If you’re an aerospace manufacturer aiming to reduce production costs, improve performance, or test new manufacturing methods, building your own R&D capacity is expensive. The NRC Aerospace Manufacturing Technologies Centre provides Canadian aerospace companies access to federal labs, engineers, and pilot-scale manufacturing facilities. This guide explains what the Centre does, who can use it, and how to access its R&D services.
The NRC Aerospace Manufacturing Technologies Centre (AMTC) is a federal R&D facility run by the National Research Council of Canada (NRC). It provides fee-for-service research, development, and technical support to aerospace companies across the supply chain.
This is not a grant program. Instead, you sign a contract with the NRC for specific R&D or manufacturing support on your project.
Key focus areas include:
The Centre supports the design and development of next-generation, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly aircraft.
You do not need to be a large aerospace OEM to work with the NRC.
Eligible organizations include:
There are no formal size limits or revenue thresholds. Eligibility depends on whether your project matches the Centre’s technical mandate and capabilities.
If you’re unsure whether your project qualifies, tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter NRC programs and related funding options by industry and project type in seconds.
The NRC Aerospace Manufacturing Technologies Centre focuses on applied, industry-driven projects. Common project types include:
Projects are usually collaborative, with NRC researchers working alongside your technical team.
Accessing NRC aerospace R&D services follows a simple, clear process.
Start by contacting the NRC. You will talk about:
This helps make sure your needs fit the Centre’s expertise.
NRC researchers help you define:
Clear project goals make this step faster and more accurate.
The NRC charges a fee for its services. Pricing:
There is no fixed rate.
Once the contract is signed:
There is no fixed funding amount or subsidy attached to the NRC Aerospace Manufacturing Technologies Centre.
Costs:
Many companies combine NRC fee-for-service work with:
1. Thinking it’s a grant
This program does not provide direct funding. Plan for NRC fees from the start.
2. Not having a clear problem
Projects without clear technical goals take longer to define and cost more.
3. Waiting too long in product development
The Centre is most useful during manufacturing process development, not after production is set.
4. Forgetting about IP discussions
Intellectual property terms are part of the contract. Discuss ownership early.
Q: Is the NRC Aerospace Manufacturing Technologies Centre a grant program?
No. It is a fee-for-service R&D offering. You pay the NRC to deliver defined technical work.
Q: Can SMEs work with the Centre?
Yes. Small and mid-sized aerospace companies across the supply chain are eligible if the project fits the Centre’s mandate.
Q: How long does it take to start a project?
Timelines vary, but expect several weeks for technical discussions, scoping, and contracting before work begins.
Q: Can NRC aerospace R&D costs be claimed under SR&ED?
In many cases, contracted R&D may be eligible under SR&ED, depending on how the work is structured. Confirm with a tax advisor.
Q: Do I need to be located near an NRC facility?
Not always. While some work requires on-site access, many projects involve remote collaboration and data sharing.
The NRC Aerospace Manufacturing Technologies Centre offers Canadian aerospace companies access to advanced R&D facilities, experts, and pilot-scale manufacturing. To get started:
Planning your project scope, budget, and timeline before reaching out will make the process smoother. If you want to see which NRC programs and related funding options match your project, GrantHub’s matcher tool can help you compare options and reduce your costs.
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