Historically, companies in Atlantic Canada have faced challenges getting their Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) tax credit claims approved. As a result, many firms grew disillusioned with the process and began walking away from the program.
Ryan, a global tax services firm, saw an opportunity to change that trajectory and help Canadian companies realize the full potential of SR&ED incentives. When applied effectively, SR&ED tax credits can reduce tax burdens and fuel momentum for innovation.
With a growing presence in Nova Scotia, the Ryan team is helping life sciences companies leverage SR&ED and other related government funding programs to drive their business growth. Rather than viewing SR&ED as a one-time, annual transaction, they want founders to focus on adopting a year-round, holistic approach to non-dilutive funding.
Speaking Your Language
Mohamed Parpia, a Director in Ryan’s SR&ED practice with a background in chemistry and nanoscience, says his role “satisfies [his] science bug” because he’s constantly exposed to cutting edge innovation happening across the region. Since he understands the technical details and “speaks their language,” Parpia is uniquely positioned to help life sciences clients succeed.
Ryan’s approach is already yielding results. The local early-stage startups Parpia worked with have since become recognized industry leaders. One of the team’s largest SR&ED claims in Eastern Canada was filed for a life sciences client that Ryan began supporting back in 2016. “I love that I played a small role in helping them achieve that,” says Parpia. He especially enjoys supporting life sciences companies because of their potential to directly improve people’s health and wellbeing.
Orchestrating Your Story for the Most Impact
Over the years, Parpia’s role has evolved from hands-on technical writing to leading a national team of engineers and scientists. His focus today is on ensuring every claim is audit-ready, well-documented, and fully optimized, without crossing compliance lines.
“We don’t inflate claims. We don’t take unnecessary risks. We get clients what they’re entitled to, no more, no less,” says Parpia. His goal is always the same: “leave clients in a much better place than we found them.”
But Ryan’s success in Nova Scotia isn’t just about technical precision, it’s also about relationships. That’s where Marc Garcia comes in.
“You Show Up, and You Show Back Up”
As Director of Client Services at Ryan, Garcia is the connector, he is the person who listens, learns, and links companies with the right tools. He serves as a bridge between clients and the technical expertise on Ryan’s team.
Garcia and Parpia are both committed to building strong, long-lasting relationships in Nova Scotia’s life sciences community. Much of their success comes from positive word of mouth as satisfied clients share their experiences with fellow entrepreneurs.
“You have to put in time to get to know those stories and know those people,” says Garcia. “You show up, and you show back up.”
Ryan’s Nova Scotia team supports companies at every stage of growth. Their team’s approach is to provide the right support at the right time. Often, that includes connecting businesses with additional funding programs that complement their SR&ED claims.
“Everybody Gets the Best That We Have”
Parpia has a bird’s-eye view of groundbreaking life sciences research happening across Canada. He notes that Nova Scotian companies are quietly advancing global innovation while staying remarkably humble about their work.
To strengthen that momentum and the team’s growing success in the province, Ryan is soon opening an office in Halifax to further increase their local presence in supporting business growth.
Parpia says that for the Ryan team, success isn’t measured by the number or size of SR&ED claims filed, but through client satisfaction.
“We don’t pick and choose where we deploy the best of our resources,” says Parpia. “For us, it’s one approach: everybody gets the best that we have.”
Beyond SR&ED: Ryan’s Comprehensive Support
While SR&ED is a powerful tool for innovation, it’s only one part of Ryan’s value.
Life Sciences Nova Scotia is proud to partner with Ryan, so our members can benefit from their team’s expertise, strategically access funding sources and accelerate their growth in Nova Scotia.
Connect with Mohamed Parpia and Marc Garcia to learn about how your Atlantic Canada company can take full advantage of available tax credits and funding programs.
