If you’re searching for NRC Automotive and Surface Transportation (AST) support in 2025–2026, you’re likely trying to answer one question: what funding or collaboration options are actually available right now? The NRC’s AST Research Centre is Canada’s main federal R&D hub for automotive, mobility, and surface transportation innovation, and it plays a direct role in several NRC funding and co‑development programs.
This page is a 2025–2026 hub focused on funding pathways, active programs, and how Canadian businesses and research partners can work with NRC AST today.
The Automotive and Surface Transportation Research Centre is part of the National Research Council of Canada. It supports Canadian innovation in:
Rather than operating as a single grant, NRC AST delivers support through collaborative R&D programs, challenge programs, and open calls for proposals.
The core AST hub is based in Ottawa, with facilities and test capabilities used by Canadian SMEs, large firms, and academic partners.
NRC AST works directly with Canadian businesses through collaborative research agreements. These are not “apply once and wait” grants. They are structured R&D projects where:
Funding amounts are project‑specific and depend on scope, duration, and technology readiness level (TRL).
This model is especially common for:
The NRC 2025–26 Departmental Plan confirms the launch of the e‑Auto Challenge program during this planning period.
While full call details are released through NRC’s open calls page, the program is expected to focus on:
Challenge programs typically provide:
If you’re in automotive manufacturing or EV technology, this is one of the most important NRC AST opportunities to watch in 2025–2026.
The Advanced Manufacturing Program is officially scheduled to close in 2026, but NRC has confirmed that AST‑related support continues beyond that date.
What this means for your business:
If you previously relied on Advanced Manufacturing funding, you should realign your applications toward AST priorities and challenge calls.
NRC does not keep all AST funding on a single page. Instead, live opportunities are posted as open calls.
The official source for current opportunities is:
These calls may include:
Deadlines and eligibility vary. Some calls stay open for weeks, others for months.
Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter programs by province and industry in seconds, especially when NRC calls are published without much advance notice.
Eligibility depends on the specific program or call, but generally includes:
Most AST funding requires:
Assuming AST is a single grant
NRC Automotive and Surface Transportation is a research centre, not a one‑time funding program.
Waiting for permanent intakes
Many NRC AST opportunities are released as short‑term calls. If you check only once a year, you may miss them.
Ignoring collaboration requirements
Most AST funding expects active collaboration with NRC researchers, not just financial support.
Applying without technical alignment
Projects outside EVs, advanced transportation systems, or manufacturing innovation are unlikely to succeed.
Q: Is NRC Automotive and Surface Transportation a grant program?
No. NRC AST is a research centre that delivers funding through collaborative R&D projects, challenge programs, and open calls.
Q: What funding amounts are available through NRC AST?
There is no fixed amount. Funding depends on project scope, partner contributions, and the specific call or program.
Q: Are NRC AST programs open to small businesses?
Yes. Canadian SMEs are a primary target, especially for automotive innovation and EV‑related projects.
Q: Where can I find current NRC AST funding opportunities?
The NRC Open Calls for Proposals and Interest page is the most reliable source for live opportunities.
Q: Can NRC AST funding be combined with other programs?
In many cases, yes. Businesses often stack NRC support with programs like Mitacs Grants or other federal innovation funding, subject to rules.
NRC Automotive and Surface Transportation support in 2025–2026 is active, but it’s fragmented across challenge programs, research collaborations, and open calls. Tracking it manually is hard.
GrantHub tracks 2,500+ active grant programs across Canada — check which ones match your business profile. It’s the fastest way to see when NRC AST opportunities open and whether your project fits before you apply.
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