Research, Innovation and Commercialization Tax Credit (CRIC) - QC - Canada

Research, Innovation and Commercialization Tax Credit (CRIC)

grant_single|update April 24, 2025
QC, Canada
Supports innovation and commercialization activities with tax incentives

grant_single_labels|summary

grant_single|eligibleFinancing
  • grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
  • grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Tax Credits
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
  • Professional, scientific and technical services
grant_single|grantors
  • Gouvernement du Québec
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|openingSoon

grant_single_labels|preview

The Research, Innovation and Commercialization Tax Credit (CRIC) offers up to 30% on the first $1 million of eligible expenditures, supporting Quebec companies in research and development (R&D) as well as pre-commercialization activities. Eligible activities include product and process development, prototyping, feasibility testing, regulatory certification, and market studies.

grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions

  • Enhanced rate of 30% applicable on the first $1 million of eligible expenditures per fiscal year.
  • Base rate of 20% on eligible expenditures exceeding the initial $1 million.
  • Associated corporations must share the $1 million expenditure cap for the enhanced 30% rate.

grant_single_labels|projects

  • Development or improvement of products, processes, or technologies through research and development (R&D).
  • Prototyping and feasibility testing of new products or processes.
  • Pre-commercialization activities stemming directly from eligible R&D work.
  • Design and improvement of products as part of the pre-commercialization phase.
  • Conducting regulatory tests and obtaining necessary certifications for products being prepared for commercialization.
  • Industrial design and packaging development related to new products.
  • Market studies required for the commercialization of new products.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

  • The applicant must be a corporation operating a business in Quebec.
  • The corporation must carry out research and development (R&D) or pre-commercialization activities in Quebec.
  • Eligible activities include direct R&D or pre-commercialization, or subcontracting these activities to local partners.
  • Eligible R&D activities include the development or improvement of products, processes, or technologies, prototyping, and feasibility tests.
  • Eligible pre-commercialization activities include design and improvement of products, regulatory testing and certifications, industrial design and packaging, and necessary market studies for commercialization.
  • Eligible expenditures include salaries of employees located in Quebec involved in R&D, subcontracting expenses with companies based in Quebec, payments to research centers or university organizations, and capital expenses for new assets used exclusively for eligible activities for at least two years.
  • R&D work must be recognized as such by the federal government according to a harmonized definition.
  • Pre-commercialization activities must result directly from eligible R&D work.
  • The project must exceed a minimum exclusion threshold, either $50,000 or an amount calculated based on the number of employees engaged in eligible activities.
  • The eligible fiscal year must begin after March 25, 2025.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

  • Technology companies
  • Manufacturing companies
  • Companies specializing in life sciences
  • Any enterprise operating in Quebec directly engaging in R&D or pre-commercialization activities
  • Companies subcontracting R&D or pre-commercialization activities to local partners in Quebec

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

  • Individuals
  • Trusts
  • Certain public corporations

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

  • Salaries of employees located in Quebec involved in R&D.
  • Subcontracting costs with Quebec-based companies.
  • Payments to research centers or university organizations.
  • Capital expenditures for the purchase of new assets used exclusively for eligible activities for at least two years.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

  • Companies operating in Quebec.

grant_single_labels|criteria

  • Respect of the exclusion threshold determined based on expenses and the number of employees involved in the covered activities.
  • Compliance of the declared works with the definition of R&D recognized by the federal government.
  • Rigorous and detailed documentation of eligible expenses.
  • Justification of the use of capital assets in Quebec for 730 consecutive days.
  • Verification of the origin of locally subcontracted activities, if applicable.
  • Sharing of expense limits for associated companies according to established rules.

grant_single_labels|apply

  • Step 1: Assess Eligibility and Plan ActivitiesReview the requirements to confirm that your organization and activities qualify for the CRIC program.
  • Carefully plan your R&D and pre-commercialization projects to maximize eligible expenditures.
  • Step 2: Document Eligible ExpensesKeep thorough documentation of all eligible costs, including salaries, subcontracting, capital purchases, and payments to research partners.
  • Ensure that capital assets are used exclusively for qualifying activities in Quebec for the required period (at least 730 consecutive days).
  • Step 3: Calculate Eligible Expenditures and Exclusion ThresholdDetermine the total amount of qualified expenditures.
  • Calculate the exclusion threshold based on the formula provided by the government (minimum $50,000 or a formula based on the number of employees).
  • Assess expenses in excess of the threshold for credit calculation.
  • Step 4: Prepare and File the Tax Credit ClaimComplete the designated forms for the CRIC as part of your corporate tax filing for a fiscal year beginning after March 25, 2025.
  • Accurately declare all qualifying expenditures and supporting information as required.
  • Step 5: Retain Supporting DocumentsKeep detailed documentation and evidence of all expenses and activities claimed in case of audit or review by government authorities.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

  • The enhanced 30% tax credit rate applies to the first $1 million of eligible expenses, with a base rate of 20% for spending above this threshold.
  • The augmented rate is accessible regardless of the size or asset value of the business.
  • The credit applies to fiscal years beginning after March 25, 2025.
  • The exclusion threshold is either $50,000 or an amount calculated based on the number of employees involved in R&D or pre-commercialization, and applies before the tax credit is calculated.
  • Government assistance received by the applicant reduces the amount of eligible expenditures for the tax credit calculation.
  • Associated companies must share the $1 million limit for the enhanced 30% rate.
  • Sound documentation of eligible expenses and detailed identification of pre-commercialization activities are encouraged to maximize the benefit.
  • The Quebec government has committed $2.4 billion to the CRIC over five years, with a planned increase in annual budget allocation through 2030.

Apply to this program

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