Canada International Innovation Program: Canada and Israel Collaborate to Develop Innovative Products

The Canadian government continues to support industrial research and development technology projects with new funding opportunities provided through Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) and Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP). This initiative pairs Canadian and Israeli governments and organizations for collaboration in technology research and development (R&D) to generate new intellectual properties (IPs) for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

“Working together, the governments of Canada and Israel aim to foster and support collaborative industrial research and development (R&D) projects with a high potential for commercialization.”
– Government of Canada

This initiative focuses on the technologies in industries including agricultural and agri-food, clean and low carbon, digital spaces, environmental protection, health and bio-sciences, and quantum computing.

Funding Amount

Eligible Canadian SMEs may receive up to 50% reimbursement of eligible project costs up to a maximum total funding amount of $500,000 CAD over 12 to 24 months (an extension of 12 months may be considered if sufficiently justified and accepted by both countries).

Canadian-Specific Applicant Eligibility

Canadian applicant(s) must meet the following criteria:

• Be a Canadian SME with competitive technology in global markets that is differentiated and protectable;
• Be able to achieve growth and profit via developing and commercializing innovative technologies or improved products, processes, or technological-based services; and
• Possess all the resources necessary to make a new market entry attempt.

Program­-Specific Eligibility

To be considered for funding, applicants must form a project consortium and develop a collaborative R&D project that meets the following criteria:

• Project consortiums should include the following:
  • A minimum of one Canadian SME that is incorporated;
  • A minimum of one eligible Israeli R&D organization; and
  • Canadian or Israeli research institutes or universities may participate if they are self-funded or subcontractors.
• Individual project partners that form the consortium should fulfill the following:
  • Are capable of carrying out the proposed project, as well as self-funding their contribution;
  • Can come to an agreement on IP rights and a strategy for commercialization; and
  • Are not related in terms of corporate ownership (subsidiaries).
• The activity must revolve around co-developing a product, process, or technology-based service which fulfills the following:

• Is innovative with high potential for commercialization;
• Has potential to make significant contributions to the market within two years of project completion; and
• Must not include R&D related to military applications, such as military products, processes, or technology.
• Projects should:
  • Demonstrate the unique scientific and technological contributions that each organization offers;
  • Provide an advantage for each project partner participating in the collaboration (e.g., increased knowledge base or access to R&D infrastructure); and
  • Offer adequate balance and significance for all project partners (a maximum of 70% of the project budget contributed by any one organization or country).

Program Timelines

The international consortium project proposal deadline is on June 28, 2022.

This government funding request for proposal (RFP) is currently closed with the Canadian registration deadline on May 16, 2022. The Canadian expression of interest deadline was May 20, 2022.

Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED)

Any Canadian organization that is participating in research and development of a product, service, or process and is solving a novel problem may be eligible for the Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) Research Credit. To learn more about the SR&ED program and see if your organization qualifies for a claim, speak with a SR&ED expert today.

Free Government Funding Resources

If your business is interested in receiving free government funding resources, visit our Funding Resources page for over 15 unique and insightful funding tools to help your business navigate this complex landscape.

Moreover, if you are interested in learning more about government funding programs and strategies, consider registering for one of our free webinars to learn from industry experts.