Deadline Date: June 30, 2026
Applications are open for the Canadian AI Applied to IoT R&D Partnering Delegation to Japan for Canadian SMEs seeking collaboration opportunities with Japanese partners.
The delegation supports collaboration in AI and IoT technologies, including AI-powered collaborative robots, autonomous mobile robots, robot control and Vision AI, human-robot collaboration, autonomous driving technologies, in-vehicle IoT platforms, smart factories, industrial IoT, digital twins, smart cities, AI for disaster prevention and mitigation, and IoT/operational technology security. The initiative focuses on joint technology development, technology validation in Japan, and adaptation of Canadian solutions for the Japanese market.
Applicants must be profit-oriented SMEs incorporated in Canada with 500 or fewer employees, have experience or plans to commercialize technology internationally, be interested in collaborating with Japanese partners, and have the resources to undertake multi-year R&D projects. Non-profit organizations, universities, research technology organizations, incubators, and industry associations may apply but are not eligible for financial support.
Eligible SME participants may receive funding covering up to 50% of eligible expenses, including economy airfare, local transportation, accommodation, meals, and conference registration fees. Selected companies will be invited to apply for this support separately.
Applications will be assessed based on eligibility, the technical merits of the proposed technology, and the company’s capacity to manage an international R&D project. Participation is limited, and selected applicants will be notified by July 16, 2026. The program includes market briefings, research security guidance, B2B matchmaking, pitch sessions, networking events, participation in the Generative AI Summit 2026, and visits to innovation and R&D centres.
For more information, visit Government of Canada.
