Open — Rolling Admissions Invoice-Based

NRC IRAP

Industrial Research Assistance Program

$75,000 – $1,000,000

Canada's premier R&D funding program. Non-repayable contributions covering salaries and subcontractor costs for technology-driven projects. Includes the new AI Assist stream for AI development.

How It Works for Our Clients

Your company applies to IRAP directly. Once approved, you hire us as a technical subcontractor to build your AI application. Our invoices qualify as eligible subcontractor costs covered by the IRAP contribution.

Is Your Company Eligible?

IRAP targets technology-focused SMEs:

≤500 employees

Small or medium-sized enterprise

Incorporated in Canada

For-profit corporation

R&D / innovation project

Must involve technical uncertainty or advancement

Technology-driven business

Developing or adopting advanced technology (AI, ML, etc.)

New: AI Assist Stream

IRAP now has a dedicated AI Assist stream specifically for AI adoption and development projects. If your business is building or integrating AI solutions, this is a fast-track path to funding. Our AI application development services are directly applicable.

What We Build Under IRAP

As your subcontractor, we can develop:

Custom AI Applications

Machine learning models, NLP systems, computer vision

✓ Eligible

Intelligent Chatbots & Virtual Assistants

Context-aware, domain-specific AI agents

✓ Eligible

Automation & Process Optimization

AI-powered workflow automation, predictive systems

✓ Eligible

Data Infrastructure & Analytics

Data pipelines, dashboards, AI-ready architecture

✓ Eligible

How to Apply

IRAP applications go through NRC's Industrial Technology Advisors (ITAs):

Contact NRC IRAP

Submit an inquiry through the NRC IRAP website or call 1-877-994-4727. An Industrial Technology Advisor (ITA) will be assigned to your company.

Define Your R&D Project

Work with your ITA to define the technical scope, innovation, and business case. We can help you define the AI/technical components and provide detailed project specifications, timelines, and cost estimates.

Receive IRAP Contribution

Once approved, IRAP provides a non-repayable contribution agreement for eligible costs including subcontractor fees.

We Build, You Submit Claims

We develop the AI application as your subcontractor. You submit our invoices as proof of expenditure to IRAP for reimbursement.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does IRAP cover?

IRAP covers up to 80% of eligible labor costs and up to 50% of subcontractor costs (like our fees). Total government assistance is capped at 75% of eligible project costs, meaning your company must fund at least 25%. Individual contributions range from $75,000 to over $1,000,000 depending on project scope.

Is IRAP competitive?

Yes, IRAP is competitive and requires a strong technical and business case. However, if your project genuinely involves technological uncertainty and innovation (which custom AI development often does), you have a strong chance. Your assigned ITA will guide you through the process.

What qualifies as "R&D" for IRAP?

IRAP looks for projects that advance technology or involve technical uncertainty. Building a standard website wouldn't qualify, but developing a custom AI system (chatbot with novel capabilities, machine learning model for unique data, etc.) typically does. The key is demonstrating that the solution doesn't already exist off-the-shelf.

Can a non-tech company apply?

Yes! You don't need to be a tech company, but your project must involve technology-driven innovation. A manufacturing company developing AI-powered quality control, or a logistics firm building predictive routing — these are both eligible. We handle the technical development while you focus on the business application.

NON-REPAYABLE · UP TO $1M

Build Your AI Project With IRAP Funding

Let's discuss your AI project idea and how IRAP can fund its development.

Discuss Your AI Project

Free consultation · We help define the technical scope for your IRAP application