Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP)
Official funding support offered by the National Research Council (NRC). Offset costs with up to $50,000 to $500,000+ (covers 50-80% of wages).
How does a business qualify for the IRAP GRANT?
To qualify for the Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP), a business must be incorporated in Canada and demonstrate active operations. The program offers up to $50,000 to $500,000+ (covers 50-80% of wages) in non-dilutive capital, which is categorized under a Competitive funding difficulty level. Applicants must ensure they meet all technical benchmarks and file using official channels before funds are fully allocated for the fiscal period.
Typical Applicant Profile: Technology & R&D Funding (IRAP/SR&ED)
Key Qualifiers
- •Active internal software, hardware, or biotech engineering team
- •Solving novel technical uncertainties (not simple API integrations)
- •Clear commercialization & market growth roadmap
Rejection Risk Factors
- •Pure service/consulting business models
- •Contract R&D performed for other clients
- •No proprietary intellectual property
How Does Your Business Compare?
Applications are evaluated against detailed technical and commercial criteria. Many applicants discover eligibility issues only after beginning the application process. Estimate your Funding Match Score (e.g. 82/100) based on your team, location, and development activities.
- •Updated May 2026: Matching wage allocations increased to match high-demand tech roles under local ITA approvals.
Provides non-repayable grants and advisory support to help Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) develop and commercialize innovative technologies.
Key Features
| Funding Limit | $50,000 to $500,000+ (covers 50-80% of wages) |
| Program Agency | National Research Council (NRC) |
| Funding Type | Grant |
| Jurisdiction | Canada Federal |
Deadlines & Difficulty
| Difficulty | Competitive Match |
| Deadline Status | Rolling Intake |
| Official Portal | Visit Official Site |
💡 Expert Insider Tips
- •This is a relationship-based program. Success depends on presenting a clear commercialization roadmap to your ITA.
- •Make sure you have at least 1 full-time T4 employee on staff (founders paid strictly in dividends are excluded).
Target Industries
View custom eligibility criteria and stacking rules for your industry:
Related Resources & Guides
How to Apply for IRAP Funding Guide
Best practices for contacting ITAs and building project milestones.
SR&ED Tax Credit Program Guide
Stack retroactive tax refunds on remaining developer payroll unfunded by IRAP.
Regional Directories & Industry Guides
Determine Your Funding Match Probability
Our pre-qualification review analyzes program requirements, stacking possibilities, and alignment to minimize filing rejections.
Comparison Guides
Compare Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) against other active programs:
Local Business Guides
Browse municipal and regional funding availability:
Official Program Alignment
FSI Digital reviews eligibility standards in accordance with official guidelines. We never guarantee funding; all approvals are subject to official government program review.
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