IRAP IP Assist Program: How to Apply and What to Expect

IRAP IP Assist Program: How to Apply and What to Expect

If your Canadian business is innovating but unsure how to protect or use its intellectual property (IP), the IRAP IP Assist Program could be the answer. Delivered by the National Research Council of Canada’s Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP), this program helps Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) build IP awareness and create a clear IP strategy with expert guidance.

Unlike cash grants, IP Assist focuses on advisory support. It helps you make smarter IP decisions before you spend money on patents, trademarks, or licensing.

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What Is the IRAP IP Assist Program?

The IRAP IP Assist Program supports innovative Canadian SMEs that are not already working with an IP professional. The program’s main goal is to improve IP literacy. It also helps businesses make IP decisions that fit their growth and commercialization plans.

The program currently offers two active levels of support:

• Level 1 – IP Awareness Session
  • A one-on-one meeting with a qualified IP professional.
  • Focuses on learning IP basics and understanding risks.
• Level 2 – Customized IP Strategy
  • Development of a tailored IP strategy based on your business goals.
  • Covers protection, ownership, and commercialization.
• Level 3 – IP Implementation
  • Not currently available under the program.

Support is delivered by IP professionals who are members of the Intellectual Property Institute of Canada (IPIC).

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IRAP IP Assist Program Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility is assessed by NRC IRAP. Your business and the type of support you request both matter.

SME Eligibility

To apply, your business must:

• Be a Canadian incorporated SME
• Be innovative and growth-oriented
• Meet standard NRC IRAP eligibility criteria
• Not currently be working with an IP professional
• Be seeking IP support for the first time through this program

Indigenous-owned SMEs are encouraged to apply and are explicitly supported under the program.

IP Professional Eligibility (for delivery)

SMEs do not choose their own IP professional. Providers must:

• Be an IPIC member
• Have expertise in at least two industries, such as:
  • Advanced Manufacturing
  • Clean Tech
  • ICT
  • Agri-Food
  • Biomedical
  • Mining
  • Branding Strategy

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How to Apply for the IRAP IP Assist Program

The application process is advisor-led and designed to be simple.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Connect with an NRC IRAP Industrial Technology Advisor (ITA)
   Your ITA is your starting point. If you already receive IRAP support, begin there. If not, you can ask NRC IRAP to connect you with an ITA.

2. Eligibility Assessment
   The ITA checks if your business and IP needs fit Level 1 or Level 2 support.

3. Scope Definition
   Your ITA works with you to define what kind of IP support you need.

4. Matching with an IP Professional
   NRC IRAP selects a qualified IPIC professional for you. You do not hire them directly.

5. Delivery of IP Assist Support
   The IP professional provides the awareness session or strategy work, coordinated by IRAP.

Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you check if your business fits NRC IRAP criteria before you talk to an advisor.

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How Much Funding Does the IRAP IP Assist Program Provide?

This is a common question.

• The IRAP IP Assist Program does not provide cash grants or loans
• NRC IRAP covers the cost of IP advisory services
• No funds are paid directly to your business

The value comes from expert IP guidance, which can often cost thousands of dollars if you pay for it yourself. This is an estimate based on current market rates for IP consulting services.

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What the Program Covers (and Doesn’t)

Covered:

• IP awareness sessions
• IP strategy development
• Advisory services from qualified IP professionals

Not Covered:

• Patent or trademark filing fees
• Legal disputes or litigation
• Commercialization costs
• IP implementation (Level 3)

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Assuming it’s a cash grant
   IP Assist pays for advice, not your business expenses.

2. Applying while already working with an IP lawyer or agent
   This makes your business ineligible.

3. Waiting too late in product development
   IP strategy is most helpful before you publicly share your idea.

4. Expecting Level 3 implementation support
   This level is not available under the program right now.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the IRAP IP Assist Program a grant or a loan?
No. The program provides non-cash advisory support paid for by NRC IRAP.

Q: How long does IP Assist support take?
Level 1 sessions are short and focused. Level 2 strategy work usually takes several weeks, depending on your needs.

Q: Can startups apply for the IRAP IP Assist Program?
Yes, as long as the startup meets NRC IRAP eligibility and is not already working with an IP professional.

Q: Is Level 3 IP Assist support available in 2026?
No. Level 3 implementation support is not currently offered.

Q: Does the program support Indigenous-owned businesses?
Yes. Indigenous SMEs are explicitly supported under the IRAP IP Assist Program.

After reviewing your options, remember that GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant and advisory programs across Canada—check which ones match your business profile.

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Related Programs and Guides

See also:

• How to Use NRC IRAP Funding and Advisors to Scale Innovation and Hire Talent
• How to Apply for momentumPI (Quebec): Intellectual Property Support and Eligibility
• How University Research Partnerships Help Canadian Businesses Commercialize Intellectual Property

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Next Steps

The IRAP IP Assist Program is a smart first step if you want expert IP guidance without paying upfront costs. If you are unsure how it fits with other federal or provincial programs, GrantHub can help you compare IP, innovation, and commercialization supports in one place—so you can make informed choices for your business.