or funding.
To work with NRC IRAP, your business must:
- be incorporated, for-profit, and operating in Canada
- employ up to 500 people (full-time equivalent)
- develop and commercialize innovative, technology-driven products or services
- be ready to create economic benefits in Canada, such as new jobs or increased innovation capacity
You will need to provide:
- your CRA business number
- a business plan
- recent financial statements
- details on business ownership structure
- résumés or profiles for your management and technical team
NRC IRAP does not support:
- unlimited or limited liability corporations (ULCs or LLCs)
- sole proprietorships or partnerships
- cooperatives
If NRC IRAP is not the right fit, our advisors can connect you with other programs, expertise, or partners who may be better suited to your current stage of growth. You can also search the Business Benefits Finder.
Getting started with NRC IRAP
1. Connect with NRC IRAP
If you meet the minimum requirements, a senior executive from your business can call 1-877-994-4727.
Our bilingual contact centre will gather details and determine if you are ready to meet with a client engagement advisor (CEA).
2. Meet a client engagement advisor (CEA)
The CEA will review your business information and contact you to learn more about your operations and your goals.
They can explain how NRC IRAP works and connect you with advice, expertise, or resources to help your business move forward.
They may also refer you to an industrial technology advisor (ITA).
3. Work with an industrial technology advisor (ITA)
The ITA is a trusted advisor with deep technical, business and industry expertise.
They will further explore your business's vision, team and innovation potential, then offer targeted advice to help you achieve your innovation and R&D goals.
The ITA can connect you with valuable networks, partners and specialized resources, and identify NRC IRAP supports that fit your business needs.
Financial Support
Working with NRC IRAP requires building a strong and trusting relationship.
Your ITA will assess your business's technical, financial and management strengths to ensure you are ready to collaborate.
They'll take time to understand your business needs and identify the right level of support. This relationship typically starts with advice and referrals before any funding is provided.
We work with businesses and fund projects that demonstrate the greatest potential to help Canada succeed.
Working with an advisor or being invited to submit a proposal does not guarantee funding.
NRC IRAP provides funding to support the research and development of innovative, technology-driven products and services, and other innovation activities to help your business grow, create jobs, and compete globally.
When considering your business for project funding, NRC IRAP will assess:
- the technical aspects of your innovation
- your business, management and financial capacity
- the likelihood of achieving results
- your commercialization plans
- the market potential of your project and benefits to Canada
NRC IRAP does not fund:
- Day-to-day operating costs
- Non-technical or purely commercial activities
- Work done outside Canada
- Research with limited potential for commercialization
Accessibility
Email info@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca for help with accommodations, communication supports, or obtaining information in alternate formats.