Enhancing Commercialization and Academic Research:
NRC's Business Innovation Access Program
Written by:
Kyle Alkema, Technical Writer.
The Business Innovation Access Program (BIAP), overseen by the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP), aims to bridge the gap between innovative Canadian for-profit companies lacking sufficient internal R&D resources and Canadian research centres, such as learning institutions and publicly-funded organizations.
Launched in early 2014, the BIAP initiative offers $20 million in total funding with up to $50,000 available per application, covering 75% of the eligible fees incurred through the access of various research facilities. The NRC's goal is to help businesses embark on projects that require technical assistance to overcome obstacles that are slowing down commercialization by not only financially supporting businesses in the pursuit of shortterm R&D projects, but also actively connecting them with the appropriate resources.
Technical services eligible for funding include product optimization, process development or optimization, and specialized testing. Business services eligible for funding include market research, marketing strategy development, competitive analysis, and business strategy development. The potential of the business service or technical assistance to contribute to quicker commercialization of products or academic research is vital. Another focus of the proposed project must be the fostering of a practical and productive relationship between the business and the institutions able to provide the pertinent services. Contact NorthBridge today to receive your free consultation and see how government funding programs like BIAP can help your business achieve its goals
