Eligibility

SR&ED for Biotech Companies in Canada

Canadian biotech companies can claim SR&ED for drug discovery, assay development, and clinical research. Learn what qualifies and how to document it.

SREDY.IO · Editorial Team 2026-06-20 6 min read

Turn this into a claim-ready next step. Check eligibility, estimate the possible credit, or preview what your CPA would review.

Check eligibility — free → Estimate refund View sample claim

What biotech work qualifies for SR&ED

Canadian biotech companies are natural SR&ED claimants because their work is inherently research-driven. The key is demonstrating systematic investigation of technological or scientific uncertainty.

  • Drug discovery and novel compound development
  • Assay development for new testing protocols
  • Molecular biology research advancing beyond standard techniques
  • Clinical research designed to resolve scientific uncertainty
  • Formulation development for novel delivery mechanisms

Documenting biotech SR&ED

Biotech companies have strong documentation practices already. Lab notebooks, experimental protocols, batch records, and analytical results are all contemporaneous evidence. The key is linking these records to the SR&ED criteria.

CRO fees

Contract Research Organization (CRO) fees are eligible up to 80% of arm's-length fees. Ensure the CRO is performing genuine SR&ED, not routine testing, and that you retain rights to the results.

biotech life sciences eligibility Canada

Ready to turn this into a claim?

Check whether your work qualifies, estimate the possible credit, or preview the package your CPA would review.

Check eligibility — free → Estimate refund View sample package

Useful next steps

SR&ED eligibility checklist → Refund estimator → Sample T661 package → Documentation guide →

More guides

Eligibility

SR&ED for Medical Device Companies in Canada

Canadian medical device companies can claim SR&ED for prototype development, clinical validation, and regulatory testing. Learn what qualifies and how to document it.

 Eligibility

SR&ED Software Companies: What Canadian Founders Should Know

Canadian software companies can claim SR&ED for eligible R&D work. Learn what qualifies, how to document it, and how software claim preparation differs from consultant-led filing.

 Costs & Financials

Canada SR&ED Tax Credit: Complete Guide for Canadian Businesses

The Canada SR&ED tax credit is the largest federal R&D incentive. Learn how it works, who qualifies, how much you can claim, and how to maximize your refund.

Ready to check if your work qualifies? Take the free eligibility assessment.

Check eligibility — free →