If you’re building a new product or improving a technology, funding is only part of the challenge. Many Canadian SMEs need expert guidance on technical risk, commercialization, and growth strategy. NRC IRAP Advisory Services give you direct access to experienced innovation advisors—at no cost—to help move your innovation project forward.
NRC IRAP Advisory Services are part of the National Research Council of Canada’s Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP). The program connects eligible Canadian small and medium-sized businesses with Industrial Technology Advisors (ITAs) who provide hands-on technical and business advice from early concept through to commercialization.
Key features:
Unlike traditional grants, NRC IRAP Advisory Services focus on knowledge, strategy, and execution—not reimbursements.
Eligibility is straightforward but specific. According to NRC IRAP, your business must:
Startups, scale-ups, and established SMEs can all qualify, as long as the project involves technological innovation.
An IRAP advisor acts as a long-term partner, not a one-time consultant. Support often includes:
Technical project guidance
Help defining milestones, reducing technical risk, and checking if your idea is possible.
Commercialization planning
Advice on market readiness, customer validation, and go-to-market strategy.
IP and competitive intelligence
Guidance on patent searches, checks to ensure you can use your technology without infringing on others’ patents, and competitor analysis.
Growth and scaling strategy
Advice on planning your product’s future, finding partners, and getting more funding.
Referrals to funding and partners
Advisors may connect you to IRAP funding, other federal or provincial programs, or research partners when appropriate.
Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter related innovation programs by province and industry in seconds, especially if your advisor suggests complementary funding.
There’s no formal application in the traditional sense. The process is relationship-based:
Initial contact
You reach out through NRC IRAP’s regional office or online intake form.
Assessment call
An IRAP representative reviews your business, innovation goals, and technical readiness.
Advisor assignment
If eligible, you’re matched with an IRAP advisor who understands your sector.
Ongoing advisory support
Engagement length depends on your needs. Some businesses work with IRAP for months or even years as projects evolve.
There are no fixed deadlines, and services are available year-round.
Assuming IRAP is only for funding
Many businesses delay contacting IRAP because they think it’s grant-only. Advisory services are available even if you never apply for funding.
Reaching out too late
IRAP advisors are most valuable early, when technical risk and commercialization strategy are still flexible.
Being vague about your project
Clear technical goals and market intent help advisors give you better, more targeted advice.
Underestimating time commitment
While there’s no cost, effective advisory support requires regular check-ins and follow-through on recommendations.
Q: Are NRC IRAP Advisory Services really free?
Yes. Advisory services are provided at no cost to eligible Canadian SMEs.
Q: Do I need to receive IRAP funding to access advisory services?
No. Advisory services can be accessed independently of IRAP funding programs.
Q: How long can I work with an IRAP advisor?
There’s no fixed limit. Support duration depends on your project scope, business stage, and ongoing needs.
Q: What types of innovation qualify?
Projects must be science- or engineering-based. This includes product development, process improvements, and applied R&D.
Q: Can startups access NRC IRAP Advisory Services?
Yes, as long as the startup is incorporated in Canada and has a credible technology development plan.
GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant and advisory programs across Canada—check which ones match your business profile and align with guidance from your IRAP advisor.
If your innovation project needs expert guidance, NRC IRAP Advisory Services are often the best place to start. An early conversation can clarify your technical path and can help you access future funding opportunities. GrantHub helps you see how IRAP fits into the wider ecosystem of innovation programs available to your business.
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