NRC IRAP
National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program providing advisory services and funding to Canadian SMEs for technology innovation and commercialisation.
Overview
The National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) is Canada's premier innovation assistance program for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Operating since 1962, NRC IRAP provides a unique combination of financial support, expert advice, and connections to help Canadian SMEs grow through technological innovation. Industrial Technology Advisors (ITAs) are embedded in local business communities across Canada and provide personalized advisory services alongside funding. NRC IRAP supports projects across all technology sectors and stages of innovation, from early R&D through commercialisation and market development.
What You Can Find Here
- Financial assistance contributions for R&D and pre-commercialisation activities
- Advisory services from Industrial Technology Advisors (ITAs) embedded in business communities across Canada
- Youth Employment Program funding to hire post-secondary graduates for innovation projects
- Connections to university and government research laboratories and networks
- Business skills development and technology commercialisation guidance
- Collaboration network linking Canadian SMEs, research organisations, and investors
Who Should Use This
- Canadian SMEs (incorporated in Canada, under 500 employees) developing technology innovations
- Early-stage startups needing both capital and mentorship to advance technology development
- Growth-stage technology companies seeking support for scaling innovations to market
- Canadian SMEs looking to hire recent graduates to work on innovation projects
- Technology companies wanting connections to NRC research capabilities and national innovation networks
How to Get Started
- Step 1: Find your local IRAP Industrial Technology Advisor at nrc.canada.ca/en/support-technology-innovation
- Step 2: Contact the ITA for an initial consultation about your company and innovation project
- Step 3: Work with your ITA to identify appropriate IRAP funding and advisory services for your needs
- Step 4: Complete the IRAP application with your ITA's guidance - applications are reviewed on a rolling basis
- Step 5: Receive funding and ongoing advisory support from your ITA throughout the project
Things to Check Before Applying
- IRAP assistance is discretionary - ITA availability and regional funding budgets affect access
- Companies must be incorporated in Canada and meet IRAP's SME definition
- IRAP funding is non-repayable contributions, not loans, but must be spent on eligible innovation activities
- The ITA relationship is the core of IRAP - advisors connect companies to resources beyond just financial assistance
- NRC IRAP does not fund pure research - projects must have commercial application and be conducted in Canada
Frequently Asked Questions
How much funding can I get from NRC IRAP?
IRAP funding amounts are not publicly fixed - they depend on the project scope and available resources. Typical contributions range from tens of thousands to several hundred thousand dollars for R&D and pre-commercialisation activities.
Is NRC IRAP only for tech companies?
IRAP focuses on technology-based innovation. Companies must be using or developing technology. Traditional non-technology businesses are generally not eligible.
What is an Industrial Technology Advisor?
ITAs are technical and business specialists employed by NRC IRAP who provide personalized advisory services to Canadian SMEs. They act as ongoing mentors, not just grant administrators.
Can startups with no revenue access IRAP?
Yes. IRAP supports companies at various stages including early-stage startups. The company must be incorporated in Canada and pursuing a technology innovation project.
Does IRAP fund international activities?
IRAP primarily funds Canadian-based activities. However, it supports market development activities internationally and can help Canadian companies access global innovation networks.
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