Through the Business Innovation Access Program (BIAP), initiated by the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP), Canadian-controlled private corporations (CCPCs), in particular small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), are eligible for grants to assist in the development and commercialization of innovative products and services. The objective of this federal program is to encourage SME partnerships with Canadian learning institutes. Market research, competitive analysis, product optimization, and specialized testing are a few of the business and technical services that are eligible. SMEs may also receive assistance to develop business and/or marketing strategies.
Because of NRC-IRAP’s $20 million investment, SMEs with less than 500 employees will have the opportunity to work with colleges, universities, and research-based institutions to find solutions to encountered technology- and commercialization-based obstacles. Per project, SMEs have the opportunity to receive up to $50,000 in funding and up to 75% coverage related to cost shares.
There is no deadline for the application process; however, in order to participate in and receive funding through this program, SMEs must work with an IRAP Industrial Technology Advisor (ITA), who will be able to determine which services and product-development projects would benefit commercially from receiving technical or business assistance.