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Innovation program — Call for First-time Adopter Projects
Support for Quebec startups and early adopters
Last Update: June 10, 2026
Funding available
$ 75,000
Timeline
- Open Date : April 4, 2026
- Closing date : July 17, 2026
Location
Quebec, Canada
Overview
The Primo-adopters call for projects provides up to $75,000 per company and up to 60% of eligible expenses. It supports Quebec startups working with early adopters to develop, test, validate, and demonstrate an initial technology, product, process, or service.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop a new product or service
- Conduct research and development activities
- Start a business
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 75,000 $
- Up to 60% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : April 4, 2026
- Closing date : July 17, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Quebec
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Development of a first product, process, or service
- Research and development with an early adopter
- Real-world testing, validation, or demonstration of the technology
Documents Needed
- Completed financial assistance application form
- Supporting documents prepared according to the guide
- Letter of commitment from the incubator or accelerator
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Young innovative startups in pre-commercialization
- Established first-adopter companies
- Companies seeking to collaborate on technology development
Who is not eligible
- Companies registered on the Register of Businesses Ineligible for Public Contracts (RENA)
- Companies that have defaulted on previous government financial assistance
- Portfolio or holding companies
- Companies in fossil fuel exploration, extraction, or refining
- Companies in gambling, violent games, or adult entertainment industries
Eligible expenses
- Salaries, wages and employee benefits
- Specialized professional fees, including subcontracting
- Travel and accommodation expenses
- Materials, inventory, equipment rental, and direct equipment costs
- Intellectual property protection, testing, verification, conformity, and certification costs
- Incubator or accelerator management fees
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Expenses incurred before the date of submission of the complete application
- Fees paid to the first-time adopter company
- Debt service, loan repayments, or capital replacement
- Operating expenses for regular business activities
- Intellectual property maintenance expenses
- Capital expenses, land acquisition, or real estate construction
- Transaction fees between related companies or partners
- Quebec sales taxes
- Mitacs internships
Eligible geographic areas
- Quebec
Selection criteria
- Scientific or technological quality of the project
- Collaboration and expertise for project delivery
- Project feasibility, milestones, and financing structure
- Scientific, technological, and social benefits
How to apply
1
Review the application guide
- Read the Application Guide (PDF) for the Primo-adopters call
- Confirm the call status and the applicable submission deadlines
2
Confirm eligibility
- Confirm the startup meets eligibility criteria (Québec-based, pre-commercialization, IP usage rights, founder commitment, etc.)
- Confirm the primo-adopter meets eligibility criteria (Québec-registered, not pre-commercialization, no shareholding or business/family overlap)
- Ensure there is no employment link between the startup and any partner or service provider involved in the project
3
Obtain incubator support
- Secure support from an eligible Québec incubator or accelerator
- Complete the incubator/accelerator commitment letter (DOCX) and obtain signature
4
Structure the R&D project
- Define the joint R&D project with the primo-adopter, including in-situ testing and real-world demonstration
- Build the work plan and timeline (e.g., Gantt chart) aligned with the project steps
5
Build the budget and funding
- Prepare the project budget and financial plan in line with eligible expenses
- Confirm funding rules: max $75,000, up to 60% of eligible costs, and primo-adopter cash contribution of at least 20%
6
Complete the application form
- Download the application form (PDF) and complete it using Adobe Reader (version 10+)
- Do not fill the form in a web browser and do not modify the PDF
7
Prepare required documents
- Gather required attachments as specified in the guide (e.g., incubator/accelerator support letter and primo-adopter commitment letter)
- Prepare the additional required documents listed in the guide (e.g., financial statements, cash budget, financial forecasts, Gantt chart, CVs if required)
8
Submit the application
- Submit the application either by email (single send) to startups-innovation@economie.gouv.qc.ca or via the online service (clicSÉQUR – Entreprises)
- Ensure the form and required documents are complete, signed, and submitted before the applicable deadline
9
Await review and follow-up
- Wait for the acknowledgement of receipt (sent within two business days after submission)
- Monitor follow-ups and be prepared to provide any additional documents requested for analysis
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed against the program’s evaluation criteria
- Selected projects are determined after the review process
- A funding agreement is required before financial assistance is paid
Additional information
- Projects must be completed within a maximum period of 18 months.
- The funding is conditional on the partner's financing and proper project execution.
- Companies must maintain their intellectual property in Quebec for five years following project completion.
- A final report on project implementation and objective achievement is required.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Innovation program — Call for First-time Adopter Projects Program
What is the Innovation program — Call for First-time Adopter Projects?
The Primo-adopters call for projects provides up to $75,000 per company and up to 60% of eligible expenses. It supports Quebec startups working with early adopters to develop, test, validate, and demonstrate an initial technology, product, process, or service.
How much funding can be received?
Innovation program — Call for First-time Adopter Projects Funds up to 60% of admissible expenses, capped at $75,000 per project.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program is July 17, 2026. Applicants must submit their complete application before this date to be considered for funding.
Who is eligible for the Innovation program — Call for First-time Adopter Projects program?
To be eligible for the Innovation program — Call for First-time Adopter Projects program, you must:
Startup in pre-commercialization
Headquartered in Quebec
Accompanied by an incubator or accelerator
What expenses are eligible under Innovation program — Call for First-time Adopter Projects?
Development of a first product, process, or service
Research and development with an early adopter
Real-world testing, validation, or demonstration of the technology
Who can I contact for more information about the Innovation program — Call for First-time Adopter Projects?
You can contact Investissement Québec (IQ) by email at startups-innovation@economie.gouv.qc.ca.
Where is the Innovation program — Call for First-time Adopter Projects available?
The Innovation program — Call for First-time Adopter Projects program is available the province of Quebec.