NRC IRAP Innovation Funding Support

Perio Dynamics helps Canadian SMEs, manufacturers, and innovation-focused firms access NRC IRAP funding to drive technological development and commercialization. We assess your eligibility, develop strong funding-aligned proposals, and co-create innovation roadmaps that meet IRAP’s rigorous standards. From digital transformation and product development to advanced process design, we craft strategies that secure funding and accelerate business growth. With deep experience in government funding consulting, we ensure your innovation not only gets approved but delivers real commercial and strategic value.

What is NRC IRAP?
The National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) is a flagship federal program that provides non-repayable funding and advisory services to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) drive innovation. If your business is pursuing technology-driven R&D – whether developing a new product, improving a process, or adopting cutting-edge digital technologies – IRAP can significantly offset your costs. In fact, IRAP’s support can be substantial; contributions may cover up to 80% of labor costs and 50% of contractor fees for eligible projects, with larger high-impact projects potentially receiving up to $10 million in funding. This makes IRAP one of Canada’s most generous R&D funding programs, designed to accelerate commercialization and growth for innovative companies.

As a leader in government funding consulting, Perio Dynamics helps businesses unlock IRAP funding to fuel innovation. Our team stays up-to-date on IRAP’s priorities – such as productivity improvement, technological innovation, and commercialization success – ensuring your project aligns with what the program aims to achieve. For over 70 years IRAP has supported Canadian business growth through innovation, and we position your company to take full advantage of this opportunity.

Who is Eligible for NRC IRAP Funding?
Not every company can tap into IRAP – the program is tailored to ambitious, innovation-oriented SMEs. General eligibility criteria include:

Business Size & Type: Incorporated, for-profit small or medium-sized business in Canada (typically with 500 or fewer employees).

Innovation Focus: Seeking growth and profit through developing and commercializing new or improved technology-driven products, services, or processes within Canada. If your company fits these criteria, it likely qualifies to explore IRAP support. Importantly, IRAP looks for firms with a commitment to R&D and the capacity to execute projects. Having a solid business plan, financial statements, and an experienced management/technical team will strengthen your case when connecting with an IRAP Industrial Technology Advisor (ITA). Perio Dynamics will help you assess your eligibility and prepare the necessary documentation to confidently engage with IRAP representatives.

How Perio Dynamics Supports Your IRAP Application
Securing IRAP funding involves more than just filling out forms – it requires a strategic approach. Perio Dynamics specializes in SME innovation strategy, working closely with your team to develop a compelling R&D project plan aligned with IRAP’s requirements.

Here’s how we guide you through the process:
Project Ideation & Alignment: We help identify and define projects that meet IRAP’s mandate of innovation and economic benefit. Our consultants evaluate your ideas through an IRAP lens, ensuring the project focuses on genuine technological innovation (e.g. developing a new software platform, implementing advanced manufacturing processes, or other digital transformation initiatives) that will lead to productivity gains and commercial growth.

Eligibility Assessment: Our experts conduct a thorough eligibility check. We verify your business meets IRAP’s size and incorporation criteria and that your project scope aligns with IRAP’s supported areas (which span digital technologies, emerging technologies, manufacturing, engineering, and life sciences). If there are any gaps, we advise on how to address them before approaching IRAP.

Building the Business Case: IRAP applications typically start by contacting an ITA who will vet your project’s potential. We assist in preparing a strong business case or pitch deck for that initial discussion, highlighting how your project will contribute to innovation, commercialization, and economic benefits (like job creation or revenue growth). We ensure you have on hand all required materials – a polished business plan, financials, management team bios – so that due diligence goes smoothly.

Proposal Development: Should IRAP invite a formal project proposal, Perio Dynamics takes the lead in co-developing it with you. We pay special attention to every aspect that IRAP evaluates. This includes clearly describing the project’s technical aspects and feasibility, your company’s management and financial capacity to deliver, the commercialization plan (how you’ll bring the innovation to market), and the expected benefits to Canada (e.g. increased competitiveness, new IP, economic impact). Our experience in R&D funding means we know how to articulate these points convincingly.

Budget Optimization: IRAP funding can cover a significant portion of project costs, but you need to present a realistic budget. We help you forecast R&D expenses (salaries, contractor fees, equipment, etc.) and maximize eligible costs (IRAP typically reimburses a percentage of technical labor and subcontractor costs). Our goal is to help you secure the maximum grant contribution while ensuring you meet any cost-sharing obligations.

Liaising with IRAP Advisors: With Perio as your partner, you won’t navigate the IRAP process alone. We coordinate with the IRAP ITA on your behalf when needed – clarifying questions, providing additional info promptly, and advising you on how to handle ITA meetings or communications. Our team’s familiarity with IRAP’s process and jargon means we can effectively bridge the conversation between your technical team and the IRAP officials.

Application Submission & Follow-Through: We assist in submitting the final proposal and stay engaged during the review period (typically IRAP reviews proposals within about 3 months). If any follow-up information is requested, we help compile it quickly. Once approved, we continue to support you in navigating contribution agreements, claim submissions, and compliance reporting. IRAP projects often require monthly progress claims – Perio Dynamics can help you organize project data and financial reporting so that claiming your reimbursements is seamless.

Throughout the application journey, our focus is on positioning your project for success. We reduce the complexity and time burden on your team, allowing you to concentrate on the innovation itself while we handle the funding strategy and paperwork. The outcome is a high-quality IRAP application that stands out for its clarity and strategic merit.

For more information: https://nrc.canada.ca/en/support-technology-innovation/financial-support-technology-innovation-through-nrc-irap?utm_source=bbf-orae&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=FTF&utm_term=business_benefits_finder-outil_recherche_aide_aux_entreprises