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Innovation program — Call for First-time Adopter Projects - Quebec - Canada
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Innovation program — Call for First-time Adopter Projects

Funding for startups to develop technologies with first-time adopters
Investissement Québec (IQ)
Gouvernment of Québec
Ministère de l'économie, de l'innovation et de l'énergie du Québec (MEIE)
Last Update: March 18, 2026
Funding available
$ 75,000
Timeline
  • Open Date : April 4, 2026
  • Closing date : July 17, 2026
Location
Quebec, Canada

Overview

This grant supports collaboration between innovative startups and established first-time adopter companies to develop and commercialize new technologies. Funding can reach up to $75,000 per project, covering up to 60% of eligible expenses, with a maximum duration of 18 months. Eligible activities include research and development, technology adaptation, and demonstration in real-world settings.
/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
  • Conduct research or evaluation activities
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
  • Manufacturing
  • Information and cultural industries
  • Professional, scientific and technical services
Location
  • Quebec
Legal structures
  • Public or Parapublic institution
  • For-profit business
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 for the company
  • Research and development activities conducted in collaboration with the first-time adopter
  • Technology adaptation based on feedback from the first-time adopter during the project
  • Testing, validation, or demonstration of the product or process in real-world conditions

Documents Needed

  • Completed and signed financial assistance application form
  • Letter of commitment from the incubator or accelerator
  • Curriculum vitae of key project personnel
  • Financial statements for the last two fiscal years
  • Cash flow budget for the next two years

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Young innovative companies (startups) in pre-commercialization phase
  • Technology companies with less than 5 years of incorporation
  • First-time adopter companies (established companies not in pre-commercialization)
  • Companies seeking to partner with potential first buyers for 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
  • Professional fees for specialized services, including subcontracting
  • Travel and accommodation expenses according to government standards
  • Direct costs of materials and inventory
  • Direct costs of equipment (pro-rated based on project duration)
  • Equipment rental costs
  • Intellectual property protection strategy costs
  • External testing and certification costs
  • Management fees by the incubator or accelerator (maximum 5%)

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

  • Companies based in Quebec
  • Research and development activities conducted primarily from Quebec

Processing and Agreement

  • All applications undergo eligibility review followed by technico-scientific evaluation
  • Evaluation committee meets approximately one month after the submission deadline
  • Projects are recommended for funding if they score above 75%
  • The Ministry publishes the list of selected projects on its website
  • A financial assistance agreement must be signed with Investissement Québec before funding is disbursed

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

startups-innovation@economie.gouv.qc.ca

Frequently Asked Questions about the Innovation program — Call for First-time Adopter Projects Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Innovation program — Call for First-time Adopter Projects. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.

What is the Innovation program — Call for First-time Adopter Projects?

This grant supports collaboration between innovative startups and established first-time adopter companies to develop and commercialize new technologies. Funding can reach up to $75,000 per project, covering up to 60% of eligible expenses, with a maximum duration of 18 months. Eligible activities include research and development, technology adaptation, and demonstration in real-world settings.

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: Young innovative startup in pre-commercialization phase Headquartered in Quebec with R&D conducted primarily from Quebec Incorporated for less than 5 years Accompanied by an eligible incubator or accelerator

What expenses are eligible under Innovation program — Call for First-time Adopter Projects?

Development of a first product, process, or service for the company Research and development activities conducted in collaboration with the first-time adopter Technology adaptation based on feedback from the first-time adopter during the project Testing, validation, or demonstration of the product or process in real-world conditions

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.

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