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CQRDA — PSO-v2b
Collaborative R&D funding for aluminum innovation
Funding available
$ 1,500,000
Deadline
January 15, 2027
Location
Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, Quebec, Canada
Overview
Non-repayable funding for collaborative R&D projects in the aluminum sector. Up to $1.5M per project is available for research, technology development, and related collaborative activities.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Implement environmental initiatives
- Develop a new product or service
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 1,500,000 $
- Up to 40% of project cost
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean
- Quebec
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- 250 employees maximum
Audience
- Startups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Higher Education
- Research
Target groups
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Academia / students
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Provincial
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
Activities funded
- Collaborative research and development projects involving aluminum
- Technology development and implementation for SMEs
- Training and skills development in the aluminum industry
- Promotion of aluminum and new uses for it
- Projects on productivity, ergonomics, and environmental impacts in the aluminum sector
Documents Needed
- Detailed Gantt schedule
- Financial structure document
- Detailed justification of expenses
- Signed partner support letter confirming financial contribution
- CVs of project experts
Sources and recorded changes
- Record updated
A captured source change or record update does not confirm eligibility. Check the funder’s current rules before applying.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Quebec universities
- CCTTs
- Public research centers
- SMEs with a presence in Quebec
- Large companies with a presence in Quebec
Who is not eligible
- Companies controlled by a government, municipality, or state-owned enterprise
- Companies under bankruptcy or creditor protection proceedings
- Companies listed in the register of enterprises ineligible for public contracts
- Companies that failed to meet prior financial aid obligations after formal notice
- Investment funds
Eligible expenses
- Salaries, wages, and benefits
- Student scholarships and bursaries
- Materials, consumables, and supplies
- Equipment purchase or rental
- Professional fees, subcontracting, and knowledge dissemination costs
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Expenses incurred before the project start date
- Administrative costs and equipment maintenance
- Patent filing and patent maintenance costs
- Recurring costs such as software updates and annual subscriptions
- Expenses already funded by the Ministry or another Quebec government program funded by the FECC
Eligible geographic areas
- Quebec
- Foreign industrial partners may participate as secondary partners
Selection criteria
- Technical relevance and innovation
- Clarity and coherence of project objectives
- Technological challenge
- Fit between project goals and team expertise
- Commercial and economic potential
How to apply
- Step 1: Prepare the application
- Complete the program application form.
- Prepare the financial structure document and detailed budget justification.
- Step 2: Gather supporting documents
- Collect the Gantt chart, partner support letter, CVs, and other required attachments.
- Include any subcontractor offers or intellectual property documents, if applicable.
- Step 3: Obtain budget materials
- Contact the CQRDA RD team to receive the financial structure template and budget section document.
- Step 4: Submit the application
- Send the completed file according to the CQRDA submission process before the deadline.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed after submission by the CQRDA and its scientific committee.
- The project is assessed against program objectives and evaluation criteria.
- Funding is only confirmed after eligibility is fully approved.
- Approved projects may start after eligibility confirmation and must respect the funding agreement.
Additional information
- Applications must be submitted by Quebec research organizations.
- The project must involve at least one research institution and one industrial partner.
- Funding is non-repayable and subject to specific conditions by project type.
- Deadline dates are published by the CQRDA.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the CQRDA — PSO-v2b Program
What is the CQRDA — PSO-v2b?
Non-repayable funding for collaborative R&D projects in the aluminum sector. Up to $1.5M per project is available for research, technology development, and related collaborative activities.
How much funding can be received?
CQRDA — PSO-v2b Funds up to 40% of admissible expenses, capped at $1,500,000 per project.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program is January 15, 2027.
Who is eligible for the CQRDA — PSO-v2b program?
To be eligible for the CQRDA — PSO-v2b program, you must:
Collaborative project with research partner
At least one Quebec-based company
Must train highly qualified personnel
What expenses are eligible under CQRDA — PSO-v2b?
Salaries, wages, and benefits
Student scholarships and bursaries
Materials, consumables, and supplies
Equipment purchase or rental
Professional fees, subcontracting, and knowledge dissemination costs
Who can I contact for more information about the CQRDA — PSO-v2b?
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 — PSO-v2b available?
The CQRDA — PSO-v2b program is available Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, Quebec.