How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $150000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Who are the financial supporters of the Innovation in Quantum Technologies — Stream 1?

Innovation in Quantum Technologies — Stream 1 is funded by Ministère de l'économie, de l'innovation et de l'énergie du Québec (MEIE), Gouvernement du Québec

What are Innovation in Quantum Technologies — Stream 1's eligibility criterias?

The startup must be legally constituted according to federal or Quebec laws and registered with the Quebec Enterprise Register. The startup must be incorporated for five years or less. The startup must currently receive or plan to receive support from one of the specified incubators or accelerators.

Innovation in Quantum Technologies — Stream 1

Last Update: July 22, 2025

QC, Canada

Funding for startups for collaborative R&D projects in quantum technologies

Innovation in Quantum Technologies — Stream 1 at a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $150,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Timeline

Closing date : May 30, 2024

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Professional, scientific and technical services

Grant Providers

Ministère de l'économie, de l'innovation et de l'énergie du Québec (MEIE)
Gouvernement du Québec

Program status

Closed

Overview of the Innovation in Quantum Technologies — Stream 1 program

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.

Financing terms and conditions

This grant offers financial support to startups in quantum technologies through defined co-funding and expenditure modalities. The funding terms are structured to ensure effective utilization of resources for the advancement and commercialization of innovative technologies.

The government's contribution cannot exceed $150,000 per project with a maximum project duration of one year.
Funding covers up to 50% of total eligible project expenses.
Combined government aid from municipal, provincial, or federal sources cannot exceed 75% of the total eligible project expenses.
At least 25% of eligible expenses must be covered by private contributions.
Funding is contingent upon secured partnership financing and the proper progression of the project according to the financing agreement and annual budget plan.

Eligible projects & activities

This grant supports startups in the quantum technology sector to resolve issues related to their development and growth through research and innovation. Projects can focus on technological or organizational innovation.

Research and innovation projects addressing technological challenges inherent in the startup's product or service development.
Research and innovation projects aimed at organizational growth, including personnel and structural enhancement.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 110,000

Creating an educational platform for first responders and disaster management

$ 140,000

Developing an innovative water filtration system for remote communities

$ 100,000

Developing a mobile app to enhance mental health support services

$ 150,000

Developing AI-driven financial analysis tools for improved decision-making

$ 125,000

Implementing a sustainable waste management system using IoT technology

$ 100,000

Establishing a new organizational structure to support rapid business scaling

Eligibility criteria of the Innovation in Quantum Technologies — Stream 1 program

The eligibility criteria for this grant are specific to startups and SMEs involved in quantum technologies within Quebec.

The startup must be legally constituted under federal or Quebec laws and registered with the Quebec Enterprise Registrar.
The startup must have its headquarters in Quebec, with employees or subcontractors primarily working from Quebec.
The startup should not be majority-owned (50% or more) by existing enterprises or organizations.
The startup must have been incorporated for five years or less.
The startup must hold the intellectual property rights for its product, process, or service.
The startup must currently receive or plan to receive support from a designated incubator or accelerator (Centech, ACET, Entrepreneuriat Laval, or Quantino).
The startup should dedicate a significant portion of resources (50% or more) to the development of the enterprise, from concept and development to market entry.
For SMEs, they must have been legally constituted for more than five years, have 249 employees or less, and hold assets below 50 million dollars.
The SMEs must also be legally constituted under federal or Quebec laws, registered with the Quebec Enterprise Registrar, have their head office in Quebec, and have employees or subcontractors primarily working from Quebec.

Who is eligible?

This grant is designed for startups in the field of quantum technologies that currently receive or plan to receive support from one of four specified organizations. Eligible startups must meet certain conditions as outlined in the grant description.

Startups must be legally constituted according to federal or Quebec laws and registered in the Quebec enterprise register.
They must have their headquarters in Quebec and employ staff or contractors primarily based in Quebec.
They should not be more than 50% owned by existing businesses or organizations.
The startups should be incorporated for five years or less.
They must have the rights to use the intellectual property of their product, process, or service.
The startups must currently receive or plan to receive backing from a business incubator or accelerator.
They should dedicate a significant portion of their resources (50% or more) to company development from product, process, or service design through to market launch.

Who is not eligible

This grant opportunity excludes certain companies based on their ownership, financial status, or compliance history. Only companies meeting specific criteria are eligible to ensure the alignment of the projects with the grant's objectives.

Companies owned 50% or more by existing businesses or entities.
Companies controlled directly or indirectly by a government (provincial or federal), a municipal entity, or a majority-owned state enterprise.
Businesses under the protection of the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act or the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act.
Companies listed in the register of businesses ineligible for public contracts.
Companies that have defaulted on meeting their obligations related to prior financial aid from the Ministry in the past two years.

Eligible expenses

This grant is designed to support startups in addressing key development and growth challenges by leveraging research and innovation. Eligible projects include technological innovations that originate from the startup's core product or service, as well as organizational innovations targeting internal growth challenges.

Technological innovation projects related to the startup's core products or services.
Organizational innovation projects addressing growth challenges such as personnel or company structure.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is specifically available to companies that are legally incorporated and have their headquarters in Québec, Canada. The focus on this geographical area supports the local ecosystem for technological innovation and economic growth.

Companies headquartered in Québec, Canada.

Eligibility criteria of the Innovation in Quantum Technologies — Stream 1 program

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

How to apply to the Innovation in Quantum Technologies — Stream 1 program

Verification of eligibility criteria

Ensure that the startup has been incorporated for five years or less and is active in the field of quantum technologies.
Confirm the current or planned support from one of the organizations: Centech, ACET, Entrepreneuriat Laval, or Quantino.

Proof of accompaniment

Provide proof of support via an official letter signed by the incubator or accelerator, or demonstrate that the support procedures have already begun.

Project Preparation

Clearly identify the problem to be solved that requires research and innovation.
Define whether the project is technological or organizational.

Filling out the application form

Download the financial aid application form using version 10 or a later version of Adobe Reader software.
Complete all sections of the form.

Submission of the request

Send the electronic copy of the application file in PDF or Word format to the email address: quantique@economie.gouv.qc.ca.
Ensure that the submission is made before May 30, 2024, at 4 PM.

Additional information

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

The downloadable forms for application need to be accessed using Adobe Reader version 10 or later due to advanced features not supported by other PDF viewers.
Applications must be submitted electronically in PDF or Word format by the specified deadline, with no extensions granted.
The grant does not allow for more than a 50% reimbursement of eligible project expenses and total government aid must not exceed 75% of total eligible project expenses.