Closed
CSM Network Program
Collaborative funding for critical minerals innovation
Last Update: April 9, 2026
Funding available
$ 2,000,000
Timeline
- Closing date : September 27, 2024
Location
Quebec, Canada
Overview
This program provides up to $2,000,000 in non-repayable funding for collaborative research and innovation projects in critical and strategic minerals. It supports technical and technological initiatives that benefit Quebec’s industry, research partners, and downstream users.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Conduct research and development activities
- Reduce environmental footprint
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 2,000,000 $
- Up to 70% of project cost
Timeline
- Closing date : September 27, 2024
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
- Manufacturing
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Educational services
Location
- Quebec
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Research
Target groups
- Rural / Remote communities
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Nonprofits / charities
- Academia / students
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Provincial
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Collaborative research and innovation projects in critical and strategic minerals
- Technical and technological projects addressing industry needs
- Projects linked to one or more Network research axes
- Projects benefiting Quebec’s industrial and research ecosystem
Documents Needed
- Letter of intent
- Application form
- Project summary with objectives and expected results
- Letters of commitment from all partners
- CVs and supporting letters
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- For-profit companies in Quebec’s mining and industrial sectors
- Quebec non-profit organizations active in research and development
- Quebec education and higher education institutions
- Public research institutions
Who is not eligible
- Ministries and budgetary organizations
- Companies listed in the Register of Enterprises Ineligible for Public Contracts (RENA)
- Applicants in default on prior Quebec government assistance obligations
- Insolvent or bankrupt entities
- Applicants that do not meet public integrity requirements
Eligible expenses
- Direct project salaries and benefits
- Student scholarships
- Materials and supplies
- Equipment purchase or rental, subject to program limits
- External services, travel, knowledge dissemination, and subcontracting
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Teacher salaries assigned to the project
- Loan repayments, capital losses, or capital replacement
- Routine operating costs not related to the project
- Recurring subscription or software update fees
- Land, building, commercialization plan, and technology showcase costs
Eligible geographic areas
- Quebec
Processing and Agreement
- The lead partner submits a letter of intent first.
- Selected applicants are invited to file the full funding application.
- Applications are reviewed by an independent selection committee.
- Projects scoring at least 70% may be funded if money is available.
- The CRITM board approves projects based on the committee’s recommendation.
Additional information
- Projects must be aligned with the Network’s research axes and priority issues.
- Intellectual property must be governed by a research agreement signed by all partners.
- A scientific dissemination plan is expected for project results.
- Partners with more than 100 employees may need an equal access program.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the CSM Network Program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the CSM Network Program. 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 CSM Network Program?
This program provides up to $2,000,000 in non-repayable funding for collaborative research and innovation projects in critical and strategic minerals. It supports technical and technological initiatives that benefit Quebec’s industry, research partners, and downstream users.
How much funding can be received?
CSM Network Program Funds up to 70% of admissible expenses, capped at $2,000,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the CSM Network Program program?
To be eligible for the CSM Network Program program, you must:
Operates in Quebec
Member of the Network and CRITM
Collaborative project with 5+ partners
What expenses are eligible under CSM Network Program?
Collaborative research and innovation projects in critical and strategic minerals
Technical and technological projects addressing industry needs
Projects linked to one or more Network research axes
Projects benefiting Quebec’s industrial and research ecosystem
Who can I contact for more information about the CSM Network Program?
You can contact Ministère des Ressources naturelles et des Forêts (MRNF) by email at jfstcyr@critm.ca or by phone at 418 446-7187.
Where is the CSM Network Program available?
The CSM Network Program program is available the province of Quebec.
Is the CSM Network Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
CSM Network Program is a Researchers And Facilities