
MAPAQ — Biofood Innovation Program – Component 4
Last Update: April 25, 2025
QC, Canada
Supports collaborative innovation partnerships in Quebec's biofood sector
MAPAQ — Biofood Innovation Program – Component 4 at a glance
Eligible Funding
- From $50,000 to $901,700
- Up to 60% of project cost
Timeline
- Continuous Intakes
Financing Type
Partnering and Collaboration
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Educational services
Grant Providers
- Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ)
- Gouvernement du Québec
Status
Open
Overview of the MAPAQ — Biofood Innovation Program – Component 4 program
The Biofood Innovation Program – Component 4 offers non-repayable financial support of up to $901,700 for universities and $816,500 for other applicants, to foster collective research and innovation partnerships in Quebec's agri-food sector. Eligible activities include collaborative R&D projects, the establishment of research chairs, and the development of innovation networks aligned with sectoral priorities.
Financing terms and conditions
- Non-repayable contribution covers up to 60% of eligible project expenses.
- Maximum aid may be increased by 30% for projects linked to specific ministerial or governmental priorities.
- Minimum financial assistance per project is $50,000.
- Maximum financial assistance per project (including indirect research or administration costs): $901,700 for universities and $816,500 for other applicants.
- Project funding is delivered in up to 5 installments, based on project duration and progress milestones.
Eligible projects & activities
- Collaborative research and development projects advancing the biofood sector.
- Initiatives building partnerships to foster research and innovation addressing sector priorities.
- Creation and support of research or teaching chairs relevant to biofood innovation.
- Establishment and operation of innovation networks within the sector.
- Key research projects addressing agro-environmental challenges affecting the biofood industry.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 79,000
Installation of energy-efficient refrigeration units in local grocery
$ 112,000
Launching a sustainable textile product line with eco-certifications
$ 50,000
Development of an online booking platform for local wellness center
$ 34,000
Upgrading kitchen equipment to increase meals for elderly clients
$ 44,000
Implementing digital inventory management at urban farm collective
$ 94,000
Retrofitting small theatre space for improved accessibility and safety
Eligibility criteria of the MAPAQ — Biofood Innovation Program – Component 4 program
- The applicant must be a research institution with an active establishment in Quebec.
- The project must involve collective research and innovation initiatives, such as structuring research and development projects, research partnership initiatives, research or teaching chairs, innovation networks, or structuring research related to agri-environmental issues.
- The project must increase the sector's competitiveness or address a detrimental agri-environmental issue.
- The project's maximum duration is five years.
Who is eligible?
- Research institutions with an active establishment located in Quebec
Who is not eligible
- Government ministries, budget-funded agencies, and Crown corporations, as well as entities controlled by provincial or federal governments or Crown corporations, and municipal entities.
- Financial cooperatives and banking institutions.
- Applicants who have failed to meet financial aid obligations after formal notice in the past two years.
- Applicants under an order from the Minister or a judge under the Animal Welfare and Safety Act.
- Applicants under bankruptcy protection or insolvency laws.
Eligible expenses
- Salaries and social benefits for staff and students directly involved in the project, including up to 26% fixed rate or demonstrated employer contributions.
- Scholarships granted to students directly participating in the project.
- Remuneration of professors engaged in research chair projects.
- Consultant fees related to project activities.
- Purchase of equipment required for the project, with a unit cost of up to $10,000.
- Purchase and use of materials and supplies essential to the project.
- Rental or use of equipment, supplies, buildings, and land directly linked to the project.
- Laboratory analysis fees associated with the project.
- Travel and accommodation expenses compliant with government policy, up to $5,000 for knowledge transfer and result dissemination activities over the project duration.
- Registration fees for demonstration activities, scientific conferences, or events related to the presentation and transfer of project results.
- Publication fees for peer-reviewed scientific articles, including open access dissemination, up to $5,000.
- Costs for communication and information dissemination related to the project.
- Specialized training costs necessary for project execution.
- Non-refundable portion of GST and QST applicable to project expenses.
Eligible geographic areas
- Companies with an active establishment located in Quebec.
Eligibility criteria of the MAPAQ — Biofood Innovation Program – Component 4 program
- Relevance of the project to sectoral and Ministry priorities as well as the program and call for projects objectives.
- Quality of the proposed approach.
- Expected short- and long-term impacts on the development of the biofood sector and on the competitiveness of enterprises.
- Dissemination of knowledge.
- Mobilization level of research stakeholders (e.g., in-kind and financial contributions from partners).
- Expertise and capacity of the applicant to achieve the objectives.
- Appropriateness of costs given the complexity and scope of the activities.
How to apply to the MAPAQ — Biofood Innovation Program – Component 4 program
1
Prepare required documents
- Fill out and sign the financial assistance application form in French
- Gather proof of partner involvement in the project, if applicable
- Prepare budget forecasts for the duration of the funding
- Collect CVs for all project team members, including external experts or specialists if applicable
2
Submit the application
- Submit the complete funding application and all required documents to the Ministry
3
Respond to Ministry requests
- Receive an acknowledgment of receipt for your application from the Ministry
- Respond to any written requests from the Ministry for additional information or missing documents
4
Review decision and sign agreement
- Receive an official letter from the Ministry informing of the funding decision
- If accepted, sign the financial assistance agreement provided by the Ministry
Additional information
- Financial contributions from the applicant and partners can be both in-kind and cash.
- If the cumulative public financial aid exceeds the allowable limit, the applicant must reimburse the excess to the Ministry.
- Applicants must declare all forms of public aid received for the project with each payment claim.
- For each payment installment, interim and final reports—including scientific and financial information with supporting documents—are required as specified in the financial aid agreement.
Apply to this program

Tax CreditsOpening Soon
Quebec, Canada
Supports innovation and commercialization activities with tax incentives

Grant and FundingOpen
Quebec, Canada
Funding to optimize the operation of building mechanical systems

Grant and FundingClosed
Quebec, Canada
SEB supports Quebec agri-food market expansion outside Quebec

Loans and Capital investmentsOpen
Quebec, Canada
Supports Québec exporters impacted by new U.S. tariffs

Grant and FundingOpen
Quebec, Canada
Support program for regional agriculture and agri-food development

Grant and FundingOpen
Quebec, Canada
Get financial aid to install electric charging stations at your Quebec business

Grant and FundingOpen
Quebec, Canada
Supports regional agri-food promotion and consumer awareness initiatives

Grant and FundingOpen
Quebec, Canada
Maximize your farm's energy efficiency and save money with the Enhanced Efficient Solutions Program

Grant and FundingClosed
Quebec, Canada
NovaScience promotes scientific culture and innovation development

Partnering and CollaborationGrant and FundingClosed
Quebec, Canada
Funding for Quebec innovative collaborations in AI for ICT