How technology licensing works at Canada’s National Research Council (NRC)

How technology licensing works at Canada’s National Research Council (NRC)

If your business wants to commercialize technology developed by the federal government, the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) is one of the largest sources of licensable intellectual property (IP) in the country. The NRC licenses patented technologies, software, data, and technical know-how. Its research centres, such as the NRC Aerospace Research Centre, make these assets available to Canadian and international companies.

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What you can license from the NRC

The NRC creates technology through publicly funded research. When NRC research leads to valuable IP, it can be licensed to outside organizations for commercial use. Licensing is different from grants. It gives you the right to use NRC-owned IP under specific terms.

Types of technology available

The NRC Aerospace Research Centre offers licenses for:

• Patented aerospace technologies and processes
• Software tools, algorithms, and simulation models
• Testing methods and validation techniques
• Specialized data sets and technical know-how

The available IP depends on the NRC’s current research and completed projects.

Who can license NRC technology?

Eligible organizations include:

• Canadian and international industrial partners
• Startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
• Universities and research institutions
• Other government departments and agencies

Startups may license NRC technology if they have a clear commercial plan for the IP.

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The NRC Aerospace Research Centre: licensing context

The NRC Aerospace Research Centre is a federal research centre, not a traditional grant program. It provides:

• Access to advanced aerospace research facilities
• NRC researchers and technical experts
• Opportunities for collaborative R&D
• Licensing of aerospace-related IP

Support is mainly in-kind. This means you get expertise, infrastructure, and IP access rather than direct cash funding.

Licensing is a common route for companies that want to bring NRC-developed aerospace innovations to market and benefit from federal research without setting up a joint research project.

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The process: how to license technology from the NRC

Each licensing deal is negotiated individually, but the process usually includes these steps:

1. Find relevant NRC technology
   Review NRC technology listings or contact NRC representatives at the Aerospace Research Centre.

2. Initial discussion and fit assessment
   NRC staff check if the technology matches your commercial plans and if licensing is the best way forward.

3. Define the licensing model
   Terms may be:

   • Exclusive or non-exclusive
   • Limited by geography, sector, or application
   • Time-bound or ongoing

4. Negotiate financial terms
   This may involve:

   • Upfront licensing fees
   • Royalties based on sales
   • Milestone-based payments

5. Finalize the licensing agreement
   The agreement covers IP rights, reporting, confidentiality, and commercialization obligations.

NRC usually keeps IP ownership unless the agreement says otherwise.

Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you find related federal programs or NRC collaboration options that fit your province and industry.

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How licensing differs from NRC collaboration and funding

Do not confuse NRC technology licensing with other NRC supports:

• Licensing: You pay for the right to use existing NRC IP.
• Collaboration: You work with NRC researchers on new R&D, sometimes sharing IP.
• Grants and funding: The NRC Aerospace Research Centre does not provide direct grants; support is mainly in-kind.

Some companies combine licensing with collaboration, especially when adapting technology for new uses.

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Common mistakes to avoid

1. Thinking NRC licensing comes with cash funding
   Licensing provides IP rights, not direct financial support.

2. Delaying commercialization discussions
   NRC considers your ability to bring technology to market when making licensing decisions.

3. Ignoring IP scope limits
   Licenses may restrict how and where you can use the technology.

4. Forgetting about regulatory needs
   Aerospace technologies often need certification or compliance planning alongside licensing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does the NRC Aerospace Research Centre offer grants for licensing?
No. The centre provides in-kind support such as facilities, expertise, and IP licensing, not direct grants.

Q: Can startups license technology from the NRC?
Yes. Startups can license NRC technology if they qualify as industrial partners and have a credible commercialization plan.

Q: Is intellectual property shared when licensing NRC technology?
Usually, the NRC keeps IP ownership and grants usage rights under the license. Terms depend on the agreement.

Q: Can international companies license NRC aerospace technology?
Yes. International research and technology organizations may qualify, depending on federal policies and agreement terms.

Q: How long does the licensing process take?
Timelines vary, but negotiations can take several months, especially for exclusive licenses.

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See also

• How businesses can use NRC research facilities for testing and validation
• How to collaborate with NRC research centres on R&D projects
• How Canadian businesses can test products using NRC & federal facilities

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Next steps

Technology licensing from the NRC is a strong way to commercialize proven aerospace innovations by using NRC-developed technology. GrantHub tracks programs that often pair well with NRC licensing — such as R&D support, commercialization funding, and testing programs — so you can see which options match your business profile before you approach the NRC.