Advanced nanomaterials can greatly improve product performance. Building in-house nanotube research and development is expensive and risky. Canada’s National Research Council (NRC) operates a Nanotubes Production Research Facility. This facility gives businesses access to specialized equipment, scientists, and processes. You do not need to make a major capital investment. If you are developing composites, coatings, or advanced materials, this NRC facility can help shorten development timelines and reduce the risks of scaling up.
The NRC — Nanotubes Production Research Facility is a federal, fee-for-service research facility. It is not a grant program. The facility supports applied research and development by providing technical services and infrastructure for nanotube development and integration.
Businesses and research partners can access support for:
Synthesis of nanotubes
Controlled production of nanotubes for research and applied development.
Manipulation and processing
Handling, modification, and processing of nanotubes to meet specific material requirements.
Integration into composite materials
Embedding nanotubes into polymers or other matrices to improve strength, conductivity, or durability.
These services are for companies that need direct technical support. They go beyond just advisory help.
Access is open to a wide range of organizations, based on NRC engagement terms.
You may be a good fit if you are:
Based on available NRC information, there is no published minimum company size or revenue threshold. Projects are assessed on technical fit, feasibility, and NRC capacity.
Access to the NRC facility follows a step-by-step process.
Be clear about:
Initial inquiries go through NRC’s research facility engagement channels. An NRC technical team will review if your project matches the facility’s capabilities.
If your project is a good fit, NRC works with you to:
NRC scientists and technicians carry out the agreed work. Your internal technical team may also be involved.
No. The NRC Nanotubes Production Research Facility is not a grant.
Instead:
Some businesses combine NRC facility work with separate R&D funding programs to help cover costs. GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter programs by province and industry in seconds.
In some cases, fees paid to NRC for experimental development or applied research may be eligible under Canada’s SR&ED tax incentive program, depending on how the work is structured and documented.
Key points to know:
Always confirm SR&ED eligibility with a qualified advisor before assuming costs can be claimed.
Assuming it is free or grant-funded
This is a paid research facility. Budget planning is essential from the start.
Contacting NRC without a defined technical goal
Vague ideas slow down scoping and may lead to a poor fit assessment.
Waiting too late in product development
The facility is best used during R&D and validation, not after commercial launch.
Ignoring complementary funding options
Many businesses miss opportunities to offset costs through separate R&D grants or tax credits.
Q: What is the NRC Nanotubes Production Research Facility?
It is a federal research facility operated by the National Research Council of Canada. The facility provides fee-for-service nanotube synthesis, processing, and composite integration support.
Q: Who can use the NRC nanotubes facility?
Canadian businesses, researchers, and institutions can access the facility, subject to NRC project approval and engagement terms.
Q: Is the NRC nanotubes facility a grant program?
No. It is not a grant. All work is provided on a paid, fee-for-service basis.
Q: How much does it cost to use the facility?
Costs vary by project and are quoted by NRC after technical scoping. There is no fixed public price list.
Q: Can I combine NRC facility work with other funding?
Yes. Many businesses pair NRC technical work with separate R&D grants or SR&ED tax credits, if eligible.
GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant and R&D support programs across Canada. Check which ones match your business profile.
If advanced nanomaterials are central to your product plans, the NRC Nanotubes Production Research Facility can provide technical support without long-term infrastructure costs. The right mix of NRC services and external funding can reduce risk and cash burn. GrantHub can help you identify which R&D programs might complement NRC facility work, based on your location, industry, and development stage.
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