Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP)

The Program

The National Research Council Canada's Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP) is Canada's premier innovation assistance program for small and medium-sized Canadian enterprises (SMEs). NRC-IRAP is a vital component of NRC and a cornerstone in Canada's innovation system.

Delivered by an extensive network of more than 235 industrial technology advisors (ITAs) in more than 100 communities across Canada, the program provides innovative SMEs with technological and business advice, as well as potential financial assistance and a range of other types of innovation opportunities. NRC-IRAP's aim is to assist SMEs in turning their knowledge and innovations into significant opportunities for company growth, thereby creating jobs and prosperity for all Canadians.

Our SME Client Base

Our ITAs look to invest in SMEs that strive to enhance their innovation capabilities and overall market competitiveness. This is typically achieved by developing innovative, commercially viable products or services. There must be a clear and credible market strategy, strong technical and managerial personnel and sufficient financial resources to successfully complete the project. Clients must have project and business goals that are aligned with our program and must commit to working in a trusted partnership with their ITA.

Our Advisory Services

Companies that demonstrate both the desire and potential for technology and innovation-based growth can work with their ITAs to create a development plan tailored specifically to their needs. When applicable, an ITA can also help access research and development expertise and services within NRC and other government laboratories or publicly funded institutions.

Our Financial Contributions

NRC-IRAP is there to help companies whose research and development activities have the potential to produce a real and direct outcome for Canadians. Our contributions are targeted towards clients who can: present a clear and valid business case for a technology, have a clear need for financial assistance, and demonstrate the capacity, both financially and managerially, to take an idea from concept to commercialization.

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For more information contact:

National Research Council
Industrial Research Assistance Program
435 Ellice Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba | R3B 1Y6
Phone: 1-877-994-4727 (toll free)
Fax: 204-983-8835

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