In January 2026 the federal government announced over $240 million to support Canadian SMEs developing defence and dual-use technologies, delivered through NRC IRAP as Defence Industry Assist (DI Assist). It pairs IRAP-style cost-shared funding with advisory support and procurement navigation, aligned to the federal Defence Industrial Strategy.

For a Canadian technology SME whose product has defence or dual-use applications — sensors, autonomy, cybersecurity, materials, comms, AI — this is a new, continuously-open door that sits alongside (not on top of) programs like IDEaS and Innovative Solutions Canada.

Here is what DI Assist funds, who qualifies, and how it differs from the defence programs you may already know.

What DI Assist funds

At a glance
Delivered by
NRC IRAP (via Industrial Technology Advisors)
Type
Cost-shared contribution + advisory
Total announced
Over $240M
Intake
Continuous — no fixed deadline
Focus
Made-in-Canada defence & dual-use technology

DI Assist follows the familiar IRAP model: a cost-shared, non-repayable contribution toward eligible R&D and commercialization, plus hands-on advisory from an Industrial Technology Advisor. It supports work from early-stage R&D through testing and validation, and helps companies navigate the defence procurement path.

Per-project funding amounts and cost-share rates for DI Assist are not published on the program page — they follow the standard IRAP approach, which is set in conversation with your ITA. Do not assume a specific cap; confirm it directly.

Who qualifies

DI Assist targets the same profile as core IRAP, with a defence/dual-use lens. Generally you need to be:

  • An incorporated, for-profit Canadian small or medium-sized business that meets IRAP's minimums
  • Developing a defence or dual-use technology addressing a Canadian Armed Forces capability need
  • Able to demonstrate growth and scalability potential
  • Aligned with the objectives of the Defence Industrial Strategy

How it differs from IDEaS and ISC

Canada has several defence-innovation doors, and they are not interchangeable:

  • DI Assist (NRC IRAP) — cost-shared R&D contribution plus advisory, continuous intake, ITA-led.
  • IDEaS (DND) — competitive calls (Competitive Projects, Test Drives, Contests) tied to specific defence challenges.
  • Innovative Solutions Canada (ISC) — procurement-driven, with Phase 1 and Phase 2 funding to develop and test pre-commercial innovations for government.

The right entry point depends on how mature your technology is and whether you want a research contribution, a challenge-based project, or a procurement pathway. Many companies use more than one over a product's lifecycle.

How to get in

IRAP works through relationships, not a portal. The first step is to engage an Industrial Technology Advisor, who assesses fit, scopes the project, and sets the funding. Because intake is continuous, timing is flexible — but the earlier you build the ITA relationship and a clear technical plan, the smoother the path. We help defence and dual-use SMEs frame the project and stack DI Assist cleanly with SR&ED and other programs without double-counting assistance.

Frequently asked questions

What is NRC IRAP DI Assist?

Defence Industry Assist (DI Assist) is a new NRC IRAP stream, announced in January 2026 with over $240M, that provides cost-shared funding and advisory support to Canadian SMEs developing defence and dual-use technologies. It is delivered through IRAP Industrial Technology Advisors on continuous intake.

How much can I get from DI Assist?

Per-project amounts and cost-share rates are not published — DI Assist follows the standard IRAP model, where funding is scoped with your Industrial Technology Advisor. Confirm the specifics directly rather than assuming a cap.

How is DI Assist different from IDEaS?

DI Assist is an IRAP-style cost-shared R&D contribution with continuous intake and ITA support. IDEaS (run by DND) uses competitive calls tied to specific defence challenges. They serve different stages and can be complementary.

How do I apply for DI Assist?

IRAP does not use an open application portal. You engage an Industrial Technology Advisor (ITA), who assesses eligibility and scopes the project. Because intake is continuous, you can start the conversation any time.

Primary source: National Research Council Canada. Program details change — verify against the official page before you apply, or check your eligibility in the Grant Finder.

Building defence or dual-use technology?

We help Canadian defence and dual-use SMEs frame the project, engage IRAP, and stack DI Assist with SR&ED and other programs — without double-counting government assistance.

Book a free 30-minute consult →