New program to link SMEs with research institutions

Ottawa, ON – The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) has announced a new program it says is aimed at helping small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) access the business and technical services they need to get innovative products and services to market faster.

The Business Innovation Access Program, a $20-million investment, will use the networks and knowledge within NRC’s Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP) to connect SMEs with universities, colleges and other research institutions to address and resolve barriers to the commercialization of ideas, products and services. The support available through the program can involve external business services such as planning and marketing as well as technical services such as specialized testing, product prototyping and process development.