Many Canadian tech companies face challenges when trying to use advanced wireless technologies. These barriers are often due to limited resources or access to specialized research. The CRC Office of Business Development connects businesses with government-developed wireless research, facilities, and experts. This office operates within Communications Research Centre Canada (CRC), which is the federal government’s main laboratory for wireless and network technologies.
The CRC Office of Business Development is not a typical grant program. It does not provide any direct financial support. Instead, it helps Canadian businesses work with government wireless technologies and collaborate on applied R&D with CRC researchers.
Through this office, your business can:
This program is especially useful for companies working in wireless, radio, network technologies, and information processing.
Working with CRC offers several advantages for Canadian businesses:
These benefits are in-kind resources. CRC does not give out cash grants or direct funding.
CRC selects partners based on technical alignment with its research priorities. Your company does not need to meet any minimum size or revenue requirements. CRC looks for organizations whose expertise fits well with federal research goals.
Your business may qualify if you:
Startups, small and medium enterprises, and larger technology firms can all be considered if their technical strengths match CRC’s needs.
Building a partnership with CRC is a collaborative process. It is based on shared technical interests, not just paperwork.
Look at your company’s products or R&D plans. Compare them with CRC’s research areas in wireless and network technologies. CRC wants projects where both sides gain technical benefits.
Reach out to CRC to discuss possible collaboration. Early conversations focus on:
The structure of the partnership depends on your project. Options include:
CRC provides support through expertise, facilities, and technology. It does not offer any direct financial support, only in-kind resources.
Intellectual property terms are negotiated for each project. The agreement covers ownership, licensing, and commercialization options.
If you want to combine CRC collaboration with cash funding, tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you find compatible federal and provincial programs.
Thinking this is a cash grant
CRC does not offer direct funding. Expect value through technology, facilities, and expertise instead.
Lacking technical expertise
CRC looks for partners with strong engineering or technical teams. A business idea without technical depth is unlikely to succeed.
Delaying IP discussions
Intellectual property is a central part of CRC collaborations. Address this early to prevent delays or misunderstandings.
Treating CRC like a service provider
CRC is a research partner. Projects must align with federal research goals, not just your company’s timeline.
Q: Does the CRC Office of Business Development offer funding to businesses?
No. CRC provides in-kind resources such as wireless technologies, research facilities, and expert collaboration. It does not provide direct financial contributions.
Q: Can startups work with CRC?
Yes. Startups with relevant technical expertise and the ability to support CRC research goals may be considered.
Q: What types of projects does CRC collaborate on?
CRC works on projects in wireless systems, radio technologies, networks, and information processing. These projects benefit from government research and can help commercial outcomes.
Q: How long does it take to set up a collaboration?
Timelines vary. Early discussions can happen quickly, but formal agreements depend on the project scope, IP terms, and technical details.
Q: Who owns the intellectual property from CRC collaborations?
Ownership and licensing terms are negotiated for each collaboration and included in the agreement.
The CRC Office of Business Development gives Canadian companies a way to use government wireless technologies and expertise without building expensive R&D infrastructure. Combining CRC collaboration with traditional grants can strengthen your project.
GrantHub tracks hundreds of active Canadian grant and innovation programs. It helps you find funding that works well with partnerships like CRC, so you can support both technology development and commercialization.
If you are ready to explore CRC collaboration or want to find compatible funding programs, GrantHub’s tools can help you take the next step.
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