Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP)
Canada's premier R&D innovation funding program providing 60-80% non-repayable contributions up to $500K for SME innovation projects, plus dedicated Industrial Technology Advisor support from the National Research Council.
🚀 IRAP 2026 Innovation Program Enhancements
Canada's Leading SME Innovation Program
IRAP combines generous non-repayable funding with dedicated advisory support to help Canadian SMEs develop and commercialize innovative technologies with strong market potential.
IRAP Innovation Funding Streams & Programs
Small Technology Innovation Projects (ARP)
• Accelerated review process
• Quick approval for smaller R&D projects
• Ideal for proof-of-concept development
• Commercialization preparation activities
Mid-sized Technology Innovation
• Comprehensive R&D project support
• Product development and innovation
• Process improvement initiatives
• Technology commercialization
📋 R&D Funding Coverage:
- • Salaries & Benefits: Up to 80% of costs
- • Contractor Services: Up to 50% of costs
- • Materials & Supplies: Case-by-case basis
- • Equipment: Limited coverage available
- • Overhead: Not typically covered
- • Travel: Project-related travel considered
Graduate Placement Support
Wage subsidies for hiring recent graduates (ages 15-30) to work on innovation projects for 12-month placements.
Eligibility Requirements
Graduate Requirements: Recent post-secondary graduates aged 15-30
Work Period: 12-month work placement minimum
Project Focus: Must work on innovation/R&D activities
Maximum: Up to 2 candidates per company
IRAP Innovation Eligibility Requirements
✅ Essential Requirements
- • Canadian incorporated for-profit business
- • Fewer than 500 employees worldwide
- • Financially stable with adequate cash flow
- • Demonstrated innovation capacity
- • Strong potential for commercial growth
- • Commitment to R&D and innovation
🎯 Business Characteristics
- • Technology-based or innovation-focused
- • Established business operations (not startups)
- • Clear competitive advantages
- • Export potential or national market focus
- • Management commitment to innovation
✅ Eligible Project Types
- • Technology development with technical uncertainty
- • New product or service development
- • Significant process improvements
- • Technology adaptation and enhancement
- • Prototype development and testing
- • Pre-commercial technology validation
🚫 Non-Eligible Activities
- • Routine engineering or quality control
- • Market research and business planning
- • Commercial production activities
- • General business operations
- • Activities without technical risk
Industrial Technology Advisors (ITAs)
ITA Services & Support
ITA Value & Impact
Advisory Value: Equivalent to ~1.2% additional R&D subsidy
Local Presence: ITAs located in communities across Canada
Industry Expertise: Specialized knowledge across all sectors
Ongoing Support: Throughout project lifecycle and beyond
Network Access: Connections to researchers, partners, customers
Combined Innovation Funding Impact
IRAP innovation funding complements SR&ED tax credits for maximum R&D support:
IRAP Innovation Application Process
Connect with local Industrial Technology Advisor
ITA evaluates innovation project feasibility and eligibility
Submit detailed project proposal with ITA support
IRAP review process and funding decision
📅 IRAP Innovation Application Timeline & Process
- • Open Intake: No specific deadlines - rolling applications
- • Initial Review: 2-4 weeks ITA assessment
- • Application Development: 4-8 weeks with ITA support
- • IRAP Review: 8-12 weeks for decision
- • Project Duration: 12-24 months typical
- • Reporting: Quarterly progress reports required
IRAP Innovation Application Success Strategies
Ready to Access IRAP's $500K Innovation Funding?
Get our complete IRAP innovation application guide or work with our R&D funding specialists who understand the IRAP process and can help you connect with the right Industrial Technology Advisor.
Free IRAP Innovation Guide
Get our comprehensive IRAP innovation application guide with project planning templates, eligibility checklist, and ITA contact directory.
Get IRAP Innovation GuideExpert IRAP Support
Work with R&D funding specialists who can help optimize your IRAP innovation application and connect you with the right ITA in your region.
Get IRAP Expert HelpExpert guidance • ITA network connections • Application optimization • Innovation success rate improvement