Trade Commissioner Service — CanExport Innovation

For Canadian innovators looking to take their technology beyond domestic borders, forming the right international R&D partnerships can be a major hurdle. The Trade Commissioner Service — CanExport Innovation program is designed to ease that challenge by helping Canadian organizations connect with foreign partners and move promising technologies closer to global commercialization. Delivered by Global Affairs Canada through the Trade Commissioner Service, this national program focuses on supporting collaboration rather than basic research, making it especially relevant for businesses ready to engage internationally.

CanExport Innovation provides non-repayable funding of up to roughly $75,000, covering a significant portion of project costs tied to a single technology. Support can help offset expenses such as protecting intellectual property in foreign markets, meeting international certification requirements, obtaining specialized legal or business advice, and adapting promotional materials for global audiences. The program also recognizes that partnerships are built through direct engagement, offering support for targeted travel or virtual meetings with pre-identified international collaborators. Small and medium-sized enterprises with a working prototype and a clear commercialization path are a particularly strong fit, though other Canadian research-driven organizations may also qualify.

Because demand for this program is typically high and funding is allocated on a competitive basis, preparation and project clarity are essential. For Canadian SMEs exploring global R&D opportunities, understanding how CanExport Innovation aligns with your technology and growth plans is a smart next step worth exploring in more detail.