NRC Medical Device Facilities: How to Access Testing and Prototyping Support

Access to specialized labs and experts can help your medical device project move from prototype to market-ready product. NRC medical device facilities offer Canadian businesses hands-on support for testing, prototyping, and applied R&D. These facilities are run by the National Research Council (NRC) and work on a fee‑for‑service basis. Their goal is to help companies reduce technical risk and get to market faster.

What Are NRC Medical Device Facilities?

NRC medical device facilities are part of the NRC Medical Devices Research Centre. This federal research centre focuses on applied medical device and digital health innovation. These facilities are not a grant program. Instead, you work directly with NRC scientists and engineers and pay for the R&D services you use.

The NRC offers:

Access to advanced scientific equipment
Technical expertise in medical diagnostics and device development
Support for commercialization and manufacturability

Types of Support Available

NRC medical device facilities can help with:

Prototype design and development
Support for early and mid‑stage device prototypes and system integration.
Testing and validation
Performance testing, materials evaluation, and checking if the device works as planned.
Manufacturability and scale‑up advice
Help to reduce redesign costs by planning for production early.
Digital health and software R&D
Including building data platforms connected to medical devices.
Specialized lab access
For example, microfluidics and lab‑on‑a‑chip environments.

These services are especially useful for small and medium-sized businesses that don’t have their own labs or testing spaces.

Who Can Use NRC Medical Device Facilities?

Eligibility depends on your project, not your company size.

You may qualify if:

You are a Canadian business, healthcare group, or innovator
You are developing a medical device or diagnostic technology
Your project fits with NRC’s medical device research focus

There are no rules about minimum revenue or company age. NRC confirms fit after a technical discussion.

GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you quickly find programs by province and industry, including options to help cover NRC project costs.

How to Access NRC Medical Device Testing and Prototyping Support

Getting access to NRC medical device facilities is a clear, step-by-step process.

Step 1: Review the Medical Devices Research Centre

Start by looking at the Medical Devices Research Centre. Check their listed services and see if your technical needs match what they offer.

Step 2: Prepare a Short Project Brief

NRC suggests sending a clear project outline. This helps them understand your needs faster. Your brief should include:

The medical use case for your device
The current stage of your prototype or technology
What testing or prototyping support you need
Any manufacturability or scale‑up goals
(Inferred from NRC service categories; Source: NRC Canada)

Step 3: Contact NRC Business Development

NRC business development screens new projects. As of the latest guidance, you can contact:

Priyum Koonjul
Director, Business Development
[email protected]

Step 4: Define Scope, Cost, and Timeline

NRC medical device facilities use a fee‑for‑service model. The cost depends on:

How much you use the facilities
How long your project takes
The level of scientific support needed

There is no set price list. NRC will give you a custom project plan and cost estimate.

Funding NRC Projects: Grants and Other Supports

NRC medical device facilities are not a grant, but you can often combine them with other funding.

Common options include:

SR&ED tax credits for eligible R&D work
NRC IRAP support for small and medium-sized businesses
Provincial life sciences or commercialization grants

GrantHub tracks current grant programs across Canada. You can check which ones match your business to help cover NRC costs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Thinking NRC support is free
NRC medical device facilities charge for their services. They are not non‑repayable funding.
Contacting NRC with a vague project
Be clear about your medical application and testing needs. This helps NRC respond faster.
Asking for manufacturability help too late
NRC input is most useful before you lock in your final design.
Mixing up Canada’s NRC with the U.S. NRC
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission is not related to medical device R&D.

How NRC Facilities Help Canadian Innovators

NRC medical device facilities support Canadian innovation by giving businesses access to world-class research spaces and experts. This support can help you:

Improve your device’s safety and performance
Meet regulatory standards
Prepare for large-scale manufacturing
Move your product toward commercialization

By working with NRC, you can test ideas, fix technical problems early, and get advice from experienced scientists. Many Canadian companies use NRC facilities alongside grants and tax credits to stretch their R&D budgets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is NRC medical device support a grant program?
No. NRC medical device facilities work on a fee‑for‑service basis, not as direct funding.

Q: What types of medical devices does NRC support?
NRC helps with diagnostics, medical devices, digital health tools, and similar technologies that fit their research areas.

Q: How much does it cost to use NRC medical device facilities?
Costs depend on your project’s needs and length. Pricing is set after NRC reviews your project.

Q: How long do NRC medical device projects usually last?
Project timelines vary. Some are short testing jobs, while others take several phases to complete.

Q: Can startups work with NRC medical device facilities?
Yes. Startups and small businesses can use NRC facilities if their project fits NRC’s expertise and has clear goals.

How to collaborate with NRC research centres on R&D projects
How to Find R&D Partners Using Canada’s Research Facilities Navigator
How to Use Canadian Research Facilities to Plan and De-Risk R&D Projects

Next Steps

If you are planning device testing or prototyping, NRC medical device facilities can help you save time and reduce technical risk. Make sure your project matches NRC’s expertise and look for grants or tax credits to help with costs. GrantHub can help you find funding programs that support your NRC collaboration so you can move your project forward with confidence.

NRC Medical Device Facilities: How to Access Testing and Prototyping Support