Apply Now: Canadian Software Innovation Mission 2026

The focus areas of this initiative include software-intensive systems and services related to smart cities, smart communities, smart health, smart mobility, smart industry, smart energy, smart engineering, and safety and security. The mission also promotes international research collaboration, technology commercialization, and innovation-driven market expansion.

The initiative is organised by the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program and invites Canadian SMEs, universities, large firms, research organisations, not-for-profit organisations, and industry associations to participate in the partnering mission in Istanbul.

The mission aims to strengthen international collaboration opportunities for Canadian participants by supporting engagement in multi-year research and development partnerships focused on innovative software technologies and advanced digital solutions.

Selected Canadian SMEs may apply for financial support of up to CAD 5,000 to reimburse 75 percent of eligible travel expenses, including economy airfare and per diem costs associated with participation in the mission.

Eligible SME applicants must be incorporated and profit-oriented companies in Canada with 500 or fewer full-time employees, have been operational for at least 12 months, and demonstrate innovation-driven growth through technology development and commercialization. Applicants must also have the operational and financial capacity to undertake international collaborative research and development projects.

Preference may be given to SMEs with at least 10 full-time employees in Canada, experience commercializing products internationally, and annual sales revenue exceeding CAD 500,000.

For more information, visit Government of Canada.