Program guide · Canada
How to apply for NRC IRAP funding
The National Research Council's Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) gives advice and funding to small and medium-sized Canadian businesses developing new technology. There's no online form: you start with a phone call.
By Sameena Velshi · Updated October 30, 2026 · Checked against the official program pages that day
The short answer: call the NRC contact centre at 1-877-994-4727 (a senior executive should call). If you look like a fit, you meet a client engagement advisor, then an industrial technology advisor who gets to know your business and may invite you to submit a proposal. IRAP is for incorporated, for-profit businesses with up to 500 employees developing technology-driven products or services.
At a glance
| Run by | National Research Council of Canada (NRC) |
|---|---|
| Who it's for | Incorporated, for-profit Canadian businesses with up to 500 full-time-equivalent employees developing innovative, technology-driven products or services |
| What you get | Advice, connections and funding (a contribution) for research, development and other innovation work |
| How much | Varies by project. NRC's service standards list contributions from under $50,000 up to $10M; no fixed maximum or cost-share rate is published |
| How to start | Call 1-877-994-4727. There's no open application form |
| Intake | Year-round, through an advisor. No deadlines |
| Decision time | 20–65 business days after a complete proposal, depending on size |
How to apply, step by step
Call the contact centre
A senior executive of the business calls 1-877-994-4727. The team checks whether you're ready to meet a client engagement advisor. NRC aims to respond to enquiries within 5 business days.
Meet a client engagement advisor
The advisor reviews your business, operations and goals, and may refer you to an industrial technology advisor (ITA).
Work with an industrial technology advisor
Your ITA assesses your team, technology and innovation potential. The relationship usually starts with advice and referrals before any funding.
Get invited to submit a proposal
If your project fits, your ITA may invite a funding proposal. An invitation doesn't guarantee funding.
Receive a decision
NRC's targets run from a complete proposal: 20 business days for up to $50,000, 30 for $50,000–$500,000, 45 for $500,000–$3M and 65 for $3M–$10M.
Do the work and claim
Funding is paid against claims. NRC's standard is payment within 35 business days of a correctly completed claim.
Who qualifies
Eligible
- Incorporated and for-profit, operating in Canada
- Up to 500 full-time-equivalent employees
- Developing and commercializing innovative, technology-driven products or services
- Ready to create benefits in Canada, such as jobs or new capability
Not eligible
- Sole proprietorships and partnerships
- Cooperatives
- Unlimited or limited liability corporations (ULCs, LLCs)
- Projects that are day-to-day operations, purely commercial, or done outside Canada
What IRAP looks at
Advisors weigh technical merit, your business and financial capacity, the likelihood of success, your commercialization plan, market potential and the benefits to Canada. IRAP also runs a Youth Employment Program that covers part of a graduate's salary for a 6–12 month placement (candidates aged 15–30, at least 30 hours a week).
IRAP is set to move to the new Canada Innovation Corporation. Until then it continues at NRC, and clients keep working with their IRAP advisors.
What to have ready
- CRA business number
- A business plan
- Recent financial statements
- Ownership details
- Résumés or profiles of your management and technical staff
- A clear description of the technical problem you're solving and what's new about it
Common mistakes to avoid
- Expecting an online form. IRAP starts with a call and an advisor relationship.
- Pitching a commercial or marketing project. IRAP funds technology development, not sales or day-to-day operations.
- Applying as a sole proprietorship or partnership. You need to be incorporated.
- Treating an invitation as a yes. Funding is only confirmed after your proposal is approved.
- Forgetting that IRAP funding reduces the SR&ED tax credit you can claim on the same costs.
Want help?
Let Grant Desk prepare you for IRAP
Grant Desk checks whether IRAP fits your business, prepares the business and technical story your advisor will ask for, and drafts the proposal with AI for your review when you're invited. You review and submit everything yourself, and funders make their own decisions. Free for Fractional COO clients, non-profits and artists.
Common questions
Is IRAP a grant or a loan?
NRC calls it a contribution toward your project costs. Check the terms of your own agreement for any repayment conditions.
Can a sole proprietor get IRAP funding?
No. You must be an incorporated, for-profit business.
How do I apply for IRAP?
Call 1-877-994-4727. There's no open online application: you meet an advisor first, and funding follows an invitation to submit a proposal.
How long does an IRAP decision take?
NRC's targets are 20 to 65 business days after a complete proposal, depending on the size of the contribution.
Can I get IRAP and SR&ED together?
Yes. You can claim SR&ED on the same work, but the IRAP funding reduces the tax credit you can earn.
Does IRAP help with hiring graduates?
Yes, through its Youth Employment Program, which covers part of a graduate's salary for a 6 to 12 month placement.
More guides: Grants in Canada · Grants in Ontario · SR&ED tax credit · Canada Summer Jobs 2027 · Ontario Trillium Foundation
This guide is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules, amounts and dates come from the official program pages on October 30, 2026 and can change without notice. Always confirm on the official page before you apply. Ravel Strategy Group is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government department, agency or funder named on this page.