Many Canadian businesses need advanced testing or validation but do not have access to specialized labs. The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) offers fee-for-service research facilities that businesses can use without applying for a traditional grant. One example is the NRC towing tank research facility, which supports marine and ocean technology testing using world-class infrastructure.
These facilities are not funding programs. They are paid research services delivered by NRC experts. In some cases, your testing costs can later be claimed under a separate innovation or R&D grant.
NRC fee-for-service research facilities allow private-sector organizations to pay directly for access to federal research infrastructure and technical expertise.
How does this model work?
You pay NRC for testing or research services.
NRC does not provide funding for these services. Pricing depends on scope, staff time, equipment use, and project duration.
No competitive application process.
You contact the facility, explain your technical needs, and receive a project proposal and cost estimate.
Available to Canadian and international firms.
Private companies, engineering firms, and technology developers can all use NRC facilities.
Often used alongside grants.
While the facility itself is not a grant, costs may be eligible under separate federal or provincial innovation programs.
Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you check which Canadian grants may cover third-party testing costs, making it easier to plan your project budget.
The NRC Towing Tank Research Facility is designed to test marine and underwater systems in controlled conditions. It is commonly used by companies developing vessels, marine equipment, and ocean technologies.
What the facility is used for:
Who typically uses it:
This facility operates on a fee-for-service basis. You schedule access through NRC staff, not through a funding call.
The towing tank is just one of several NRC facilities available to industry. Other examples include:
NRC High‑Discharge Flume Research Facility
A 10 m × 2.7 m × 1.4 m flume used to simulate river and canal flows for hydraulic and infrastructure testing.
NRC Large Area Basin Research Facility
A 50 m × 30 m basin for large-scale hydrodynamic modelling of ports, harbours, and waterfront developments.
NRC Reverberant Acoustic Chamber
Used to test aerospace and industrial components under extreme sound pressure levels.
NRC Marine Research Station
Provides applied research services in marine biology, aquaculture, and analytical chemistry.
Each facility has its own technical focus, pricing model, and scheduling process. All are available to Canadian businesses looking for specialized testing support.
Most businesses follow these steps when using NRC fee-for-service research facilities:
Initial technical discussion
You contact the NRC facility to explain your product, system, or research challenge.
Project scoping and quote
NRC staff outline the testing approach, timelines, and estimated cost.
Service agreement
A formal agreement covers scope, pricing, intellectual property considerations, and deliverables.
Testing and reporting
NRC conducts the work and provides technical data, reports, or validation results.
There are no fixed deadlines for applying. Scheduling depends on facility availability and project complexity.
Assuming the NRC facility is a grant
NRC fee-for-service facilities do not provide funding. You must budget for the full cost unless another program reimburses it.
Waiting too late in product development
Facilities like the towing tank are most useful before final design freeze. Late-stage testing often leads to costly redesigns.
Not checking grant eligibility early
Some Canadian innovation grants allow third-party testing costs. If you wait until after testing, you may miss reimbursement opportunities.
Underestimating prep time
Physical models, instrumentation, and test plans often require lead time before facility access.
Q: Is the NRC towing tank a grant or a paid service?
It is a paid, fee-for-service research facility. You pay NRC directly for testing and technical support.
Q: Can small businesses use NRC fee-for-service research facilities?
Yes. Canadian SMEs, startups, and large firms can all access NRC facilities as long as the project fits the facility’s technical mandate.
Q: How much does it cost to use an NRC towing tank?
Costs vary by project scope, duration, and complexity. NRC provides a quote after reviewing your technical requirements.
Q: Can NRC testing costs be covered by other grants?
Sometimes. Many Canadian R&D and innovation programs allow third-party testing as an eligible expense. GrantHub tracks which programs allow this for Canadian businesses.
Q: Do I need to be located near the facility?
No. Many companies ship models or equipment to NRC facilities and work remotely with NRC researchers.
NRC fee-for-service research facilities give Canadian businesses access to infrastructure that would cost millions to build. The key is knowing when your testing costs can be paired with external funding.
GrantHub tracks hundreds of active Canadian grant programs and shows which ones can support third-party testing and validation. This helps you plan NRC facility use without overextending your R&D budget.
Was this article helpful?
Rate it so we can improve our content.
Canada Proactive Disclosure Data
The Canadian government has funded over 400,000 businesses through 1.27 million grants and contributions. Check your eligibility in 60 seconds.