Deadline Date: January 30, 2026
Through the International Technology Pilot and Demonstration (ITPD) – Cleantech Program, NRC IRAP helps Canadian SMEs validate, adapt, and integrate their clean technologies in collaboration with foreign partners and end-users in international markets.
The National Research Council of Canada’s Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) supports Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in advancing international technology piloting and demonstration initiatives within the clean technologies sector. The program is designed to reduce barriers to market entry, accelerate the commercialization of Canadian clean technologies, and enhance their bankability.
The focus areas and priorities include clean energy technologies such as solar, wind, hydro, hydrogen and fuel cells, energy storage, energy efficiency improvements, clean fuels, smart grid solutions, and combined heat and power systems. Projects may also target carbon management through carbon capture, utilization, and storage, as well as environmental technologies addressing water, wastewater, soil, solid waste, and air pollution.
Funding for previous pilot or demonstration projects typically ranged from $75,000 to $300,000 CAD, with project durations of 8 to 12 months, and requests of up to $700,000 CAD may be considered. Costs reimbursed by another party cannot be included in the amounts claimed to NRC IRAP. This funding opportunity enables Canadian SMEs to develop and scale clean technologies, reduce environmental impact, and expand into global markets.
Eligible applicants must be incorporated, profit-oriented SMEs in Canada with 500 or fewer full-time equivalent employees, have been operating for a minimum of 12 months, and employ at least 5 full-time equivalent employees in Canada on their payroll, excluding contract employees. Applicants must pursue growth and profit by developing and commercializing innovative, technology-driven new or improved products, services, or processes in Canada, and possess a differentiated and protectable technology with commercial potential in global markets.
Applicants must also demonstrate the financial and operational capacity to undertake an international pilot or demonstration project while maintaining regular operations and be able to commercialize the results. They should be committed to significant growth through international market expansion and have a robust strategy for market entry, production, supply chain management, and post-sale services to capitalize on successful pilots or demonstrations. Preference may be given to SMEs that have at least 15 full-time equivalent employees, have commercialized one or more products internationally, have annual sales revenue exceeding $500,000 CAD, have reached technology readiness level 7 or greater, and have prior experience in technology piloting or demonstration.
For more information, visit Government of Canada.
