Technology Access Centres (TAC)

For small and medium-sized businesses working on new products or processes, accessing the right technology and expertise can be a major barrier. The Technology Access Centres (TAC) initiative helps Canadian SMEs bridge that gap by connecting them with applied research facilities and technical experts across the country. Delivered through Tech-Access Canada and a network of college- and cégep-affiliated centres, TACs are designed to help businesses turn ideas into practical, market-ready solutions without taking on the full financial risk themselves.

Through a Technology Access Centre, businesses can receive hands-on support for activities like prototyping, testing, process optimization, and technology adoption. The program spans a wide range of innovation-driven fields, including food and agricultural innovation, advanced manufacturing, clean and green technologies, bio-innovation, energy, aquaculture, smart textiles, mobility solutions, and digital applications. Rather than offering a fixed grant amount, support is tailored to each project and typically comes in the form of non-repayable assistance, access to specialized equipment, and collaboration with experienced applied research teams.

With centres operating nationwide, the TAC program is particularly valuable for SMEs that need practical R&D support but may not have in-house capabilities or large research budgets. For businesses exploring how applied research partnerships could accelerate growth or reduce development risk, understanding how Technology Access Centres work is an important next step.