NRC IRAP Clean Technology: $100,000 to $500,000 for cleantech SMEs
Taking a new clean technology from prototype to pilot to market is expensive, and your company often has to prove both the environmental benefit and the commercial case before customers commit. The NRC IRAP Clean Technology stream exists to fund that stage for Canadian SMEs.
It provides non-repayable contributions from $100,000 up to $500,000 for developing, demonstrating and commercializing new and innovative clean technologies. The program is open, with continuous intake and no fixed deadline.
What is IRAP Clean Technology?
NRC IRAP Clean Technology is Canada's primary cleantech innovation funding program. It was formerly delivered by Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) and has now been fully absorbed into NRC IRAP as its Clean Technology stream.
The program is delivered by NRC Industrial Technology Advisors using IRAP's established advisory network. It provides non-repayable contributions to Canadian SMEs for developing, demonstrating and commercializing new and innovative clean technologies, covering work from research and proof of concept through prototyping, product demonstration and commercialization.
IRAP Clean Technology at a glance
| Detail | NRC IRAP — Clean Technology (formerly SDTC) |
|---|---|
| Funding amount | $100K – $500K |
| Program type | Grant |
| Level | Federal |
| Where it applies | Canada-wide |
| Status | Open |
| Deadline | Continuous intake — no fixed deadline. Apply any time through your NRC Industrial Technology Advisor. |
| What it funds | R&D / Proof of Concept, Prototype / Product Development, Product Demonstration / Pilot, Commercialization / Market Launch |
| Industries | Clean Tech, Waste Management, Oil Gas Chemicals, Advanced Manufacturing |
| Company stage | Growth, Expansion |
| Payment model | Milestone |
| Matching funds required | Yes |
| Competition level | High |
How much funding is available?
Contributions range from $100,000 up to $500,000 and are non-repayable. Funding is paid out against milestones rather than as a single upfront amount.
Your company must provide matching funds alongside the contribution, so plan for your own share of project costs from the start.
Who is eligible?
Your company
- Business type: a for-profit SME incorporated in Canada with fewer than 500 full-time employees
- Commercialization partner: you must have identified and engaged with a commercialization partner
- Advisor: you must work with an assigned NRC Industrial Technology Advisor (ITA)
The technology
- Focus: you are developing new and innovative clean technologies for commercialization
- Area: the technology must address renewable energy, energy efficiency, waste reduction, water treatment, carbon capture, or related environmental challenges
- Maturity: the typical TRL range is TRL 5-7 (prototype to pilot stage)
The proposed innovation
- Environmental benefit: it must deliver quantifiable and scalable environmental benefits
- Market potential: it must have strong potential for commercial adoption
When and how to apply
The program is open and runs on continuous intake, with no fixed deadline. You can apply at any time through your NRC Industrial Technology Advisor.
Because you must work with an assigned ITA, that advisor relationship is your route into the program.
The status of NRC IRAP — Clean Technology (formerly SDTC) 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 Clean Technology right for you?
This stream suits Canadian cleantech SMEs with fewer than 500 full-time employees whose technology is roughly at prototype to pilot stage and already has a commercialization partner engaged. Watch for three things: competition is high, you will need matching funds, and payments are tied to milestones, so your environmental benefits need to be quantifiable and your project plan clearly staged.
Next steps: look up NRC IRAP — Clean Technology (formerly SDTC) 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.