Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP)
Everything you need to know about securing non-repayable R&D grants up to $1M for your Canadian tech business through the National Research Council's IRAP program.
What is IRAP?
The Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) is Canada's largest technology assistance program for small and medium-sized enterprises. Delivered by the National Research Council of Canada (NRC), IRAP provides funding and advisory services to help innovative Canadian businesses accelerate technology development and commercialization.
Program Benefits
- • Non-repayable contributions up to 67%
- • Technical and business advisory services
- • Access to NRC expertise and facilities
- • Youth employment funding
Eligible Activities
- • Research and development projects
- • Technology development and validation
- • Product commercialization
- • Process innovation and improvement
IRAP Funding Categories
Funding for innovative R&D projects that advance technology and create competitive advantages.
Eligible Projects:
- • New product development
- • Process innovation
- • Technology adaptation
- • Prototype development
Covered Costs:
- • Salaries and wages
- • Contract research
- • Materials and supplies
- • Equipment (limited)
Wage subsidies to hire recent STEM graduates for innovation projects and technology development.
Eligible Candidates:
- • Recent STEM graduates (within 3 years)
- • Post-secondary education completed
- • Canadian citizens or permanent residents
- • Age 15-30 years old
Program Features:
- • Up to 75% salary coverage
- • Maximum $40K per year
- • 12-24 month placements
- • Skills development focus
Free access to NRC's network of technology experts and business advisors.
Technical Support:
- • Technology roadmapping
- • Technical problem solving
- • Research collaboration
- • Lab facility access
Business Advisory:
- • Commercialization strategy
- • Market intelligence
- • IP strategy development
- • Partnership facilitation
IRAP Eligibility Requirements
✅ Eligible Companies:
- Small to Medium Enterprise: 500 employees or fewer
- Canadian Incorporation: Incorporated in Canada
- For-Profit: Commercially oriented business
- Innovation Focus: Technology development mandate
❌ Ineligible Organizations:
- Large Corporations: Over 500 employees
- Non-Profits: Not commercially oriented
- Universities: Academic institutions
- Government Entities: Public sector organizations
IRAP Application Process
Initial Consultation
Contact your local IRAP Industrial Technology Advisor (ITA) to discuss your project and eligibility.
Project Development
Work with your ITA to develop project scope, timeline, budget, and technical approach.
Proposal Submission
Submit detailed project proposal including technical plan, budget, milestones, and commercialization strategy.
Technical Review
NRC experts evaluate technical merit, feasibility, and commercial potential. Review typically takes 4-6 weeks.
Project Execution
Upon approval, begin project execution with ongoing ITA support and quarterly milestone reviews.
IRAP Success Tips
✅ Increase Your Success Rate:
- Clear Innovation: Demonstrate significant technological advancement
- Market Validation: Show clear market demand and commercial potential
- Technical Team: Demonstrate R&D capability and experience
- Early Engagement: Contact ITA early in project planning
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Weak Technical Merit: Incremental rather than innovative R&D
- Poor Commercialization: No clear path to market
- Unrealistic Timelines: Overly ambitious project schedules
- Late Application: Applying after project has started
Ready to Apply for IRAP Funding?
Get the detailed application guide or work with our experts to maximize your IRAP approval chances and secure the R&D funding you need.
DIY Approach
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