Open
CQRDA — PSO-v2b
Collaborative R&D funding for aluminum innovation
Last Update: April 10, 2026
Funding available
$ 1,500,000
Timeline
- Closing date : August 7, 2026
Location
Saguenay, 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
Timeline
- Closing date : August 7, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Educational services
Location
- Saguenay
- 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
2
Validate your eligibility
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
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
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
Here are answers to the most common questions about the CQRDA — PSO-v2b. 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 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.
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?
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
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.
Is the CQRDA — PSO-v2b a grant, loan, or tax credit?
CQRDA — PSO-v2b is a Researchers And Facilities