In order to qualify for the SR&ED program, your company must have engaged in activities that meet the Canada Revenue Agency's criteria.

All projects must meet the following criteria:

• You can demonstrate encountering a technological challenge or uncertainty
• Attempts were made to resolve the technical uncertainty by means of a systematic experimental approach.
• You made a technological advancement or key learning during the process

Note that success is not a factor for eligibility (in fact, your failed projects are ideal SR&ED candidates!).

Many companies are uncertain if their activities and projects qualify. Working with TSI, you will come to realize that much of the work that is done on a regular basis, or activities that are not part of your core business, may actually qualify for the SR&ED incentive. If your company has undertaken any of the following, there is a good chance you may qualify:

• Developed a new product, or made improvements to an existing product
• Made changes to your processes or your equipment to increase product quality, improve productivity, or reduce waste within your manufacturing facility
• Evaluated new materials or materials for new applications
• Developed computer software programs for your own use or for the use of others
• Employed highly trained technical staff that perform basic or applied research activities
• Developed a new application for an existing technology
• Encountered technical problems with a product or process, and performed subsequent design or testing activities to resolve the problems.
• Developed new equipment or tools
• Explored methods or processes to perform activities more efficiently or at lower cost

While by no means an exhaustive list, these activities represent areas where eligibility can often be uncovered. Contact TSI for a complementary eligibility assessment to find out if your activities qualify.