Innovation without borders: Canadian and Indian businesses unite for global R&D

Aimed at building stronger economic ties and strengthening collaboration, Canadian and Indian businesses have been encouraged to team up across research and developments across six key areas of advanced industry, with funding available from both governments.

Backed by Canada’s National Research Council Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) and India’s Department of Science and Technology (DST) and Technology Development Board (TDB), the program opens the door for ambitious, forward-thinking companies to build partnerships that could reshape industries.

A meeting of minds and markets

Launched in July 2025, this bilateral call prioritizes innovation in sectors vital to both nations’ economies and futures. These include:

• Advanced manufacturing (robotics, additive manufacturing)
• Green and clean technologies (carbon capture, hydrogen)
• Digital transformation (AI, cybersecurity, smart mobility)
• Life sciences (med-tech, digital health)
• Agri-tech (precision agriculture, sustainable food production)
• Smart infrastructure (quantum, geospatial tech, IoT)

The call isn’t just about ideas—it’s about impact. Applicants must demonstrate not only research potential but also clear pathways to market, with a collaborative project that leads to new products, services, or processes for global commercialization.

What’s on the table?

Eligible Canadian SMEs can receive up to $600,000, covering 50% of their project costs. On the Indian side, private-sector partners are eligible for up to INR 1.5 crore, while academic or research partners may receive up to 100% of eligible costs. This funding structure aims to de-risk high-potential R&D for SMEs and ensure that the fruits of innovation aren’t limited by borders or balance sheets.

To be considered, projects must include:

• At least one Canadian SME (≤ 500 employees, ≥ 5 T4 staff)
• At least one Indian partner (company or R&D institution)
• Clear independence between partners (no shared ownership)
• A well-defined IP and commercialization strategy

The ideal candidate is a company with not just an innovative idea, but the operational maturity to bring it to market—and the ambition to scale it internationally.

Time is of the essence. Canadian SMEs must register by August 15, 2025, and submit an expression of interest (EoI) by October 17, 2025. The final joint proposal is due December 15, 2025, with funding decisions expected by April 2026.

A growing global partnership

This is far from the first time Canada and India have joined forces in the innovation space. Through previous initiatives such as the Canadian International Innovation Program (CIIP) and Eureka, both countries have demonstrated a commitment to leveraging their complementary strengths: Canada’s robust research infrastructure and India’s scale, technical talent, and market dynamism.

In a world where global problems demand global solutions, these collaborations offer a blueprint for how SMEs—often the lifeblood of innovation—can compete and thrive on a world stage.