CSM Network Program QC Canada

CSM Network Program

QC, Canada
Foster collaborative research and innovation in Quebec's critical and strategic mineral sectors, positioning the region as a global leader
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grant_single_labels|summary

grant_single|eligibleFinancing
  • grant_single|maxCount
  • grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
  • grant_single|openingDateJune 14, 2024
  • grant_single|closingDateSeptember 27, 2024
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
  • Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
  • Manufacturing
  • Other services (except public administration)
  • Public administration
grant_single|grantors
  • Metal Transformation Research and Innovation Consortium (MTRIC)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed

grant_single_labels|preview

The Program of the Scientific Research Network on Critical and Strategic Minerals (Réseau MCS) aims to foster collaborative research and innovation projects to advance knowledge and the value chains for critical and strategic minerals (CSM) in Quebec. Eligible activities include technical or technological research projects that address industry needs, involve at least five partners (including two companies and two research institutions), and focus on specific research axes such as ESG principles, exploration, extraction, recycling, and transformation.

grant_single_labels|projects

This grant supports research and innovation projects that address common problems in the development of critical and strategic mineral (MCS) sectors in Quebec. Eligible projects must demonstrate collaboration between research actors and end-users, providing mutual benefits and involving no less than five partners.
  • Research and innovation targeting resolution of industry-related issues.
  • Projects covering at least one value chain priority or Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principle.
  • Involvement of multiple partners, including at least two enterprises and two research institutions.
  • Activities focusing on developing new technologies or processes.
  • Efforts to facilitate integration and communication with local communities and regions.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$400,000

Montreal
Research project on cost-efficient recycling of strategic minerals

$620,000

Toronto
Innovative process for nickel hyperaccumulation in plant species developed

$420,000

Ottawa
Pilot project for sustainable graphite extraction

$600,000

Quebec City
Development of sustainable extraction techniques for lithium

$500,000

Calgary
Advanced research on the transformation of rare earth elements

$480,000

Vancouver
Integration of ESG principles in cobalt mining operations

grant_single_labels|admissibility

The eligibility criteria for this grant require organizations to be active in Quebec, with specific requirements for the type of organization and the collaborative nature of the project.
  • The organization must be active in Quebec and have an establishment there.
  • Must be a member of the Réseau MCS and the CRITM.
  • Eligible entities include:
  • For-profit businesses in Quebec's mining and industrial sectors.
  • Quebec non-profit organizations involved in research and development.
  • Institutions from the Quebec education network and higher education involved in research and innovation, or public research centers.
  • The project must involve a minimum of five partners, with at least:
  • Two businesses.
  • Two Quebec research institutions (university, CCTT, research OBNL, or other public research center).
  • Must address the research areas and value chain issues of the Réseau MCS.
  • Must demonstrate collaboration and partnerships between research actors and end-users.
  • Duration of the project must not exceed three years.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

Yes, there are eligible types of companies for this grant. Eligible companies must be active in the sectors of the mining industry and industrial transformation in Québec and be registered in the Quebec Enterprise Register.
  • For-profit companies in the mining and industrial sectors
  • Non-profit organizations (NPOs) involved in various research and development domains
  • Educational institutions and higher education establishments in Quebec
  • Public research institutions

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

Certain types of companies are not eligible for this grant. Here is a list of specific non-eligible companies:
  • Ministries or budgetary organizations.
  • Companies registered in the Register of enterprises ineligible for public contracts (RENA), including their subcontractors registered in the RENA.
  • Companies that have failed to meet obligations after being duly defaulted regarding a previous financial assistance from a Quebec government ministry or organization.
  • Insolvent or bankrupt companies, or those that have filed a proposal concordant or benefit from a law concerning bankruptcy or insolvency.
  • Companies that do not meet high standards of integrity expected from beneficiaries of public funds.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The grant covers a range of eligible expenses that are necessary, justifiable, and directly attributable to the realization of the project. These include salaries, equipment, materials, and more.
  • Salaries, treatments or benefits directly associated with the project
  • Scholarships for students
  • Material or supplies
  • Purchase or rental of equipment up to a maximum of 25% of the total eligible project expenses, with each equipment purchase value equal to or less than $25,000 before taxes
  • Management fees at a maximum rate of 5% (for organizations not benefiting from indirect project costs)
  • Management fees for intellectual property exploitation
  • Fees for external services
  • Travel and accommodation expenses within the current guidelines of the Quebec public service
  • Knowledge dissemination costs
  • Subcontracting costs for subcontractors not registered in the RENA
  • Indirect project costs, with a fixed rate of 27% for additional operating expenses necessary for project realization incurred by universities, colleges, and college technology transfer centers (CCTT), based on MRNF's contribution to five direct project cost items: salaries, treatments and benefits, student scholarships, materials, consumables and supplies, purchase or rental of equipment, travel and accommodation expenses.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

The eligible geographic zones for this grant are within the province of Quebec, Canada. Organizations and companies must be operational and have an establishment in Quebec.
  • Must be operational in Quebec
  • Must have an establishment in Quebec

grant_single_labels|criteria

Yes, the grant includes evaluation and selection criteria for the projects. These criteria focus on the project's pertinence, quality, and potential economic, social, and technological impacts.
  • Pertinence of the project (30%)
  • Adherence to the program's research axes and priorities
  • Alignment with the applicant's expertise and collaboration capabilities
  • Applicant's expertise in relevant minerals and their relevance to the project
  • Relevance of the project to the applicant's mission and business model
  • Quality and complementarity of project partners
  • Quality of the project (40%)
  • Clarity and realism of the project's plan, methodology, expected results, and timeline
  • Defined indicators and methods for tracking progress and outcome evaluation
  • Demonstration of the necessary human resources and their expertise
  • Quality and diversity of the involvement of companies or research organizations
  • Capacity of the project regarding training and succession
  • Reliability of the financial plan (source diversity, involvement of enterprises, etc.)
  • Scientific dissemination plan (publications, patents, etc.)
  • Identification of contingency strategies
  • Economic, social, and technological impacts (30%)
  • Long-term effects on the applicant's activities
  • Ability to generate synergy and involvement of stakeholders
  • Potential local, regional, and national economic impacts
  • Potential social impacts at local, regional, and national levels
  • Potential technological impacts at local, regional, and national levels

grant_single_labels|register

  • Step 1: Ensure Eligibility
  • Verify that your organization is a member of Réseau MCS and CRITM.
  • Ensure your organization is active in Quebec and has an establishment within the province.
  • Confirm your organization is one of the eligible types (e.g., for-profit enterprises, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, or research centers).
  • Step 2: Form a Collaborative Partnership
  • Identify and collaborate with at least five partners, including a minimum of two enterprises and two research institutions.
  • Step 3: Prepare a Letter of Intention
  • Title of the project.
  • Summary of the project (context, partners, MCS concerned, objectives, and expected results).
  • Positioning of the project in relation to the axes and priorities of the Réseau MCS.
  • Planned activities (methodology summary and anticipated deliverables).
  • Planned duration.
  • Description of the participation of associated organizations or companies (roles and preliminary responsibilities).
  • Estimated budget and financial aid request.
  • Anticipated outcomes for partners, stakeholders, and the MCS sector in Quebec.
  • Step 4: Submit the Letter of Intention
  • Submit between June 14 and July 12, 2024.
  • Step 5: Submit Full Application (If Selected)
  • Upon selection, complete and submit the detailed application by September 27, 2024.
  • Include a detailed description of the project, objectives, and methodology.
  • Provide a detailed budget, including expected contributions from all partners.
  • Include letters of commitment from all partners, detailing their contribution and role in the project.
  • Step 6: Await Evaluation
  • Your proposal will be evaluated by a committee of independent experts.
  • Projects scoring 70% or higher will be considered for funding, subject to available funds.
  • Step 7: Execute Project (If Funded)
  • If your project is approved, execute the project as per the agreed plan.
  • Ensure compliance with the reporting and auditing requirements.
  • Submit interim and final reports, including financial accounting and results achieved.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

This grant supports research and development projects related to critical and strategic minerals (CSM) in Quebec, aiming to foster collaboration between research entities and industry stakeholders to achieve significant economic, social, and technological advancements.
  • Valid dates for the first call for projects: Letters of Intent (LOI) from June 14 to July 12, 2024, and complete applications due by September 27, 2024.
  • Grant amount: Up to $2,000,000 with a maximum funding rate of 70% of eligible expenses.
  • Projects must involve a minimum of five partners, including at least two companies and two research institutions.
  • Duration: Projects can last up to three years.
  • Eligible applicants must be members of both the MCS Network and CRITM.
  • All participants in the project must commit to accessing the equality program if they have more than 100 employees and seek funding of $100,000 or more.
  • Ineligible entities include government ministries, budgetary agencies, bankrupt companies, and those listed on the RENA (Register of Ineligible Enterprises).
  • Non-eligible expenses include salaries of university teachers, recurring expenses, land acquisition, and structural expansions.

grant_single_labels|contact

jfstcyr@critm.ca
4184467187
Apply to this program