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By Émile Audet
December 8, 2025

Who Can Apply for the NovaScience Program: Eligibility Guide

The NovaScience Program — Support for the position of innovation and commercialization manager is a strategic initiative aimed at fostering innovation within organizations by creating key roles. This guide will help you understand if your organization is eligible to apply for this program.

Overview of the NovaScience Program

The NovaScience Program focuses on enhancing innovation capacity within organizations by supporting the creation of dedicated innovation and commercialization roles. This initiative is particularly beneficial for organizations looking to boost their research and development (R&D) activities or enhance their commercialization strategies. For comprehensive details on eligibility and application processes, consult the complete program guide.

Who Can Apply

Eligible Applicants

The program is open to various types of organizations, each playing a significant role in the economic landscape:

  • Non-profit organizations (NPOs): These entities can benefit from the program to enhance their innovation capabilities.

  • Social economy enterprises: Defined under the Quebec Social Economy Act, these enterprises can leverage the program to propel their commercial initiatives.

  • For-profit organizations: Businesses aiming to expand their innovation and commercialization efforts are encouraged to apply.

Basic Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the NovaScience Program, organizations must meet the following baseline criteria:

  • Legal Establishment: Applicants must be legally established entities in Quebec for at least five years.

  • Location and Operation: The organization must be registered and operating in Quebec, conducting business activities legally within the province.

  • Size of Organization: Eligible organizations should employ between 11 and 249 individuals.

For complete eligibility requirements, see the complete program guide.

Specific Eligibility Considerations

Exclusions

Certain organizations are not eligible to apply for the program:

  • Educational Institutions: Organizations recognized as educational bodies by the Quebec Ministry of Education are excluded.

  • Healthcare Facilities: Hospitals and affiliated technology transfer centers are ineligible.

  • Consultancy Services: Businesses primarily offering consulting or advisory services are not eligible.

Additional Requirements

  • Financial Compliance: Applicants must not have received previous financial aid from the Ministry under similar projects.

  • Language Compliance: Organizations must comply with Quebec's French language charter if they employ 50 or more individuals.

The full application process is outlined in the complete program guide.

Conclusion

The NovaScience Program presents a unique opportunity for organizations committed to innovation and commercialization. By understanding the eligibility criteria and preparing accordingly, your organization can take the first step towards securing support for strategic roles. For detailed guidance, visit the complete program guide.

About the author

Émile Audet - Canadian grants specialist

Émile Audet

Canadian grants specialist
Working at helloDarwin for some time now, I'm in charge of providing you with the information you need on government aid. Dedicated to helping companies in Quebec and Canada reach their full potential, I write on the helloDarwin blog about the various programs, allowances and funding available to enable organizations to make their digital transformation through access to federal and provincial support.

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