The National Research Council of Canada, through its Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP) provides support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Canada in the development and commercialization of technologies and products. NRC-IRAP recognizes that a balance of technology, market and other business oriented support is required to address the needs and accelerate the growth of SMEs.

To meet this challenge, NRC-IRAP has introduced a Small Project Accelerated Review Process:

• covering projects with a maximum contribution of $50,000 from NRC-IRAP;
• covering up to 100% of internal labour and 75% of sub-contractor fees;
• providing a streamlined process for rapid turnaround; and,
• providing a scope of eligible activities to include a wide range of technology, business and market oriented support.

Client eligibility criteria remains: incorporated, for-profit firms with 500 or less full-time employees, with a separate legal status and operating in Canada with the objective to grow and generate profits through the adoption, adaptation, developmnet and commercialization of innovative or technology-driven new or improved products, services or processes in Canada.

Projects eligible for the Small Project Accelerate Review Process include:

• Small R&D projects limited in scope and nature
• Assessment of technology needs for adoption of technology (e.g. ERP, Accounting systems, IT Systems, IT security audits, etc.)
• Lean manufacturing/productivity studies
• Technical feasibility studies
• Design: product design, engineering desigh, design for manufacture
• Prototype engineering
• Engineering process analysis
• Productivity enhancement studies
• Development of business, sales and marketing plans and image creation (branding)
• Development of e-commerce enabled website (or upgrading of website)
• Development of international strategies
• Development of supply chain strategies
• Competitive market research and competitive intelligence studies
• Feasibility study/assessment for new service or product venture
• Financial/corporate restructure for improved growth potential (e.g. investor readiness)
• Intellectual Property (IP) assessment, planning and strategy assistance
• First patent application (not CIPs nor other country filings)
• Licensing and commercialization strategy
• Research or technology evaluation-related travel and living expenses
• Diagnostics (business or technical)
• Other projects not entirely technical in nature

For more information contact your local Industrial Technology Advisor or contact NRC-IRAP at 1-877-994-4727