ISTPCanada develops and implements R&D collaboration programs under Science and Technology (S&T) cooperation agreements between Canada and its key trading partners, including India, China and Brazil. Mandated by the Government of Canada through the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, ISTPCanada facilitates the development of new R&D partnerships between Canadian companies, research organizations and their counterparts in other countries; invests in cooperative research projects with high commercial potential; and stimulates early-stage partnership development activity. In doing so, ISTPCanada develops new models of bilateral and multilateral collaboration that enhance Canada’s competitiveness through the increased use of international research-based alliances, and helps to strengthen Canada’s overall S&T, economic, trade and political relations with other nations.

From its inception in 2007 to March 31, 2012, ISTPCanada has:

• Facilitated 50 bilateral or multilateral partnership development and match-making activities, engaging at least 4,000 highly qualified people from Canada and partner countries, and leading to hundreds of S&T partnerships, collaborations and exchanges  
• Invested $10.9 million in 27 bilateral R&D projects valued at more than $37.9 million that engage more than 300 highly qualified people as core participants.  
• Gained almost four-fold leverage on every dollar invested in R&D projects