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MAPAQ — Biofood Innovation Program – Component 3
Supports fisheries and aquaculture innovation in Quebec
Last Update: March 3, 2026
Funding available
$ 20,000 - $ 210,000
Timeline
- Closing date : March 1, 2028
Location
Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Quebec, Canada
Overview
The Biofood Innovation Program supports innovation in Quebec’s fisheries and aquaculture sector with up to $210,000 per project. It funds applied research and experimental development aimed at new knowledge, products, or processes.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop a new product or service
- Conduct research and development activities
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 210,000 $
- Minimum amount : 20,000 $
- Up to 90% of project cost
Timeline
- Closing date : March 1, 2028
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Manufacturing
Location
- Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine
- Quebec
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Canadians
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Applied research and experimental development projects for the commercial fisheries and aquaculture sector.
- Projects creating a new or significantly improved product or process.
- Projects involving scientific testing and analysis under a research protocol.
Documents Needed
- Completed and signed financial assistance application form.
- Project budget forecasts using the financing and implementation schedule form.
- Partner commitment attestation, when required.
- Curriculum vitae of project team members, including external experts if applicable.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Commercial fishing companies
- Commercial aquaculture companies
- Processors of aquatic products
- Band councils
Who is not eligible
- Provincial or federal ministries, budgetary organizations, Crown corporations, and government-controlled companies.
- Municipal entities.
- Financial cooperatives and banking institutions.
- Companies or subcontractors listed in the RENA register.
- For-profit companies with more than 100 employees requesting $100,000 or more that do not meet employment equity requirements.
Eligible expenses
- Salaries and social charges for staff and students directly involved in the project.
- Consultant fees and specialized research contracts.
- External laboratory analyses.
- Travel, accommodation, equipment rental, materials, specialized training, communications, and dissemination costs.
- Equipment purchases and experimental infrastructure setup, up to $7,000 per unit.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Costs not directly related to the project.
- Costs incurred before the minister accepts the financial assistance.
- Cost overruns requested as additional aid.
- Building construction, expansion, and land acquisition costs.
- Debt service, financing fees, legal fees, operating costs, and refundable GST/QST.
Eligible geographic areas
- Quebec
Processing and Agreement
- The Ministry sends an acknowledgment after receiving a complete application.
- If information or documents are missing, the applicant receives a written request.
- Applications are reviewed for admissibility, then assessed by a ministry evaluation committee.
- The applicant is notified by email of the decision.
- If approved, a financial assistance agreement must be signed.
Additional information
- Applications and attachments must be submitted in French.
- All documents must be sent in a single email to pib.depot@mapaq.gouv.qc.ca.
- An automatic receipt confirmation is sent after submission.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the MAPAQ — Biofood Innovation Program – Component 3 Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the MAPAQ — Biofood Innovation Program – Component 3. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the MAPAQ — Biofood Innovation Program – Component 3?
The Biofood Innovation Program supports innovation in Quebec’s fisheries and aquaculture sector with up to $210,000 per project. It funds applied research and experimental development aimed at new knowledge, products, or processes.
How much funding can be received?
MAPAQ — Biofood Innovation Program – Component 3 Funds up to 90% of admissible expenses, capped at $210,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the MAPAQ — Biofood Innovation Program – Component 3 program?
To be eligible for the MAPAQ — Biofood Innovation Program – Component 3 program, you must:
Quebec-based applicant
Commercial fisheries, aquaculture or aquatic processing
Applied research and experimental development project
What expenses are eligible under MAPAQ — Biofood Innovation Program – Component 3?
Applied research and experimental development projects for the commercial fisheries and aquaculture sector.
Projects creating a new or significantly improved product or process.
Projects involving scientific testing and analysis under a research protocol.
Who can I contact for more information about the MAPAQ — Biofood Innovation Program – Component 3?
You can contact Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ) by email at pib.depot@mapaq.gouv.qc.ca.
Where is the MAPAQ — Biofood Innovation Program – Component 3 available?
The MAPAQ — Biofood Innovation Program – Component 3 program is available Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Quebec.
Is the MAPAQ — Biofood Innovation Program – Component 3 a grant, loan, or tax credit?
MAPAQ — Biofood Innovation Program – Component 3 is a Grant and Funding