Innovation in Quantum Technologies — Stream 1
QC, Canada
Funding for startups for collaborative R&D projects in quantum technologies
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateJanuary 31, 2024
- grant_single|closingDateMay 30, 2024
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
grant_single|grantors
- Ministère de l'économie, de l'innovation et de l'énergie du Québec (MEIE)
- Gouvernement du Québec
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
Get a contribution of up to $150,000 to cover 50% of eligible expenses for the realization of a research and innovation project related to the development and growth of products or services at the origin of the creation of the startup.
grant_single_labels|projects
Eligible projects for this grant include those that require research and innovation to address an issue related to the growth and development of the startup. These can be technological innovation projects (related to the product or service that led to the startup’s creation) or organizational innovation projects (related to the growth of the enterprise itself – personnel, structure, etc.).
- Technological innovation project related to the product or service
- Organizational innovation project related to the growth of the enterprise
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$110,000
Toronto
Creating an educational platform for first responders and disaster management
$140,000
Calgary
Developing an innovative water filtration system for remote communities
$100,000
Vancouver
Developing a mobile app to enhance mental health support services
$150,000
Montréal
Developing AI-driven financial analysis tools for improved decision-making
$125,000
Ottawa
Implementing a sustainable waste management system using IoT technology
$100,000
Halifax
Establishing a new organizational structure to support rapid business scaling
grant_single_labels|admissibility
The eligibility criteria for this grant require that startups and SMEs in the field of quantum technologies meet certain conditions.
- Legally constituted according to federal or Quebec laws and registered with the Quebec Business Registry.
- Headquartered in Quebec with employees or subcontractors primarily working from Quebec.
- Not controlled directly or indirectly by another enterprise or organization.
- Incorporated for five years or less for startups; over five years for SMEs.
- For SMEs, must have 249 employees or less and assets under $50 million.
- Currently supported by an incubator or accelerator such as Centech, ACET, Entrepreneuriat Laval, or Quantino.
- Dedicated at least 50% of their resources to the development of their enterprise, product, process, or service.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Yes, the grant specifies eligible types of companies for innovation projects in quantum technologies. These companies must meet certain criteria to qualify for the grant.
- Legally constituted according to federal or Quebec laws and registered with the Quebec Enterprise Register
- Headquartered in Quebec with employees or subcontractors primarily working out of Quebec
- Not owned 50% or more by other existing companies or organizations
- Incorporated for five years or less (for startups)
- Possess the rights to use the intellectual property of their product, process, or service
- Receiving support from an incubator or accelerator (for startups)
- Devote at least 50% of resources to business development
- For PME (Small and Medium Enterprises): Incorporated for more than five years, with fewer than 249 employees, and assets under $50 million
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
Some types of companies are not eligible for this grant.
- A company controlled directly or indirectly by a government (provincial or federal), a municipal entity, or a company majority-owned by a state-owned enterprise.
- A company under protection of the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act or Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act.
- A company listed in the register of companies ineligible for public contracts.
- A company that has failed to meet their obligations after being properly notified in relation to a previous financial aid from the Ministry of Economy, Innovation, and Energy in the past two years.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Yes, there are eligible expenses for this grant outlined in the document.
- Research and Development costs.
- Innovation activities directly related to the growth and development of the startup.
- Expenses associated with technological innovation (product or service) or organizational innovation (growth issue of the company).
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The eligible geographical zone for this grant is Quebec, Canada. Companies must have their head office in Quebec and their employees or subcontractors must primarily work from Quebec.
- Must be legally constituted according to federal or Quebec laws and registered with the Registraire des entreprises du Québec.
- Must have their head office in Quebec.
- Employees or subcontractors must primarily work from Quebec.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection criteria for this grant include various aspects to gauge the eligibility and quality of the submitted projects. These criteria consider factors such as innovation potential, alignment with program objectives, and financial viability.
- Innovation potential of the project and its uniqueness in the quantum technologies sector
- Alignment with the goals of supporting technological innovation and economic development in Quebec
- Feasibility and clarity of project objectives and timelines
- Financial viability and sustainability of the startup
- Experience and expertise of the project team
- Proof of support or engagement from an incubator or accelerator
- Potential economic and social impacts of the project
- Contribution to the development and commercialization of quantum technologies
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Determine Eligibility
- Ensure that your startup meets the characteristics required (e.g., legal constitution, Quebec headquarters, under 5 years of incorporation, supported by an incubator or accelerator, etc.).
- Step 2: Obtain Proof of Support
- Acquire a letter of official support from one of the designated incubators or accelerators (Centech, ACET, Entrepreneuriat Laval, Quantino) or show that the support process has begun.
- Step 3: Prepare Project Proposal
- Detail your project's need for research and innovation to solve a relevant issue for your startup's development and growth, whether technological or organizational.
- Step 4: Complete Application Form
- Fill out the necessary forms using the latest version of Adobe Reader if required.
- Step 5: Assemble Supporting Documents
- Gather all required documents, including proof of incorporation, intellectual property rights, financial projections, and the official letter from the incubator or accelerator.
- Step 6: Submit Application
- Send the completed application in PDF or Word format to quantique@economie.gouv.qc.ca before the deadline (May 30, 2024, at 16:00).
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
There are some additional details about the grant application process and requirements.
- The documents and forms must be opened with Adobe Reader version 10 or later.
- If you encounter issues opening the PDF forms in your web browser, download and open them directly from your computer.
- Applicants must send the electronic copy of the application in PDF or Word format by email to quantique@economie.gouv.qc.ca before May 30, 2024, at 4:00 PM.
- The maximum contribution from the government of Quebec is $150,000 per project, with a maximum duration of one year and an aid rate not exceeding 50% of eligible expenses.
- The combined government aid cannot exceed 75% of the total expenses eligible for the project.
- Private contributions must cover at least 25% of eligible expenses.
- The commitment to disburse the awarded funds is conditional on secured financing from partners and the proper conduct of the project as per the funding agreement and annual budget established.
grant_single_labels|contact
quantique@economie.gouv.qc.ca
5148731767
Apply to this program
Quantum Technologies Innovation Grant
This grant aims to support startups in the quantum technology sector, providing financial aid up to $150,000 for projects that involve research and innovation for technological or organizational growth. Eligible startups must be less than five years old and supported by specific incubators or accelerators.
Comprehensive Guide to the Quantum Technologies Innovation Grant
In recent years, quantum technologies have emerged as a revolutionary field with enormous potential to transform various industries. Recognizing the critical importance of this sector, the Ministry of Economy, Innovation, and Energy has introduced the Quantum Technologies Innovation Grant. This grant is specifically designed to assist startups that are actively involved in the development and commercialization of quantum technologies. Below is a detailed overview of the grant, its objectives, eligibility criteria, and application procedures.
Grant Objectives
The primary objectives of the Quantum Technologies Innovation Grant are as follows:
- Fostering Innovation: To ensure the development and consolidation of efforts in innovation within the field of quantum technologies.
- Enhancing Technological Capacity: To strengthen the technological innovation capacity of companies, thereby facilitating the economic valorization and transfer of technology.
- Positioning Quebec as a Leader: To contribute to Quebec's positioning as a leader in the development of quantum technologies.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Quantum Technologies Innovation Grant, startups must fulfill the following criteria:
- Legal Constitution: The startup must be legally constituted under federal or Quebec laws and registered with the Quebec Enterprise Registrar.
- Location: The startup's headquarters must be in Quebec, and its employees or subcontractors must primarily work from Quebec.
- Ownership: The startup must not be more than 50% owned by other existing companies or organizations.
- Age: The startup must be incorporated for five years or less.
- Intellectual Property: The startup must possess the rights to use the intellectual property of their product, process, or service.
- Incubator or Accelerator Support: The startup must currently receive support from one of the designated incubators or accelerators (Centech, ACET, Entrepreneuriat Laval, or Quantino).
- Resource Allocation: The startup must allocate (or plan to allocate) a significant portion of its resources (at least 50%) towards developing the company, from the design and development stages to market introduction.
Admissible Projects
The grant supports projects that require research and innovation to address challenges related to the startup's development and growth. These projects can be categorized as:
- Technological Innovation: Projects involving the core product or service that led to the startup's creation.
- Organizational Innovation: Projects addressing growth challenges within the company's structure, personnel, or operations.
Funding Details
The Quantum Technologies Innovation Grant offers financial support with the following specifications:
- Maximum Amount: Up to $150,000 per project.
- Duration: Maximum duration of 1 year.
- Government Aid Rate: Up to 50% of eligible expenses for the project.
- Cumulative Aid Rate: Combined government assistance (municipal, provincial, and federal) cannot exceed 75% of the total eligible expenses.
- Private Contributions: Must account for at least 25% of the eligible expenses.
Application Process
Startups interested in applying for the Quantum Technologies Innovation Grant must follow these steps:
- Supporting Documentation: Provide proof of accompaniment by an incubator or accelerator (official letter signed by the incubator or accelerator), or demonstrate that the accompaniment process has been initiated at the time of application submission.
- Submission Deadline: Submit the application before May 30, 2024, at 4:00 PM.
- Submission Format: The application must be submitted electronically, in PDF or Word format, via email to quantique@economie.gouv.qc.ca.
Additional Information
The fields targeted by the Quantum Technologies Innovation Grant include, but are not limited to, the following domains:
- Quantum Computing: Development of quantum computers, quantum software, programming languages for quantum computers, quantum algorithms, quantum simulations, and essential support technologies for quantum computer development (e.g., microfabrication, refrigeration, photon manipulation).
- Quantum Communication: Quantum cryptography, quantum internet, quantum networks with applications in security, defense, storage, and information processing.
- Quantum Materials: Development or simulation of new materials with innovative quantum properties.
- Quantum Metrology and Detection: Development of innovative devices based on quantum principles, particularly quantum photonics, with applications in measuring and manipulating the quantum properties of matter or photons.
Commercialization and Application Areas
The projects proposed should contribute to the development and commercialization of:
- Components for quantum computers and quantum communication.
- Quantum technologies in sectors such as:
- Life Sciences: Quantum simulation tools for drug design, support or complement to artificial intelligence, development of innovative materials for medical applications.
- Sustainable Development: Use of quantum detectors for mineral deposit detection.
- Transport and Logistics: Design of new innovative materials for vehicles or aerospace, quantum simulation tools for optimization in logistics and supply chains, complementing artificial intelligence.
Important Considerations
Before applying, startups that have previously received funding under the Ministry's Innovation Program should contact quantique@economie.gouv.qc.ca to verify their project's eligibility.
The Ministry of Economy, Innovation, and Energy is committed to supporting the growth of the quantum technologies sector. By providing financial assistance and fostering an ecosystem of innovation, this grant aims to position Quebec as a leader in this transformative field. For further information and assistance, startups are encouraged to reach out to the Ministry's contact points as mentioned in the grant documentation.
