How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 60% of admissible expenses, capped at $901700 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Who are the financial supporters of the MAPAQ — Biofood Innovation Program – Component 4?

MAPAQ — Biofood Innovation Program – Component 4 is funded by Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ), Gouvernement du Québec

What are MAPAQ — Biofood Innovation Program – Component 4's eligibility criterias?

The applicant must be a research establishment with an active location in Quebec.

MAPAQ — Biofood Innovation Program – Component 4

Last Update: July 22, 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

$ 50,000

Development of an online booking platform for local wellness center

$ 44,000

Implementing digital inventory management at urban farm collective

$ 94,000

Retrofitting small theatre space for improved accessibility and safety

$ 112,000

Launching a sustainable textile product line with eco-certifications

$ 34,000

Upgrading kitchen equipment to increase meals for elderly clients

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

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

Submit the application

Submit the complete funding application and all required documents to the Ministry

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

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