Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) and the Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) are two of the largest government incentive programs in Canada. The chart below details some of the major differences between the 2 programs.
| Criteria | Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) | Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) |
| Administration | SR&ED is administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) | IRAP is administered by the National Research Council (NRC) |
| Type of program | SR&ED is a tax credit for eligible R&D expenditures incurred as per the federal Income Tax Act | IRAP is a government grant program |
| Governance | Financial and technical reviews administered by the CRA, after application | Upon approval, the NRC requires regular reporting of progress when compared to deliverables |
| Amount | Up to 35% as a refundable tax credit (federal), plus provincial tax credits. 20% non-refundable tax credit for foreign-owned or public corporations | IRAP non-repayable grants vary from $15,000 to $1 million |
| Application Process | Submit technical narratives and T661 [Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) Expenditures Claim] with tax returns or amended tax returns | Contact Industrial Technology Advisor for consultation. An IRAP application requires a financial business plan and technology plan |