Innovation Partnership Program (IPP)

Program Description

Supports Canadian SMEs in R&D collaboration with foreign partners. Partnership Development Activities (PDAs) - R&D partnering delegations to priority markets - are covered at up to 50% of eligible expenses including economy airfare, local transportation, accommodation, per diem and conference registration fees. Co-Innovation Projects provide up to $600,000 for collaborative R&D with a foreign partner. Delivered by the Trade Commissioner Service; the PDAs previously offered under the Canadian International Innovation Program (CIIP) are now offered through IPP.

Eligibility Requirements

• Canadian SME with 500 or fewer employees
• Must own or co-own the intellectual property of the technology being presented
• Must be ready to collaborate on co-innovation opportunities with a foreign partner; R&D partnering delegations are how companies find one, so a partner does not need to be identified before joining a delegation
• Partnership Development Activities stream: up to 50% of eligible delegation expenses (economy airfare, local transportation, accommodation, per diem, conference registration fees)
• Co-Innovation Projects stream: up to $600,000 for collaborative R&D with foreign partners
• Must be incorporated in Canada
• Businesses providing services to Canadian organizations are out of scope - this includes visa and immigration services, trade consulting, and services for establishing a business in Canada
• Non-profit organizations are not eligible for financial support; universities, research technology organizations, incubators and industry associations may apply to join a delegation but receive no travel or participation funding
• Seeking to commercialize new or improved products, services, or processes
• Must have sufficient resources to cover the participation costs IPP does not fund