1. National Research Council Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP) Sault Ste Marie Innovation Center Finding Funding

2. Industrial Research Assistance Program is under the umbrella of the National Research Council NRC-IRAP’s roots are 60+ years strong in 2008 Technical specialists and not just transfer payment specialists Today NRC-IRAP provides targeted advice and assistance to some 7,600 SMEs annually NRC-IRAP Overview

3. ~240+ Industry Technology Advisors (ITAs); 147 locations across Canada. Experienced individuals with research and/or industry experience - 2nd or 3rd careers Huge collective knowledge pool- Linked to the expertise of all staff through the national network ITAs on average make about 100 client on-site visits per year … Combining a national and regional presence … The ITA advantage

4. 4 Client Profile Canadian companies with < 500 employees. 82% of NRC-IRAP clients have fewer than 50 employees – and most of them have fewer than 20. Covers broad range of industry sectors Common challenges faced include limited: –R&D capacity and staffing. –Availability of private investment for R&D. –National and international networks to assist with competitive intelligence and commercialization.

5. What does NRC-IRAP do? 1.Technological and Advisory Service to SMEs 2.Financial Support to Bring New Skills into Firms 3.Financial Support to Firms for Research and/or Development 4.Financial Support for Organizations Providing Innovation Assistance to SMEs 5.Networking and Linkages

6. Constitutes the majority of IRAP client assistance and includes: Linkages to NRC and other research based organizations. Technical literature and product searches. Patent searches for IRAP clients. Canadian Association of Management Consultant & Rotman School of management consultation. Networking to utilize ITA technical capacity. Technological and Advisory Services & Networking/Linkages

7. Max. contribution of $15K per youth Covers salary costs of college/university graduate Grad must be under 31 Project based on 6 –12 months employment Must benefit both firm and youth Must add new technical or business capabilities to firm to support innovation Financial Support for New Skills – Youth Employment Program

8. Research, Development, Adaptation/Adoption Funding (Non-repayable)  New Product or Process Development  Market Research Studies  Technology Inflow from Outside Canada Firm must be incorporated, with <500 employees Project must increase innovation capacity of firm IRAP contributes towards salaries & subcontractor costs Does not cover capital, equipment Financial Support for R&D

9. NRC-IRAP Challenge Assist Innovative SME’s in Canada Grow Stronger Grow Faster Grow Bigger Through Technology

10. NRC-IRAP in Sault Ste Marie John Hatherley (705) 942-7927 ext 3139 John.Hatherley@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca Thank You!