If your business works with printed sensors, flexible electronics, or new materials, finding the right equipment for testing can be tough. Many companies cannot afford to build a full lab just to try out new ideas. The NRC Printable Electronics facility in Ottawa offers Canadian businesses a way to use advanced printing tools without spending a lot of money upfront. This guide explains who can use the facility, what it provides, and how to get started with the National Research Council of Canada (NRC).
The NRC — Printable Electronics – Ottawa research facility is a federal, fee-for-service R&D centre run by the National Research Council of Canada. It does not give out grants or cash funding. Instead, you pay for access to special equipment, technical staff, and research knowledge. This is ideal for companies that want to develop or test new electronic materials and devices without setting up their own lab.
The facility offers tools for prototyping and scaling up, such as:
These tools support projects in flexible electronics, printed sensors, conductive inks, thin-film devices, and new electronic materials.
Access is open to many types of organizations, including:
There are no strict rules about company size or age. Projects are reviewed to make sure they fit the facility’s technical abilities and goals.
Getting access to the NRC Printable Electronics facility is a step-by-step process designed for businesses.
Before you contact NRC, be clear about what you want to make or test. Think about:
Well-defined projects move faster through the process.
Reach out to the NRC Printable Electronics team in Ottawa. NRC experts will:
This planning step helps avoid cost surprises and makes sure your project matches what the facility can do.
NRC uses a fee-for-service model. You will get:
Prices depend on how complex your project is, the equipment needed, and staff time. There is no public price list.
Once you sign the contract:
Many companies use this stage to test their product or process before investing in full-scale production.
GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you find grants that may cover NRC facility costs, filtered by province and industry.
The NRC Printable Electronics – Ottawa research facility is not a grant program. It does not provide direct funding or pay you back for your costs.
However, many businesses use NRC facility access along with:
What are SR&ED tax credits?
SR&ED tax credits are a federal program that helps Canadian businesses lower the cost of research and development. If your project qualifies, you can get back a portion of your R&D expenses through tax credits. This can reduce the amount of tax you owe or give you a refund.
Some NRC project costs may qualify for SR&ED tax credits, depending on how your project is set up. Not all NRC costs will qualify. It is important to check with a qualified SR&ED advisor or tax professional to see which expenses are eligible for your project.
This is a paid service, not a grant. Delays happen when businesses expect funding approval instead of a contract.
If your goals are not clear, costs can go up. The NRC works best when you have specific targets and materials in mind.
IP terms are set in the contract. Review them early to avoid problems later.
NRC projects can move quickly. Make sure you have the funds or other support ready before starting.
Q: Where is the NRC Printable Electronics facility located?
The facility is in Ottawa, Ontario, and is run by the National Research Council of Canada.
Q: Is this only for electronics companies?
No. The facility also supports materials companies, sensor developers, and advanced manufacturers working with printable or solution-processed technologies.
Q: Can startups use the NRC Printable Electronics facility?
Yes. Startups and early-stage companies can use the facility if their project is possible and funded through a fee-for-service contract.
Q: Does NRC help with scaling from prototype to pilot production?
Yes. The facility supports both early prototyping and later-stage scale-up using industrial printing methods.
Q: Can NRC facility costs be claimed under SR&ED?
Sometimes. Eligible R&D expenses related to NRC work may qualify for SR&ED tax credits, depending on your project setup. Not all costs will qualify, so get professional tax advice.
The NRC Printable Electronics facility in Ottawa is a strong option if you need advanced prototyping without building your own lab. Success depends on matching this fee-for-service access with the right grants and tax credits to help cover costs. GrantHub tracks hundreds of Canadian grant programs, making it easy to see which options fit your NRC-based R&D project.
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