The
CONNECT
Program

The CONNECT Program

Bioindustrial Innovation Canada (BIC), with funding support from the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP), offers the CONNECT Program to help Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) accelerate the market readiness of innovative bioproducts by connecting them with Canadian service providers offering technical or commercial expertise.

Program Focus for This Year

We are supporting projects in the bioproducts sector.

The program connects businesses with Canadian service providers who provide technical or commercial expertise. Approved SMEs can access services valued up to $17,500 plus applicable taxes.

CONNECT program criteria:

The applicant must already be working with NRC IRAP. The NRC IRAP Industrial Technology Advisor’s (ITA’s) name must be provided. To learn more about NRC IRAP call: 1-877-994-4727.

Note: The following requirements are separate from NRC IRAP’s eligibility criteria:

• Only one project per applicant per fiscal year is allowed.

• Applicants who have completed a project under the CONNECT program in the previous fiscal year are not eligible to apply in the current fiscal year

• Service providers must be Canadian, independent, and have no close ties to the applicant.

• Applicants must pay a program fee (10% of project value, up to $1,750) directly to BIC within 2 weeks of approval notification.

• Projects must be completed and invoiced by February 28, 2027.

• BIC can assist in finding qualified service providers.

• The program operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Project Requirements:

Projects must involve innovation or development activities such as:

• Research and Development (R&D) work

• Lab or technical work

• Market research

How We Support You

We’re committed to driving innovation and supporting your business’s growth. Our rigorous proposal review process, contingent upon NRC IRAP approval, ensures project success.

The services of only one service provider may be used per application. We recognize the importance of connecting with the right service provider, and we are here to facilitate introductions upon your request. To ensure equitable access, service providers can work on up to three projects per fiscal year.

Our commitment to inclusivity extends to providing applications in both official languages, ensuring accessibility for all.

Prior to completing a proposal, it is recommended to consult Shirley Chan, Project Engineer at Bioindustrial Innovation Canada (shirleyc@bincanada.ca), for guidance.

Intellectual Property Policy

All intellectual property developed in the program will be owned by the applicant. Service providers must not make claims on any intellectual property developed during program activities.