Grant

NRC Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP)

Federal - National Research Council Canada · Advisory + non-repayable contributions (amount not published on the official page)

Advisor-led innovation support for incorporated for-profit SMEs developing and commercializing technology. Provides advisory services and non-repayable contributions. No public application form — a senior executive contacts NRC. Amount is not published on the official financial-support page. Published amount: Advisory + non-repayable contributions (amount not published on the official page). Best for: Existing innovative SMEs with R&D or technology commercialization projects. Administered by National Research Council Canada (NRC). Official source: NRC Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP).

High bar — read this first. Real bar: existing incorporated for-profit SME; typically 1+ year in business and 1+ employee; advisor-led with no public application form; amount is not published on the official page. A brand-new shop should self-select out.
Who qualifies
  • Existing businesses
  • Typically 1+ years in business (catalog floor)
  • At least 1 employee (catalog floor)
  • Eligible statuses in catalog: Canadian citizens, permanent residents
  • For-profit
  • Industries in catalog: technology, manufacturing, life-sciences, clean-tech
  • Requires R&D / innovation activity
  • Available across Canada
  • Best for: Existing innovative SMEs with R&D or technology commercialization projects
Who does not
  • Brand-new startups / idea-stage shops (existing-business program)
  • Under 1 year(s) in business
  • Fewer than 1 employee(s)
  • Work-permit-only newcomers (catalog lists citizen/PR, not work-permit)
  • Businesses with no R&D / innovation project
AmountAdvisory + non-repayable contributions (amount not published on the official page)
Rate / repayableN/A - Non-repayable. Repayable: no (per catalog).
What it fundsAdvisor-led innovation support for incorporated for-profit SMEs developing and commercializing technology. Provides advisory services and non-repayable contributions. No public application form — a senior executive contacts NRC. Amount is not published on the official financial-support page. Highlights: Non-repayable contribution + advisory; Amount not published on the official page; Incorporated for-profit SMEs; Advisor-led; no public form.
Intake windowSee the official page
RegionCanada-wide, including Markham / York. For existing incorporated for-profit SMEs with a technology project — not a starter grant for a brand-new shop.
AdministratorNational Research Council Canada (NRC) (Federal - National Research Council Canada)
Is this a grant?

Yes — the catalog lists NRC Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) as a grant (non-repayable per catalog: N/A - Non-repayable). Amount: Advisory + non-repayable contributions (amount not published on the official page). Verify on the official page.

Who qualifies in Markham?

Canada-wide, including Markham / York. For existing incorporated for-profit SMEs with a technology project — not a starter grant for a brand-new shop. Qualifies where the published criteria fit: existing businesses; typically 1+ years in business; at least 1 employee; Canadian citizens, permanent residents; for-profit; industries: technology, manufacturing, life-sciences, clean-tech; requires R&D / innovation activity; available across Canada; existing innovative SMEs with R&D or technology commercialization projects.

Is there a minimum years in business or employee count?

Catalog floors: 1 year(s) in business; at least 1 employee(s). See the official page if a rule is not listed here.

Can newcomers or work-permit holders apply?

The catalog lists Canadian citizens and permanent residents only — work-permit is not in the eligibility list. Do not assume a work-permit newcomer qualifies.

Should a brand-new shop apply?

Real bar: existing incorporated for-profit SME; typically 1+ year in business and 1+ employee; advisor-led with no public application form; amount is not published on the official page. A brand-new shop should self-select out.

Eligibility is determined by the government administrator (National Research Council Canada (NRC)), not Markham Office. Amounts, rates, and windows change. Verify every detail on the official page before you apply. Markham Office is an assessment helper only. As of September 2026.