CFAs: Canadian AI Solutions for Health Technologies Program

Companies accepted to the cohort will not only get introduced to co-innovation project partners in Japan, but also receive coaching and mentoring by industry leaders, support for their international business and market-entry strategies, as well as get introductions to other potential partners and clients during the mission.

The program begins virtually in September with bi-weekly coaching sessions and workshops. The in-market portion will take place from December 2 to 5, 2024, and is anchored around the Innovation Leaders Summit (ILS). In Japan, the program will include B2B meetings with selected top tier Japanese major corporations focused on AI solutions for health technologies.

Objectives

• This TCS CTA/NRC IRAP initiative is focused on supporting Canadian SMEs with an AI Aging Tech solution in their exploration and development of the Japan market. This includes through collaborative research and development (R&D) and strategic partnerships.
• Through the TCS CTA/NRC IRAP initiative, Canadian businesses will be better equipped to strategize their market entry into Japan, build their innovation capacity, adapt their technology for the Japan market, and become more competitive in the global marketplace.

Funding Information

• Canadian SMEs selected for participation may be invited to apply for up to $5,000 for reimbursement of 75% of travel and accommodations costs associated with the mission. Selected participants will be sent instructions and information about this support.
• Note: Canadian SME applicants must be eligible for funding as NRC IRAP clients before they can be considered for funding through this call for proposals.

Sector of Focus

• AI-based solutions for health tech, in particular in the context of an aging population, including but not limited to the following:
  • Health and safety monitoring that will lead to predictions of adverse events.
  • Frailty detection and prediction.
  • Elderly mobility (e.g., last mile solutions, door-to-door transportation).
  • Assistive technologies to reduce burden on health professionals (including hardware and robotics solutions).

Eligibility Criteria

• To participate in this initiative, Canadian participants should meet the following requirements:
  • be an incorporated, profit‑oriented small- or medium‑sized business in Canada.
  • have 500 or fewer full‑time equivalent employees.
  • pursue growth and profit by developing and commercializing innovative, technology-driven new or improved products, services or processes in Canada.
  • have a differentiated and protectable technology that could become competitive in global markets.
  • have sufficient working capital and resources to undertake a multi‑year R&D collaboration and commercialize the results.
  • be committed to significant growth through international market expansion.
• Preference may be given to SME applicants who:
  • have a minimum of 10 full‑time equivalent employees.
  • have commercialized 1 or more products domestically or internationally.
  • have greater than $500,000 CAD in annual revenue.

For more information, visit Government of Canada.