NRC-IRAP Industrial Research Assistance Program

Presented by Craig Wardlaw, P.Eng.

Turning Brown into Green Mar 3 2011

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IRAP Quick Facts

• Program of the National Research Council, reporting to Industry Canada

• >60 years in business, oldest funding program in the G8• Approximately 250 Industrial Technology Advisors serving

more than 10,000 companies• Normal annual funding budget of ~$85M nationally; ~$27M

for Ontario• For 2009 and 2010 IRAP budget doubled as part of the

federal stimulus package• For 2009 and 2010 IRAP received approx. $25M of

provincial stimulus funds

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What does IRAP do?

Supporting innovative Canadian SMEs grow stronger, grow faster, grow bigger, through technology

Customized technical and business advisory services to firms to support and enhance their innovative R&D projects in S&T.

Networking opportunities and linkages to many other organizations to meet firms developmental needs.

Competitive Technical Intelligence (CTI). Financial assistance specifically towards

specialized labour costs and clients typically co-invest at least 25% of the total project costs.

What sort of financial supportdo we give?

Contributions to firms for R&D projects

Small projects for business improvement or R&D (up to $50k contribution)

Contributions to organizations (innovation collaborators)

Youth Employment Program (YEP)

Support labour costs only

All funding is non-repayable4

Total Expenditures by Industry Sector in 2007-2008 ($ in Ms)

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IRAP supports all sectors of the economy

Outlook for 2011/12 Fiscal Year

• Federal government has stated that stimulus funding is over and no new spending will be approved

• IRAP has requested an increase in budget for projects but given the above it seems unlikely that this will be approved

• Expect IRAP to have limited funds for 2011/12:– smaller project amounts– fewer project approvals– funding likely to be allocated quickly once the fiscal year

begins • Advisors will work harder on the “value-added” activities for

firms

Craig Wardlaw (Oakville) 905-849-3796

Toll-free number: 1-877-994-4727

Web http://irap-pari.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

Contact us