IRAP AI Assist: Up to $10.5M for Generative AI and Deep Learning
Building generative AI or deep learning products takes significant investment before your company sees a return. NRC IRAP AI Assist is a federal grant stream aimed at Canadian SMEs developing these technologies, with funding from $75,000 up to $10,500,000.
The program is open and runs through competitive calls for proposals. The last SME call closed October 31, 2025, and the next call is expected in 2026.
What is IRAP AI Assist?
NRC IRAP AI Assist is a dedicated competitive stream within the National Research Council's Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP). It provides up to $10.5M to Canadian SMEs developing generative AI and deep learning solutions.
It is separate from core IRAP and has its own competitive call for proposals. Its ceiling is significantly higher than the IRAP Core Stream.
Funding can support costs such as R&D and proof of concept, prototyping, AI adoption and hiring. The program is relevant to companies in software and IT, medical devices, advanced manufacturing, biotech and agriculture, and life sciences, particularly those at the growth or expansion stage.
IRAP AI Assist at a glance
| Detail | IRAP — AI Assist |
|---|---|
| Funding amount | $75K – $10.5M |
| Program type | Grant |
| Level | Federal |
| Where it applies | Canada-wide |
| Status | Open |
| Deadline | Competitive call-based intake — the last SME call closed October 31, 2025; the next call is expected in 2026. Engage your NRC Industrial Technology Advisor now to be notified and ready. |
| What it funds | R&D / Proof of Concept, Prototype / Product Development, AI Adoption / Integration, Hiring Technical Staff |
| Industries | Software & IT, Medical Devices, Advanced Manufacturing, Biotech & Agriculture, Life Sciences |
| Company stage | Growth, Expansion |
| Payment model | Milestone |
| Matching funds required | No |
| Competition level | High |
How much funding is available?
Contributions range from $75,000 to $10,500,000. Funding is paid out on a milestone basis, and no matching contribution is required.
Because awards are made through a competitive call, the amount your company receives depends on the strength of your proposal against other applicants. Competition for this stream is high.
Who is eligible?
Your company
- Size: a Canadian SME with fewer than 500 full-time employees
- Advisor: must work with an assigned NRC Industrial Technology Advisor (ITA)
- Research security: must sign the NRC Research Security Requirements Attestation
Your project
- Technology: developing generative AI or deep learning products or services
- Commercialization: a clear commercialization pathway for the AI technology
The process
- Competitive call-for-proposals: a 3-stage process of EOI, Proposal and Contribution Agreement
When and how to apply
Intake is call-based and competitive. The last SME call closed October 31, 2025, and the next call is expected in 2026. There is no fixed deadline outside these calls.
The process has 3 stages: an expression of interest (EOI), a full proposal, and a contribution agreement. Engaging your NRC Industrial Technology Advisor now means you will be notified of the next call and ready when it opens.
The status of IRAP — AI Assist in EVAMAX Grant AI™ is currently Open. Grant AI™ re-checks it against the official program page, so look there for the latest before you start an application.
Is IRAP AI Assist right for you?
IRAP AI Assist suits Canadian SMEs with fewer than 500 full-time employees that are building generative AI or deep learning products and have a clear path to commercialization. Expect high competition, milestone-based payments and a multi-stage process, and plan around the timing of the next call, which is expected in 2026. A working relationship with an NRC Industrial Technology Advisor is required.
Next steps: look up IRAP — AI Assist in EVAMAX Grant AI™ to see its live status and other programs that fit your company, or talk to EVAMAX about building your application.
Program details are from the EVAMAX Grant AI™ record as of October 8, 2026. Programs change — confirm current terms on the official program page before you apply.