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CQRDA — INITI-AL
Small-scale aluminium R&D support
Offered by Official source: cqrda.ca
Centre québécois de recherche et de développement de l’aluminium (CQRDA)
Record updated
- Funding available
- $ 15,000
- Up to 75% of project cost
- Deadline
- Unspecified
- Location
- Quebec, Canada
Overview
INITI-AL supports Quebec SMEs, startups and non-profits with up to $15,000 per project to advance innovative aluminium transformation projects through partnerships with eligible research institutions or Quebec subcontractors. Funding covers feasibility studies, modelling, prototyping, technical adaptation for new markets, translation and regulatory compliance assessments tied to applied R&D and commercialization.
At a glance
Funding available
- Maximum funding
- $15,000
- Maximum share of project costs
- 75%
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Conduct research and development activities
- Access new markets
Eligible candidates
- Location
- Quebec
- Eligible Industries
- All industries
- Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
- Organisation size
- 250 employees maximum
- Audience
- Startups
- Legal structures
- For-profit business, Non-profit
Start applying for this program
Take a practical assessment to gain a clear understanding of how well this program aligns with your specific needs and long-term goals.
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Quebec SMEs, startups and non-profit organizations.
Who is not eligible
- Entities controlled directly or indirectly by a government, a municipal entity or a state-owned company.
- Entities registered as not eligible for public contracts.
- Entities under the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act or the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act.
Eligible expenses
- Services performed by a recognized public research centre or by a Quebec subcontracting company, such as a private laboratory, consultant or translator.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Expenses incurred before the date of official deposit of a complete application are not considered eligible.
Eligible geographic areas
- Quebec
Activities funded
- Feasibility studies, documentary research and prior art or patent searches related to aluminium transformation.
- Modelling, simulation, prototyping, innovative process improvement or development, and testing of aluminium product properties.
- Technical support to adapt a product or process to standards or certifications in a target market.
- International intellectual property strategy, technical translation, product-document adaptation and regulatory compliance assessment in new territories.
How to apply
- Read the complete program guide.
- Fill out and sign the Programme Initi-Al financial assistance application form.
- Send the application electronically to ProjetsRD@cqrda.ca.
Documents Needed
- Completed and signed financial assistance application form.
- Offer of services from the research institution or subcontractor, as described in Annex A.
- Abbreviated CVs of the researchers and industry partners participating in the project.
- All documents requested in section 10, page 8 of the program guide.
- Any other document necessary for project analysis.
Selection criteria
- Volet 1: use of aluminium as added value; innovative character and development prospects; quality of the service offer and collaboration; market potential; relevance to the business model.
- Volet 2: response to a concrete demand or opportunity in a new foreign market; quality of the service offer and collaboration; real export or new-market access prospects; strengthening of the company’s competitive position; relevance to the business model.
Processing and Agreement
- Incomplete applications or applications that do not meet the program criteria are deemed not receivable.
- The submitted file is first reviewed through a preliminary analysis, and official filing is confirmed if it is complete and receivable.
- The project then undergoes a full analysis by an evaluation committee.
- CQRDA issues an official response to the company.
- A financing agreement is then signed with the company, followed by project start-up financing and follow-up.
Contacts
Official sources
Frequently Asked Questions about the CQRDA — INITI-AL Program
What is the CQRDA — INITI-AL?
INITI-AL supports Quebec SMEs, startups and non-profits with up to $15,000 per project to advance innovative aluminium transformation projects through partnerships with eligible research institutions or Quebec subcontractors. Funding covers feasibility studies, modelling, prototyping, technical adaptation for new markets, translation and regulatory compliance assessments tied to applied R&D and commercialization.
How much funding can be received?
CQRDA — INITI-AL Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses, capped at $15,000 per project.
What is the deadline to apply?
The program is accepting continuous intake
Who is eligible for the CQRDA — INITI-AL program?
To be eligible for the CQRDA — INITI-AL program, you must:
The applicant must have an innovation project related to aluminium transformation.
The applicant must be legally constituted and registered in Quebec or under federal law, with its head office in Quebec and employees or subcontractors working mainly in Quebec.
The applicant must have 250 employees or less in Quebec, not be 50% or more owned by large companies or existing organizations, and hold the rights to use the relevant intellectual property.
What expenses are eligible under CQRDA — INITI-AL?
Services performed by a recognized public research centre or by a Quebec subcontracting company, such as a private laboratory, consultant or translator.
Who can I contact for more information about the CQRDA — INITI-AL?
You can contact Centre québécois de recherche et de développement de l’aluminium (CQRDA) by email at projetsRD@cqrda.ca or by phone at 418 545-5520.
Where is the CQRDA — INITI-AL available?
The CQRDA — INITI-AL program is available the province of Quebec.