The National Research Council of Canada's Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP) provides a range of technical and business-oriented advisory services, as well as necessary financial support, to qualified innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Canada.
NRC-IRAP engages in cost-shared research and development (R&D) projects with its clients. Firms helped by NRC-IRAP are better equipped to perform basic R&D, commercialize new products and processes, and access new markets.
The program is delivered by a diverse field staff of professionals and over 240 industrial technology advisors in communities across Canada.
In 2013-2014 NRC-IRAP supported over 10,000 SMEs, with some 7,000 firms benefiting from expert advisory services and more than 3,000 firms receiving some form of financial assistance.
In March 2014, the Government of Canada launched the Business Innovation Access Program (BIAP), a $20-million initiative that will encourage Canadian entrepreneurs to partner with Canadian universities, colleges and research institutions. Delivered through NRC IRAP, the program complements NRC's existing array of innovation support, strategic research, and scientific and technical services.
Economic Action Plan 2014 proposes to provide the Canada Accelerator and Incubator Program (CAIP) with an additional $40 million. This increases total funding to $100 million. Delivered by NRC-IRAP, CAIP aims to establish a critical mass of outstanding accelerator and incubator organizations in Canada to help entrepreneurs realize the business potential of their ideas.
Budget 2014 also proposes $30 million (over two years) to the NRC-IRAP for youth internships in SMEs undertaking technical research and development projects. This initiative helps young graduates transition to their first job and gain valuable workplace experience.
Media Relations Team
National Research Council of Canada
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