Canada Call for Projects No. 7 – Eureka Network Projects 2026

The National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) has launched Canada Call for Projects No. 7 under the Eureka Network Projects programme.

The call supports international collaborative research and development (R&D) projects across all technology sectors and application domains, with a strong emphasis on developing innovative products, services or processes that demonstrate clear commercialisation potential.

Successful projects will receive the internationally recognised Eureka Label, providing credibility and facilitating international technology collaboration.

Who Should Apply?

This opportunity is aimed at organisations participating in international R&D consortia, including:

• Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
• Technology companies
• Innovation-driven businesses
• Research organisations
• Universities (where national rules permit participation)

Consortium Requirements

Projects must demonstrate genuine international collaboration.

Each consortium must include:

• At least two independent legal entities
• From a minimum of two Eureka participating countries

Organisations from non-participating countries may also join the consortium provided they secure their own public or private funding before the application deadline.

In addition:

• No single organisation or country may account for more than 70% of the total project budget
• Partners should agree on intellectual property (IP) ownership and commercialisation plans.

Canadian SME Eligibility

To qualify for funding through NRC IRAP, Canadian applicants must:

• Be an incorporated Canadian SME
• Have 500 or fewer employees
• Have operated for at least 12 months
• Employ at least 5 full-time staff in Canada
• Be developing innovative technology with commercial potential
• Demonstrate financial and operational capacity to undertake an international R&D project
• Be committed to international market expansion.

Preference may be given to SMEs with:

• At least 15 full-time employees
• Internationally commercialised products
• Annual revenue exceeding CAD 500,000.

Funding Available

Eligible Canadian SMEs may receive:

• Up to 50% reimbursement of eligible R&D costs
• Maximum funding of CAD 500,000
• Project duration between 12 and 36 months

Funding is provided as a non-repayable contribution against approved project costs.

Funding for partners outside Canada is managed by their respective national funding agencies under Eureka rules.

Projects Should Focus On

Projects should:

• Develop innovative products
• Develop technology-based services
• Develop innovative industrial processes
• Demonstrate commercialisation potential
• Deliver measurable value through international collaboration.

There are no sector restrictions, making this opportunity suitable for innovation projects across all technology fields.

Application Process

Applicants must:

• Form an eligible international consortium
• Submit a Eureka Network application
• Complete national funding applications where applicable
• Submit a consortium agreement
• Meet any country-specific funding requirements.

Canadian SMEs must additionally complete the NRC IRAP registration and Expression of Interest process before submitting the full proposal.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be assessed on:

• Commercial impact
• Market potential
• Innovation and technical excellence
• Consortium quality
• International collaboration
• Project implementation
• Commercialisation strategy.

Important Dates

Applications Open

16 March 2026

Canadian SME Registration Deadline

30 April 2026

Canadian SME Expression of Interest Deadline

14 May 2026

Full Proposal Deadline

27 August 2026 (23:59 CEST / 17:59 EDT)

Expected Project Start

January–February 2027

Eligible Countries

Mandatory

The consortium must include organisations from at least two Eureka participating countries.

Canadian Funding

Dedicated funding under this call is available to eligible Canadian SMEs through NRC IRAP.

Additional International Partners

Companies, research organisations and universities from other Eureka participating countries may participate under their respective national funding programmes.

Organisations from non-participating countries may also join if they secure their own funding.
 

Primary Contact

National Research Council Canada – Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP)

Telephone: +1 877-994-4727

For Canadian applicants, registration and funding guidance are available through the NRC IRAP International Opportunities webpage.

Click HERE to visit the official website.