NRC IRAP and Innovate BC invest in high-impact cleantech projects through the BC Fast Pilot program
News release
7th round of funding will help 11 British Columbia (B.C.) companies pilot technologies that will support the development of a more sustainable, inclusive and innovative B.C. economy
September 24, 2025 – Vancouver, B.C. – National Research Council of Canada
Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are at the forefront of innovation and developing world-class solutions to combat climate change. Supporting their efforts strengthens Canada’s role as a global leader in clean technologies and fosters a sustainable and competitive economy. Strategic regional investments empower local innovators to turn bold ideas into real-world benefits for all Canadians.
The National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) and Innovate BC are investing a combined total of $1.5 million in funding for 11 companies in B.C. that are piloting innovative clean technologies to support the development of a greener B.C. and foster growth in the province’s cleantech sector. This funding is provided through the BC Fast Pilot program, a joint initiative between NRC IRAP and Innovate BC.
The BC Fast Pilot program helps SMEs design, build and operate their technology at pilot scale and in real-world conditions. The program allows B.C. technology companies to show the impact of their product, measure the value of their solution and encourage customer adoption. For customers, the program offers a way to minimize some of the risks that traditional industries encounter when adopting new technologies.
Quotes
”Investing in homegrown innovation and solutions that tackle important environmental challenges strengthens Canada’s sustainability and economic leadership. NRC IRAP and the BC Fast Pilot program provide opportunities to grow B.C.’s cleantech sector while allowing SMEs and Canadians to benefit from the development of these technologies."
— The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
“B.C. companies are leading the charge in solving some of today’s most pressing environmental challenges, and the BC Fast Pilot program helps bring their ideas and technology to the real-world. Through this round of investments, the recipients are able to showcase their homegrown solutions that protect our communities, strengthen our industries, and build a cleaner, more resilient future for all people in British Columbia.”
— The Honourable Brenda Bailey, Minister of Finance for British Columbia
"We are pleased to partner with Innovate BC to help Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises turn innovative cleantech ideas into market-ready solutions. These ambitious companies will gain valuable market insight while demonstrating their technologies in real-world applications, allowing them to move one step closer to customer adoption. This support is about fostering Canadian innovation today and building a sustainable future for generations to come."
— Mitch Davies, President, National Research Council of Canada
“The environmental challenges we face today demand more than ideas – they demand proven solutions that can scale. Through the BC Fast Pilot program, we’re giving B.C. innovators the opportunity to deliver exactly that, transforming cutting-edge clean technologies into real-world impact. This year’s recipients are addressing urgent priorities – from emissions reduction and wildfire response to waste management – while helping build more resilient industries, stronger communities and lasting prosperity for British Columbians.”
— Peter Cowan, President and CEO, Innovate BC
Quick facts
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This is the 7th round of funding through the BC Fast Pilot program, which launched in 2019.
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Project areas include wildfire management, household energy, maritime safety and sustainability, and more.
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Successful projects receive up to $200,000 in funding to demonstrate the impact of their product, measure the value of their solution and encourage customer adoption.
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Since 2019, including this year's awardees, a total of $13 million has been invested into 98 pilot-scale demonstration projects.
Associated links
Contacts
Isabella Orozco-Madison
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
isabella.orozco-madison@ised-isde.gc.ca
Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
media@ised-isde.gc.ca
Media Relations
National Research Council of Canada
613-991-1431
1-855-282-1637
media@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
Michael Gleboff
Innovate BC
604-602-5210
mgleboff@innovatebc.ca
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