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NRC Industrial Research Assistance Program

NRC IRAP Standard R&D Contribution

Provides Canadian innovators with hands-on guidance for technology-led projects and commercialization planning.

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About

The National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) is Canada's largest and longest-running innovation assistance programme for SMEs, with an annual budget of approximately CA$414 million. The Standard R&D Contribution is the flagship stream, providing non-repayable contributions to technology-driven Canadian businesses undertaking applied R&D and commercialis…

What this grant funds

Any technology-driven R&D project that develops or commercializes innovative products or services in Canada. Discipline-agnostic: AI, biotech, agritech, climate tech, advanced manufacturing, medtech, quantum, robotics, semiconductors, and more.

Key facts
CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Rolling
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.Rolling
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.16 weeks
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.6–18 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.20%
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.CAD 380M
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Eligibility criteria

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Application process

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What you have to submit

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How they score you

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Timeline

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