The 15th Call for Proposals between Germany and Canada invites joint R&D projects aimed at developing innovative products, processes, or technical services. The initiative targets small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and is jointly supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) through its ZIM programme, and the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) via IRAP.

This bilateral call encourages collaborations that generate market-ready innovations with high potential for commercialization and international competitiveness. Eligible projects can span any technological sector and must include at least one SME from each country. Additional partners such as research institutions (on the German side) and other companies may also participate.

The German ZIM programme offers individual project funding in line with its guidelines, while Canadian SMEs can receive up to 50% of eligible project costs, capped at 500.000 CAD over a maximum of 24 months. All partners must contribute their own share of costs, and a clear value-added through collaboration must be demonstrated. A project duration of up to 2 years is standard, though a justified extension to a third year is possible.

Important dates:

• Canadian SMEs must register with NRC-IRAP by 2 April 2025 and submit an Expression of Interest by 16 April 2025.

• German partners may optionally submit a project outline by 7 May 2025 for early feedback.

• The joint application form (PAF) must be submitted by 18 June 2025 along with the ZIM application in Germany and the NRC documents in Canada.

The evaluation will be conducted according to national rules, and funding decisions are expected approximately three months after submission. The call supports the long-standing innovation partnership between Germany and Canada established in 2016, strengthening transatlantic cooperation and driving forward applied industrial R&D.