Sector Funding Intelligence — Life Sciences

Unlocking Capital for Life Sciences.

Funding support for clinical trials, biotech research, and medical-device development with stronger evidence planning.

Life sciences companies in Canada benefit from some of the highest SR&ED claim values due to the intensive R&D nature of drug development, medical devices, and biotech. Mitacs Accelerate provides subsidized research talent, while IRAP funds pre-commercialization innovation. Quebec's FSISSS program specifically targets health technology innovation.

Programs to investigate

SR&ED + Mitacs

Funding amounts

$650,000

Key Parameters

R&D Focused
High-Risk Offset
Patent Credits

Matching Funding Programs

Programs to investigate for Life Sciences projects. Confirm current fit and intake status with each official source.

Potential Cost Areas

Costs that may be considered for Life Sciences projects, subject to the applicable program rules.

Clinical trial design and execution costs

Laboratory materials and reagents

Regulatory submission preparation (technical components)

Biostatistical analysis and data management

Graduate researcher salaries (Mitacs co-funded)

Check Your Eligibility

Run a free assessment to see which of these programs match your Life Sciences company profile. Takes under 2 minutes.

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Life Sciences Funding FAQ

Are clinical trials eligible for SR&ED?

The experimental components of clinical trials can qualify — specifically the systematic investigation to resolve scientific uncertainty. Routine regulatory compliance work is not eligible, but the underlying research methodology often is.

Can we hire graduate students with government funding?

Yes. Mitacs Accelerate provides $15,000-$30,000 per 4-month research term per intern. The student works on your research project while completing their degree.

Is medical device software development eligible?

Yes. Software embedded in medical devices that involves technical uncertainty in areas like real-time data processing, sensor integration, or regulatory-compliant architectures qualifies for SR&ED.

Industry Funding Information | Grant & Funding