Canadian small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) often want to work with partners in other countries, but funding cross-border research and development (R&D) can be hard. NRC IRAP International Collaboration helps Canadian SMEs work with foreign partners to create new technology, while lowering financial risk. The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) delivers these programs to support projects that bring new ideas to the market and help Canadian companies grow internationally.
NRC IRAP international collaboration is not a single grant. It is a group of programs and agreements that help Canadian SMEs work with approved foreign partners on R&D and commercialization projects.
The most common way to access this support is through the Canadian International Innovation Program (CIIP). There are also country-specific agreements, such as the Bpifrance–NRC IRAP partnership with France.
To qualify for NRC IRAP international collaboration funding, your business must:
Your foreign partner must also meet their country’s rules and get support from their local innovation agency.
Eligible partner countries depend on the specific program or agreement. Under CIIP and NRC IRAP bilateral programs, you can often work with partners from:
Each call for proposals lists the countries and sectors that qualify. NRC IRAP checks if both partners are eligible before a full application can move forward.
NRC IRAP international collaboration focuses on technology development. Projects must involve:
Projects that are only about sales, marketing, or distribution do not qualify.
Funding amounts are not set in advance and depend on your project.
Eligible expenses often include:
The exact amount is decided during the NRC IRAP review.
Applying for NRC IRAP international collaboration is more about building relationships than just filling out forms.
Find an international partner
Your project must include a qualified foreign SME or organization in a participating country.
Talk to an NRC IRAP Industrial Technology Advisor (ITA)
Your ITA will check if your business and project fit the program before you apply.
Watch for calls for proposals
Most CIIP and bilateral programs open for applications at certain times.
Submit a joint project proposal
Both Canadian and foreign partners apply to their own agencies at the same time.
GrantHub can help you see which international programs fit your country, industry, and project type before you contact an ITA.
Picking any foreign partner
Only partners from approved countries and programs are allowed.
Focusing only on market growth
NRC IRAP funds R&D projects, not export marketing.
Waiting too long to contact NRC IRAP
Speak with your ITA early, before the application deadline.
Not coordinating with your partner
Both you and your partner must meet eligibility and funding rules at the same time.
Q: What is NRC IRAP international collaboration funding?
It is NRC IRAP support for Canadian SMEs working with foreign partners on joint innovation projects. The main goal is to speed up technology development and commercialization for global markets.
Q: Who is eligible for the Canadian International Innovation Program (CIIP)?
Canadian SMEs with R&D capacity and a qualified foreign partner in a participating country can apply. Projects must focus on industrial R&D with commercial potential.
Q: Which countries can Canadian companies partner with under CIIP?
Eligible countries depend on each call, but often include France, Brazil, China, India, Israel, and South Korea.
Q: How much funding can you receive from NRC IRAP international programs?
There is no fixed maximum. Funding is non-repayable and based on your project’s scope and level of innovation.
Q: How does CIIP differ from CanExport?
CIIP supports joint R&D and technology development, while CanExport focuses on market entry and export marketing.
International collaboration funding brings strict rules and partner requirements. GrantHub tracks current NRC IRAP international collaboration calls and related programs across Canada, helping you find programs that fit your business before application deadlines.
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