Transcript NRC — A Diverse National Institution

Industrial Research Assistance
Program
IRAP - creating wealth for
Canadians through technological
innovation – 2004 Oct
P. Meloche
IRAP’s Mission and strategic
objective:
Stimulating innovation of Canadian small and
medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
What is IRAP?
An innovation assistance service of the
National Research Council
NRC
CISTI
Institutes
IRAP
What is IRAP?
A national network of experienced
advisors
Yukon
B.C.
36
Nfld. & Labrador
N.-W.T.
Alta.
Sask. & Man.
21
25
10
Que.
55
Ont.
69
23
Maritimes
IRAP’s Network

includes over 100 technical
organizations

is present in major and rural
communities across Canada

is linked electronically

Canadian Technology Network
(CTN)
IRAP’s Reach (across Canada):


12,000 companies per year
2,900 funded projects

all industry sectors

range of capability levels
IRAP’s Advisors
-
experienced engineers and scientists who
understand technology and business realities
-
provide technical and innovation-related
advice and information
-
link clients with expertise, facilities and
resources
-
provide funding to stimulate innovation in
Canadian SMEs
Eligible Clients:

Incorporated, for profit (with at least 1 employee)

Manufacturing and service sector with or without
R&D in Canada

Under 500 employees

Innovative
Eligible Projects:

Strategically important to the company

Technical challenge

Defined / structured

Measurable objectives

Business opportunity
IRAP supports

a) Innovative projects

b) Research Development and Adaptation

c) IRAP-TPC (precommercialization)

d) Youth Employment Strategy (YES)

e) International projects

f) Other IRAP support
b) Research Development and
Adaptation (RDA):

Advancing unproven technologies

Adapting existing technologies

Element of risk and technical uncertainty
From idea to proof of concept
RDA Support Level:
Up to 50% of the approved project costs
applicable to:

In-house technical salaries

Contract / consultant costs
IRAP contribution may range from $5,000
up to $500,000
c) IRAP – TPC
(Precommercialization): Context

“Proof of concept” established

Development work required to bring proof of
concept to beta product stage (min. tech. risk)

IP: rights or access to, protection measures

Business opportunity

Capacity to complete project and exploit results
IRAP – TPC (Precommercialization):
Support

Repayable contribution for work precompetitive development

Up to 1/3 of eligible project costs

To a maximum of $1,500,000

Eligible technologies: manufacturing,
materials, information, biotechnology,
aerospace, defence, environment
Eligible Activities under IRAP-TPC
(Precommercialization):

Scale-up

Development work

Advanced manufacturing

Pilot plant

Performance trials for process & product
d) Youth Employment Strategy
(YES) Program:

Provide work experience for young
college / university graduates (all
disciplines)

Unemployed or underemployed

Max. contribution of $12K over 6-12
months

Opportunity to hire new employee
e) Other IRAP support available
within NCR:

Market studies (CIC)

Techno-stratégie (BDC)

Competitive intelligence (VISTA)

In-plant diagnostic studies

Management consultant (CMAC)
IRAP can help via …
New
Employee
(YES)
Pre
R&D
commercialization
Support
(IRAP-TPC)
(RDA)
Client
Level B
Technical
Info
Search
Client
Level A
Advice
Canadian
Technology
Diagnostic
Network
Studies
(CTN)
Networking
To reach IRAP:
Ontario:

Tel: (416) 973-4484

Toll free: 1-877-994-4727
Quebec:

Tel: (450) 641-5300
Internet:
www.irap-pari.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca