The next intake of the CanExport Innovation program starts September 2nd, 2025! Eligible Canadian organizations can receive up to $75,000 per project, covering up to 75% of eligible costs in setting up an R&D collaboration. Read on to learn the details and how to craft a winning application.
Our take on CanExport Innovation
This program should not be confused with the related CanExport SME program. This program helps you set up an R&D project and, if needed, file for IP protection before the partnership can taint ownership.
Program Highlights:
- Eligible Applicants: Canadian SMEs (under 500 employees), academic institutions, and non-government research centres; for-profit, incorporated; no revenue requirement.
- Eligible Activities: Travel and virtual meetings with foreign partners, IP protection, certification, promotional materials, and legal or business advisory services.
- Technology Requirements: Must be at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 or higher, and ready for commercialization within 5 years.
- Project Scope: One technology per application, targeting up to three foreign partners.
Important Notes:
- Funding is granted upfront (no reimbursement claims required). So the application is the cost to apply.
- Applicants must cover 25% of project costs (in-kind contributions not accepted).
- Applications are assessed competitively and processed on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted. Get your application in early!
Eligible IP Activities
- International filing of patents, trademarks, copyright, industrial design, etc.
- International IP strategy development
- Certifications and legal or business advisory services.
How to craft a successful application
To stand out, your application should clearly explain (numbers and facts where possible) how your project supports international growth. Detail the foreign partner(s), your planned activities (e.g., travel, IP filings, promotional material), and expected outcomes.
Show you are a good fit for the program. Reinforce your Canadian presence will bring economic benefits to Canada. If it involves IP, outline how the project will protect, position, or grow your IP internationally. Explain how it is a best practice to get IP projection before starting a partnership.
Avoid vague or incomplete answers. If you use an LLM to draft your responses, then rewrite until your voice is present and shares the narrative that you want the grant reviewer to follow.
If applicable, emphasize that the company is owned or led by a minority group.
Discussion
CanExport Innovation is a cost-sharing grant program designed to enhance Canada’s international innovation efforts by funding activities that help Canadian organizations establish and formalize new collaborative R&D partnerships with foreign partners. The targeted R&D must focus on the joint development, adaptation, or validation of a Canadian technology that is ready for commercialization within five (5) years. CanExport Innovation supports activities up until the point of partnership formalization, not the R&D work itself. They will fund IP expenses, so please do consider filing your patent applications before exchanging confidential information with your new R&D partners.
Conclusion
Talk to us at PMP. Our grant experts can help you prepare a grant-worthy application.
