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e-Auto Challenge Program

e-Auto Challenge

Funds Canadian small businesses partnering with researchers on electric transport technology including power batteries and secure comms.

Between cyclesNational Research Council CanadaCanada

The e-Auto Challenge Program is a National Research Council of Canada (NRC) initiative under the Collaborative Science, Technology and Innovation Program (CSTIP) that funds collaborative R&D between the NRC and Canadian SMEs to accelerate the commercialisation of zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) technologies. The 2026 call targets three specific technology streams: advanced power electronics (reliabili…

Collaborative R&D between Canadian SMEs and NRC researchers on advanced power electronics, cold-weather-optimized battery systems, and post-quantum cryptography for vehicle-to-everything communications, targeting TRL 3 to 8 for zero-emission vehicles.

CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Annual
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.—
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.28 weeks
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.12–24 months
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.25%
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.CAD 1.5M

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Last verified: 22 Jul 2026Source: nrc.canada.ca