If your business wants to bring new construction technologies to market, the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) is a valuable partner. NRC offers licensing opportunities, letting you use NRC-developed intellectual property (IP) to speed up your innovation process. This matters in construction, since NRC research often shapes building codes, standards, and materials used across Canada.
These licensing opportunities are especially relevant at the NRC Construction Research Centre. This centre focuses on buildings, infrastructure, materials, and climate resilience. By working with NRC, you gain access to research that is already tested and ready for use.
The NRC does not run traditional grant programs. Instead, it develops technologies in-house and licenses them to businesses that want to commercialize or use them in products and services.
The NRC — Construction Research Centre supports industry partners across Canada by providing:
These opportunities are open to construction companies and, sometimes, to businesses in related fields like transportation, aerospace, and information technology.
Usually, NRC licensing opportunities become available after NRC research has been tested and proven through modelling, code development, or lab work.
Licensing follows a clear process. Understanding these steps helps you decide if NRC licensing fits your business goals.
NRC research centres publish lists and summaries of available technologies. For construction, these might include:
Some businesses discover licensing opportunities while working with NRC on testing or validation projects.
You reach out to NRC and discuss:
NRC checks if your plan fits its public-interest goals and if you have the capacity to commercialize the technology.
If both sides agree, NRC negotiates a licensing agreement. These agreements usually cover:
NRC does not publish standard fee amounts, since terms depend on the technology and market size.
Construction companies often focus on the Construction Research Centre, but other NRC centres also offer licensing that may be useful for built-environment innovation:
These centres give you access to facilities, expertise, and licensing—not direct cash grants.
Licensing opportunities with the National Research Council of Canada can be combined with other funding programs, such as:
GrantHub’s eligibility matcher helps you find programs by province and industry, especially when licensing is part of your commercialization plan.
Thinking NRC licensing is a grant
NRC licensing gives you access to IP, not cash funding. Make sure to budget for fees and development costs.
Waiting too long to contact NRC
Early discussions increase your chances of getting terms that match your needs and timelines.
Expecting exclusive licences for all technologies
Not every NRC technology is available for exclusive licensing. Be clear about your needs from the start.
Ignoring your commercialization plan
NRC expects licensees to actively bring technology to market, not just hold onto the IP.
Q: Who can license technology from the NRC?
Canadian and international businesses can license NRC technologies if they show the ability to commercialize and meet public-interest requirements.
Q: Does the NRC Construction Research Centre provide direct funding?
No. It offers research services, facilities, expertise, and licensing opportunities, but not direct grants.
Q: Are licensing fees fixed?
No. Fees and royalties depend on the technology, market size, and whether the licence is exclusive or non-exclusive.
Q: Can NRC licensing help with code compliance?
Yes. Many NRC construction technologies are designed to meet national codes and standards, which can reduce regulatory risk.
Q: How long does the licensing process take?
Timelines vary. Early engagement and clear commercialization plans can help speed up negotiations.
GrantHub tracks hundreds of grant and support programs across Canada. You can check which ones fit your business profile.
Licensing opportunities with the National Research Council of Canada allow your construction business to use proven, publicly developed technology. The key is to match NRC IP with your commercialization plan and combine licensing with the right funding support.
For more information, see:
GrantHub helps you see where NRC licensing fits in Canada’s innovation funding system, so you can plan your next move confidently.
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