NRC e-Auto Challenge Program — Industry Partner Call

Insider Tip

The NRC e-Auto program requires you to collaborate with an NRC researcher — you cannot apply without identifying your NRC partner first. Contact [email protected] early to request NRC researcher team matching before the EOI deadline. The NRC team actively facilitates company-researcher connections, so reach out even if you do not know a specific NRC researcher yet. Indirect costs are capped at 10% of total eligible costs — budget carefully. Equipment purchases over $10,000 require individual justification. The focus on ZEV (battery, power electronics, motor, enabling tech) is strict — projects in adjacent areas (hydrogen, fuel cells, general advanced manufacturing) will not be funded under this call.

Rejection Pitfalls 7

• Technology is outside the four e-Auto focus areas (power electronics, motors, batteries, enabling tech)
• TRL is too low (below 3 — basic research) or too high (TRL 9 — fully commercial product)
• No NRC researcher co-investigator identified or confirmed

Success Profile

A Canadian automotive or cleantech SME with an established ZEV-related technology at TRL 3–6, engineering staff capable of co-developing with NRC researchers, and a clear path to commercialization in the EV supply chain. Most successful applicants are tier-2 or tier-3 automotive suppliers transitioning to ZEV components, or specialized engineering firms focused on power electronics, battery management, or motor design. Companies located near NRC facilities (Ottawa, London, Vancouver, Winnipeg) have a practical advantage in researcher co-location.

Evaluation Criteria

EOI screening assesses: (1) alignment with e-Auto focus areas (TRL 3–8, ZEV technology); (2) team qualifications and NRC researcher identification; (3) research security compliance potential. Full proposals are peer-reviewed on: (1) scientific and technical merit; (2) commercialization potential and path to market; (3) Canadian economic benefit (jobs, IP retention, supply chain development); (4) budget feasibility and milestone realism. NRC's National Program Office makes final funding decisions.

Application Steps

Required Documents 8

Eligible Expenses 6

• Staff salaries and benefits for qualified technical personnel working on the project
• Research materials and supplies directly used in the project
• Equipment purchases (under $10,000 per item; over $10,000 requires individual justification)
• Professional services and contractor fees for specialized expertise
• Travel and accommodation for project execution activities
• Indirect costs (maximum 10% of total eligible direct costs)

Ineligible Expenses 6

• Land purchase or real property acquisition
• Property taxes and leasehold interests
• Any costs subject to refunds or rebates, including HST, GST, PST
• General administrative overhead beyond the 10% indirect cost cap
• Marketing and commercialization costs (project must be pre-commercial)
• Costs incurred before the NRC contribution agreement is signed

Intake Periods

Annual call cycle. The 2026 call EOI deadline (May 22, 2026) is now closed. Invited applicants must submit the Full Proposal Package (FPP) by September 15, 2026; results announced December 1, 2026; project funding begins April 1, 2027. New applicants should monitor nrc.canada.ca for the next annual call, expected early 2027. Program runs through 2033.

Deadline Notes

The 2026 call EOI deadline (May 22, 2026) is now closed. Invited applicants must submit Full Proposal Package (FPP) by September 15, 2026; results announced December 1, 2026; project funding begins April 1, 2027. Program runs 2026–2033 with future annual calls expected — monitor nrc.canada.ca for new call announcements. For inquiries: [email protected].

Ineligible Organizations

• Organizations with no connection to the automotive ZEV supply chain or adjacent clean technology
• Pure research institutions applying without an industry SME partner
• Companies with technology below TRL 3 (basic science only)
• Companies with technology at TRL 9 (fully commercialized product — no development needed)
• Federal government employees and Crown Corporations as primary applicants

Compatible Programs

Clawback Risk

Medium Risk

Medium. Clawback provisions apply if project milestones are not achieved, eligible costs are not incurred as budgeted, or Canadian benefit commitments (IP retention, jobs) are not maintained. NRC may suspend or terminate contributions and require repayment of advanced funds if material project changes occur without prior NRC approval.