Innovation Grants in Quebec for 2026

1. Technological Innovations: Companies developing innovative products, services, or technologies can often benefit from grants for research and development (R&D), as well as for the implementation of new technologies.
2. Environmental Innovations: Projects aiming to reduce environmental footprint, promote sustainable development, or implement clean technologies may be eligible for government grants.
3. Social Innovations: Innovative social initiatives addressing social issues such as access to education, poverty alleviation, or immigrant integration, can also receive financial support.
4. Health Innovations: Medical research, development of new treatments, innovative medical equipment, and projects aimed at improving healthcare can benefit from grants.
5. Manufacturing Sector Innovations: Companies seeking to modernize their manufacturing processes, improve energy efficiency, or develop new manufactured products can obtain financial support.
6. Cultural and Creative Innovations: Artistic projects, cultural initiatives, and businesses in arts, music, film, design, and other creative fields, may also be supported by grants.

• Financing for research and development (R&D)
• Improvement of market competitiveness
• Increase in productivity
• Development of new products and services
• Expansion into new markets
• Attraction of qualified talent
• Strengthening of R&D capabilities
• Establishment of strategic partnerships
• Stimulating innovation and creativity
• Creation of high-quality jobs

I. Key players in innovation funding in Quebec

The central role of the Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Energy (MEIE)

Investissement Québec (IQ): the strategic partner for businesses

The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) and its Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP)

Other support organizations and initiatives

II. Research and development (R&D) funding: the engine of advancement

Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) tax credits: a pillar of Quebec research and development funding

Quebec R&D grant via NRC IRAP: advice, networking, and financial support for SMEs

Other programs for R&D and innovation

III. Grants for digital transformation: the digital era for Quebec SMEs

The strategic importance of digital transformation

Key support programs for digital transformation

IV. Specific innovation support: green technologies, AI, and cultural

Quebec green technology grant

Quebec artificial intelligence grant

• Prompt: Funds collaborative AI projects up to $1.5M, with support adapted to businesses based on their size (35% of expenses covered for SMEs, 50% for startups).
• PRIMA – PARTENAR-IA – Entreprise: Aims to fund innovative collaborative AI projects applied to advanced materials.
• Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen): Supports the adoption of advanced technologies, including AI, in manufacturing, with grants for collaborative and innovative industrial projects.
• The Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF): Supports high-impact innovation projects, including AI, targeting large companies or structuring projects in strategic sectors.
• The NRC IRAP: Also offers support to SMEs that innovate through artificial intelligence.
• The Call for Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Technologies Innovation Projects from the Government of Quebec: Targets consortia of Quebec businesses and cooperatives, with the possibility of collaboration with a public research center. It aims to support projects leading to significant and immediate economic benefits, and to position Quebec as a leader in responsible AI and quantum technologies.

SODEC cultural innovation grant

• The Cultural Events Support Program aims to increase sales revenue of cultural works and products at events, and to promote the performance and economic and cultural benefits of Quebec events. Application deadlines are specific and recurring throughout the year.
• The Aid for Digital Experience Producers program supports digital experience producers as part of a two-year business strategy, for the creation and valorization of a catalog of Quebec intellectual property technocreative works, content, experiences, or cultural products. It aims to valorize these businesses and encourage the development of business models based on the creation of Quebec intellectual properties. Businesses must be legally constituted and have been primarily active in the field for at least two years.
• The Innovative Initiatives Support Program supports innovation projects related to the production, dissemination, or commercialization of cultural content, as well as the management or emergence of new business models. General objectives include promoting the competitiveness of Quebec cultural businesses in national and international markets, and stimulating innovation, experimentation, research, and development within these businesses. Eligible clients include legally constituted businesses, for-profit or non-profit, with their head office and main establishment in Quebec, and whose effective control is predominantly held by individuals with their tax residence in Quebec.

V. Financial aid for startups and SMEs: catalyzing growth

Specific programs for startups

General aid for SMEs

VI. Strategies for maximizing grants: a path to success

Understanding eligibility criteria

Preparing a strong application

Seeking support

Combining programs

Strategic monitoring and networking

Conclusion: innovation, a strategic investment for Quebec