Updated August 2026 · Verified against National Research Council Canada (NRC IRAP) guidelines
✨ New Program ✓ First-Timer Friendly Reimbursement Est. 2026
Grant Federal Active

Defence Industry Assist (DI Assist)

National Research Council Canada (NRC IRAP)
Maximum Funding
Up to $500,000
Ongoing — rolling intake through IRAP ITA network
Visit Official Program →
Difficulty
Moderate
Payment
Reimbursement
Trend
New Program
First-Timers
Friendly ✓
Co-Funding
80%
Defence Industry Assist (DI Assist) provides Up to $500,000 typical (uses IRAP contribution framework); larger projects possible. Non-repayable contributions for Canadian SMEs developing defence and dual-use technologies that address Canadian Armed Forces capability needs. The program covers up to 80% of eligible costs. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. Approval odds: ~20–40% (GrantCompass analysis)
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Eligibility & Details

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Program Description

Non-repayable contributions for Canadian SMEs developing defence and dual-use technologies that address Canadian Armed Forces capability needs. Delivered through the NRC IRAP network, DI Assist provides both funding and advisory services to help companies scale up, commercialize dual-use innovations, and connect to defence procurement pathways. Focus areas include cyber, space, advanced manufacturing, AI, and emerging defence technologies.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Canadian SME, incorporated, for-profit, operating in Canada
  • Up to 500 full-time equivalent employees
  • Developing innovative defence or dual-use technologies
  • Technology must address Canadian Armed Forces capability needs
Provinces
All Provinces
Industries
Technology Engineering Aerospace Manufacturing AI Digital +1 more
Business Stage
Startup Growth Established

Quick Assessment

Difficulty
Moderate
Competition
Moderate
First-Timer
Friendly

Funding Details

Amount
Up to $500,000 typical (uses IRAP contribution framework); larger projects possible
Type
Grant
Level
Federal
Co-Funding
Up to 80% of eligible costs
Deadline
Ongoing — rolling intake through IRAP ITA network

Program Scorecard

Competition, effort, and approval at a glance

Competition
Moderate
Deadline
Ongoing
Approval
Moderate
Approval Rate
~20–40%
Accessibility
--/5
Competition
--/5
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What's in this Playbook

Everything you need to win Defence Industry Assist (DI Assist)

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How to Win

Insider tips, common pitfalls, and what successful applicants look like

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Insider Tip

DI Assist is brand new (January 2026) with a large dedicated budget — this is the best time to apply before the pipeline fills up.

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Rejection Pitfalls 6

  • Technology lacks credible defence or dual-use application — civilian-only innovation should apply to core IRAP
+5 more pitfalls
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Success Profile

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Evaluation Criteria

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Application Playbook

Step-by-step process, required documents, and expenses

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Application Steps

1 Contact NRC IRAP Call 1-877-994-4727 or email [email protected] to initiate contact. If you already have an ITA from a previous IRAP project, contact them directly — existing clients have a faster path. Mention DI Assist and defence/dual-use technology specifically.

Required Documents 8

✓ CRA Business Number
✓ Certificate of Incorporation (Canada)

Eligible Expenses 6

Ineligible Expenses 6

Intake Periods

Deadline Notes

Ineligible Organizations

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Funding Stack Strategy

Compatible programs, clawback risk, and combined funding potential

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Compatible Programs

SR&ED Tax Credit NRC IRAP (core program) Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC) CanExport Innovation
Combined Funding Potential See your total funding potential

Clawback Risk

Low Risk
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How Defence Industry Assist (DI Assist) Compares

Side-by-side with similar programs

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Program Amount Difficulty Payment Deadline
Defence Industry Assist (DI Assist) Up to $500,000 Moderate Reimbursement Ongoing — rolling intake...
CanExport Innovation Up to $37,500 Moderate Reimbursement Upcoming — the...
Strategic Response Fund (formerly Str... Minimum $10 million contribution Hard Mixed (Advance + Reimb.) Ongoing — continuous...
CanExport SMEs Up to $50,000 Moderate Mixed (Advance + Reimb.) Applications accepted...
Innovative Solutions Canada up to $150,000 Hard Milestone-Based Challenge-specific — new...

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Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to the questions founders most often ask about Defence Industry Assist (DI Assist)

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Can sole proprietors apply for DI Assist?
No. Only incorporated Canadian SMEs (for-profit) qualify. Sole proprietors, cooperatives, and non-incorporated entities are ineligible.
What's the typical award amount for first-time applicants?
First-time IRAP clients typically receive $75,000-$200,000. Defence projects with strong DND alignment can reach up to $500,000.
Do I need to have a CAF capability need defined before applying?
Yes. Your technology must already address a specific Canadian Armed Forces capability need. Applications without this alignment are rejected.
Is matching funding required, and how much?
Yes — you fund part of the project yourself, and the share depends on the cost type. Under the IRAP contribution framework the program covers up to about 80% of eligible internal technical salaries and up to 50% of subcontractor and consultant costs, so your contribution is whatever the project's cost mix leaves over. Your ITA sets the rates for your specific project.
Can I stack DI Assist with SR&ED?
Yes, most common pairing. IRAP-funded salary costs are excluded from SR&ED base, but other eligible R&D expenses still generate credits.

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