Start Your IRAP R&D Grant Application for the 2025 Intake

With a focus on innovation, the National Research Council’s Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) offers a combination of financial support and advisory services tailored to help businesses develop and commercialize groundbreaking ideas.  

The IRAP is opening its 2025 grant intake soon to provide Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with opportunities to fund transformative research and development (R&D) projects.  

IRAP funding is renowned for its accessibility and adaptability, offering eligible SMEs up to 60-80% reimbursement for R&D expenses, capped at $500,000 over a project span of up to 24 months. 

From clean technology to artificial intelligence, the NRC IRAP program has catalyzed countless advancements in Canada’s innovation landscape. 

As the new intake approaches, it’s crucial for interested SMEs to prepare early. This involves not only understanding the application process but also aligning projects with IRAP’s objectives. Read on to learn about the benefits of IRAP, how to navigate the application process, and why collaboration is a core component of its success. 

Funding Snapshot: NRC IRAP  

The IRAP emphasizes collaboration, encouraging partnerships within Canada and internationally. This global focus ensures that innovative ideas are competitive on a larger scale.  

Eligibility Criteria: 

To qualify for IRAP funding, applicants must:  

• Be Canadian small or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with fewer than 500 employees;  

• Demonstrate the capacity to undertake R&D activities and show potential for commercial growth and innovation; and  

• Companies must also be established and for-profit, with a strong emphasis on developing innovative products, services, or processes. 

Eligible Projects: 

Projects that are eligible for funding must: 

• Focus on R&D with clear potential for commercialization and economic impact within two to three years; 

• Include the development of new technologies, improvement of existing products, or creation of solutions that address market gaps; and  

• Understand that collaborative international projects are encouraged, especially those with balanced contributions from partners. 

Funding Amounts: 

IRAP offers financial support covering up to 60-80% of eligible project costs, with a maximum funding amount of $500,000 CAD per project. 

This funding is typically allocated over a 12 to 24-month period, with an optional extension of up to 12 months for well-justified cases. 

Timeline: 

Applicants should plan for a multi-phase process, beginning with registration and an expression of interest (EOI), followed by a detailed project proposal.  

Early engagement with IRAP advisors is encouraged to ensure timely completion of each phase and alignment with deadlines. 

IRAP or SR&ED: Which R&D Funding is Right for Your Business? 

The NRC IRAP and the Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) tax incentive program are two distinct Canadian initiatives supporting innovation, but they differ significantly in approach and structure. Which one is right for your business? 

In contrast to IRAP, the SR&ED program functions as a tax credit, providing post-project reimbursements for eligible R&D expenditures after they have been incurred. This program is broader in scope, covering expenses such as wages, materials, and overheads related to experimental development, but it requires businesses to have sufficient upfront capital to complete the work.  

While IRAP offers hands-on involvement during the project lifecycle, SR&ED is focused on retrospective financial relief for completed R&D activities. 

For SMEs, the choice often depends on their financial needs and project timelines. Many businesses use both programs strategically, leveraging IRAP for upfront funding and SR&ED to claim additional benefits later.  

Start Your NRC IRAP Funding Application Today 

IRAP’s application process is straightforward but requires strategic preparation. The 2025 IRAP intake represents a significant opportunity for Canadian SMEs to turn ambitious ideas into reality. By combining financial support with expert advisory services, IRAP empowers businesses to innovate and scale.  

Start by reaching out to our team of professional government funding experts and discuss your project idea and begin the registration process. Early preparation will ensure you make the most of this transformative program.