Innovation in Quantum Technologies — Stream 1

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.

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.

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

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.