Bioindustrial Innovation Canada Launches CONNECT Program to Support Canadian Innovators
July 21, 2026 - Sarnia, Ontario
Bioindustrial Innovation Canada (BIC) is pleased to announce the launch of the CONNECT Program, designed to help Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) accelerate the path to commercialization for innovative bioproducts.
With funding support from the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP), the CONNECT Program will help businesses access specialized innovation services from Canadian service providers. Approved SMEs can receive services worth up to $17,500 plus applicable taxes.
This year, the CONNECT Program is supporting projects in the bioproducts sector. All projects must include a bioproduct component to be eligible.
The CONNECT Program reinforces BIC’s commitment to advancing Canada’s bioeconomy by reducing barriers to innovation and helping companies grow. Through tailored support, BIC connects eligible SMEs with qualified service providers offering technical or commercial expertise to help bring new products and services to market.
“We’ve seen firsthand how early-stage companies can struggle to access the expertise they need to validate and scale their technologies,” said Meaghan Seagrave, Executive Director of Bioindustrial Innovation Canada. “The CONNECT Program is designed to close that gap—supporting the development of sustainable solutions and helping Canadian innovators compete globally, while growing here at home.”
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 eligibility criteria:
One project per applicant per fiscal year
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
Projects must involve innovation activities (e.g., R&D, technical work, market research)
Only one independent, Canadian service provider per application
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
Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis
All intellectual property developed through the program remains with the applicant. BIC is also available to help applicants identify qualified service providers, with a limit of three CONNECT projects per service provider per year.
At BIC, we believe Canada’s sustainable future depends on supporting the innovators, entrepreneurs, and businesses that are building the next generation of low-carbon technologies that will help Canada meet its net-zero commitments. The CONNECT Program reflects this vision—by enabling access to the expertise needed to scale up and succeed.
About Bioindustrial Innovation Canada (BIC)
BIC is a non-profit business accelerator based in Ontario, Canada, focused on promoting sustainable chemistry and the circular bioeconomy. Founded in 2008, BIC supports the development and commercialization of green technologies through strategic investments, technical support, and the creation of innovative industrial clusters across Canada. Since 2008, BIC has made over 30 strategic investments in early-stage green technology companies that have contributed to the reduction of over 1 million metric tons of CO₂, while also creating over 6,600 jobs. With BIC support, these companies have attracted over CAD 500 million in external investments, allowing them to grow and scale in Canada.