Project support program for the Critical and Strategic Minerals Scientific Research Network QC Canada

Project support program for the Critical and Strategic Minerals Scientific Research Network

QC, Canada
Foster collaborative research and innovation in Quebec's critical and strategic mineral sectors, positioning the region as a global leader
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single_labels|preview
grant_single_labels|projects
grant_single_labels|admissibility
grant_single_labels|criteria
grant_single_labels|register
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
grant_single_labels|contact

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 is offered primarily to entities operating within specific geographical regions as stipulated by the program guidelines. The eligibility criteria emphasize the presence and activities within specified areas in Quebec.
  • Companies operating in Quebec, Canada.
  • Organizations with establishments located in Quebec.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$400,000

Research project on cost-efficient recycling of strategic minerals

$620,000

Innovative process for nickel hyperaccumulation in plant species developed

$420,000

Pilot project for sustainable graphite extraction

$600,000

Development of sustainable extraction techniques for lithium

$500,000

Advanced research on the transformation of rare earth elements

$480,000

Integration of ESG principles in cobalt mining operations

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligible organizations and companies must meet specific requirements to qualify for project funding under the Programme Réseau MCS.
  • The organization must be active in Quebec.
  • The organization must have a physical establishment in Quebec.
  • The organization must be a member of the Réseau MCS and the CRITM.
  • The applicant can be a for-profit enterprise operating in Quebec's mining and industrial sectors, registered with the Quebec business registrar.
  • Non-profit organizations (NPOs) operating in various research and development sectors in Quebec are eligible.
  • Eligible applicants include institutions within Quebec's education network and higher education involved in various research and innovation sectors, or a public research institution.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

This grant targets organizations and companies engaged in metallic transformation sectors related to critical and strategic minerals (MCS) in Quebec. Eligible entities must be active members of both the Réseau MCS and CRITM, and meet certain operational criteria.
  • Be based and operational in Quebec with an establishment within the province.
  • Be a regular member of both the Réseau MCS and CRITM.
  • Be a for-profit enterprise operating in Quebec's mining and industrial sectors, legally registered with Quebec's Enterprise Registrar.
  • Be a Quebec-based non-profit organization (NPO) participating in research and development sectors.
  • Be part of Quebec's educational and higher education network, involved in research and innovation sectors, or be a public research institution.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant explicitly outlines certain restrictions on eligibility for companies and industries. These restrictions are in place to maintain appropriate use of funds and align with specific program goals.
  • Ministries or government budgetary organizations.
  • Enterprises listed on the Register of Ineligible Enterprises for Government Contracts (RENA).
  • Companies that have previously failed to meet obligations for financial aid from Quebec government entities.
  • Businesses that are insolvent, bankrupt, or have filed for insolvency protection.
  • Entities not meeting integrity standards expected of public fund recipients.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

This grant program allows for the support of projects that align with the thematic and priority issues identified by the MCS Network. Supported projects must correspond with one or more of the research areas and address specific priorities related to the value chain of critical and strategic minerals (MCS).
  • Projects focused on the development of pre-competitive research to advance the extraction and processing sectors of MCS.
  • Research initiatives aimed at improving environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles within MCS operations in Quebec.
  • Projects involving collaboration between at least two businesses and two research institutions to innovate within the MCS value chain.
  • Solutions designed to share and develop expertise among MCS Network members, enhancing knowledge and technology in the field.
  • Research and innovation projects responding to collective industry needs, particularly in the areas of resource identification, processing technologies, and knowledge sharing.
  • Initiatives that contribute to the social acceptability and environmental impact reduction of MCS activities.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

The grant covers specific expenses essential and directly attributed to the successful completion of the project.
  • Personnel salaries, wages, and benefits directly associated with the project.
  • Scholarships for students participating in the project.
  • Materials or supplies needed for the project.
  • Purchase or rental of equipment, capped at 25% of total eligible project costs, with the purchase value of each equipment being $25,000 or less before taxes.
  • Management fees up to a maximum rate of 5% for organizations not receiving indirect project costs.
  • Management fees related to intellectual property exploitation.
  • Fees for external services.
  • Travel and subsistence expenses, adhering to the Quebec public sector's current rates.
  • Knowledge dissemination costs.
  • Subcontracting costs for contractors not registered in the RENA.
  • Fixed indirect project costs at a rate of 27% based on direct R&D project costs for universities, colleges, and CCTTs.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria with allocated point scores to ensure alignment with the grant’s objectives.
  • Pertinence of the project (30%)
    • Adéquation de la demande avec l’axe de recherche concerné, les priorités de recherche identifiées et les critères du Programme.
    • Adéquation du projet avec les besoins du projet, l’expertise et la collaboration démontrés par le requérant.
    • Expertise du requérant en MCS en lien avec le projet.
    • Pertinence du projet par rapport à la mission reconnue et au modèle d’affaires du requérant.
    • Qualité et complémentarité des partenaires affiliés au projet.
  • Qualité du projet (40%)
    • Description claire et réaliste du plan d’affaire du projet, de sa méthodologie, des résultats attendus et de l’échéancier.
    • Indicateurs et méthodes prévues pour suivre les progrès tout au long du projet et pour évaluer les résultats à la fin du projet.
    • Démonstration des ressources humaines nécessaires à la réalisation du projet, y compris de leur expertise.
    • Qualité et diversité de l’implication des entreprises ou d’organismes ou centres de recherche engagés dans le projet et leur capacité organisationnelle.
    • Capacité du projet en ce qui concerne la formation et la relève.
    • Qualité du montage financier (réalisme, diversité des sources de financement, financements complémentaires ciblés, implication financière des entreprises, etc.).
    • Plan de dissémination scientifique (ex. publications, brevets, etc.).
    • Identification des stratégies de contingence.
  • Retombées économiques, sociales et technologiques (30%)
    • Effets durables sur les activités du requérant.
    • Capacité du projet à susciter l’adhésion, la synergie et la participation du ou des milieux preneurs et des partenaires (démontrée dans les lettres d’appui).
    • Retombées économiques potentielles sur le plan local, régional et national.
    • Retombées sociales potentielles sur le plan local, régional et national.
    • Retombées technologiques potentielles sur le plan local, régional et national.

grant_single_labels|register

  • Step 1: Submit Letter of Intent
    • Prepare a 4-5 page letter of intent with all required information including project title, summary, alignment with research axes, and expected outcomes.
    • Ensure the letter of intent is submitted between June 14 and July 12, 2024.
  • Step 2: Prepare Full Application
    • Develop the complete project proposal utilizing the appropriate program forms.
    • Include a comprehensive description of project activities, budget, anticipated impacts, and partner contributions.
    • Ensure to incorporate all needed letters of commitment from participating partners.
  • Step 3: Submit Full Application
    • Submit the complete application by the deadline of September 27, 2024.
    • Ensure all documents are properly filled out and submitted according to guidelines.
  • Step 4: Follow Up and Review
    • After submission, wait for confirmation of receipt and any potential feedback from the CRITM.
    • Prepare for any further information requests from the selection committee.

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