MTRIC — Start Program
QC, Canada
Advance metal transformation processes and products
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
Partnering and Collaboration
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Manufacturing
grant_single|grantors
- Metal Transformation Research and Innovation Consortium (MTRIC)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
The AMORCE program by CRITM aims to foster new collaborations between Quebec-based startups or SMEs and research institutions, advancing their products or processes in the metal transformation sector. Eligible activities include developing new transformation processes, creating advanced metallic products, reducing ecological footprints, and implementing digital innovations.
grant_single_labels|projects
Yes, there are projects and activities eligible for this grant. These include developing new manufacturing processes and creating advanced metallic products.
- New extraction and metal transformation processes
- Improving existing metal transformation processes
- Automation and Industry 4.0 technologies
- 3D printing and additive manufacturing
- Development of new alloys
- Improvement of product manufacturability and design
- Reduction of environmental footprint and GHG emissions
- Waste valorization and energy recovery
- Digital innovation, including AI and quantum technologies
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$10,000
Toronto
Development of a new alloy for lightweight automotive parts.
$10,000
Montreal
Automation of metal welding processes using Industry 4.0 technologies.
$10,000
Quebec City
Implementation of AI to optimize metal cutting processes.
$10,000
Vancouver
Research on new renewable energy metal recovery processes.
$10,000
Halifax
Development of eco-friendly metal finishing processes.
$10,000
Ottawa
Improving the design and manufacturability of aerospace components.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligible businesses for CRITM's AMORCE grant must be startups or SMEs focused on metallic transformation processes, legally constituted in Quebec, and meeting specific operational and membership requirements.
- Legally constituted according to federal or Quebec laws and registered with the Registraire des entreprises du Québec
- Headquartered in Quebec with employees or subcontractors primarily working from Quebec
- Having 249 employees or less in Quebec
- Active member of CRITM (membership can be free for startups upon request)
- Not controlled by a government, municipal entity, state corporation, nor under bankruptcy or insolvency protection
- Not being ineligible for public contracts
- Inform CRITM if 50% or more owned by other entities for eligibility validation
- Maintain a French website and potentially provide a francization certificate or proof of steps towards francization
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Yes, there are eligible types of companies for this grant. The eligible companies are Quebec-based startups and SMEs in the metallic transformation sector which meet specific criteria.
- Startups or SMEs legally constituted under federal or Quebec laws
- Companies registered with the Quebec Business Register
- Have their headquarters in Quebec with employees or subcontractors working primarily from Quebec
- Employ 249 employees or fewer in Quebec
- A member in good standing with CRITM (membership can be free for startups upon request)
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
The grant is not available to certain companies. Specifically, those that are directly or indirectly controlled by government entities, declared ineligible for public contracts, or under legal protection such as bankruptcy.
- Controlled directly or indirectly by a government, municipal entity, or state corporation
- Declared ineligible for public contracts
- Under legal protection such as the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act
- Owned 50% or more by other existing companies or organizations (must inform CRITM for eligibility validation)
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Yes, the eligible expenses for this grant include various categories related to the institution of research's service offerings.
- Salaries and benefits
- Material, consumables, and supplies
- Equipment rental fees
- Travel and accommodation expenses
- Indirect research costs (FIR)
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
Eligible companies for this grant must be legally constituted according to federal or Quebec laws and have their headquarters in Quebec. They must have employees or subcontractors who primarily work from Quebec.
- Must be legally constituted according to federal or Quebec laws.
- Headquarters must be in Quebec.
- Employees or subcontractors must primarily work from Quebec.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The grant evaluation and selection process involves a committee that assesses applications based on the relevance, potential impact, and quality of the research proposal, as well as the collaboration between partners.
- Relevance of the initiative
- Potential impacts of the initiative
- Quality of the research partner's service offer
- Quality of collaboration between the startup/SME and the research institution
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Ensure Eligibility
- Verify that the startup or SME is legally constituted according to federal or Quebec laws and registered with the Quebec Business Register.
- Ensure the company has its headquarters in Quebec, with employees or subcontractors primarily working from Quebec.
- Confirm that the company has 249 or fewer employees in Quebec.
- Ensure the company is a member in good standing of CRITM. Membership may be free for startups upon request.
- Step 2: Select a Research Partner
- Identify a suitable research institution (university, CCTT, or research center) to collaborate with on the project.
- Step 3: Prepare the Documents
- Work with the research partner to develop an offer of services, including mandate definition, methodology, implementation plan, cost breakdown, and other required details outlined in Annex A.
- Ensure all parties sign the offer of services document.
- Step 4: Submit the Application
- Fill out the funding application form provided by CRITM.
- Attach the signed offer of services from the research institution.
- Send the complete application to the CRITM program team for validation and quality assurance.
- Step 5: Wait for Evaluation
- The application will be evaluated by a neutral ad hoc committee based on the relevance of the initiative, potential outcomes, and the quality of the research partnership and collaboration.
- The process aims to be completed within 15 working days.
- Step 6: Receive Financing
- If approved, the startup or SME will receive up to 70% of the eligible expenses, with a maximum grant of $10,000 per project.
- A payment proof from the startup or SME to the research institution is required for the disbursement of funds.
- Step 7: Implement and Report
- Execute the project as per the approved plan with the research partner.
- Provide updates and documentation as required by CRITM to ensure compliance and successful project completion.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Various guidelines and requirements are outlined for the AMORCE program administered by CRITM.
- Submissions can be made at any time and are evaluated by an ad hoc committee.
- The program targets Quebec-based startups and SMEs with a technological maturity level of 1 to 6.
- Projects should focus on the transformation of metals like steel, aluminum, and other critical minerals.
- Eligible projects should have a maximum duration of 12 months and involve new collaborations.
- Funding will cover 70% of eligible expenses, with a maximum contribution of $10,000 per initiative.
- At least 20% of the project cost must be covered by the enterprise, and cumulative public funds should not exceed 80%.
- Startups or SMEs must be legally registered in Quebec and have their main operations there.
- A single active application per enterprise is allowed at a time, with preference given to first-time applicants.
- Intellectual property generated belongs to the project partners, not CRITM.
- A compliant French-language website may be required, along with proof of francization processes for companies with 50 or more employees.
- Various expenses are covered, including salaries, materials, equipment rentals, and travel costs.
grant_single_labels|contact
jfstcyr@critm.ca
Apply to this program
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AMORCE Research Collaboration Grant Overview
The AMORCE program by CRITM promotes new research collaborations between Québec startups or SMEs and research partners, covering up to 70% of eligible expenditures with a funding cap of $10,000 per project. This initiative aims to foster advancements in the metallic transformation sector, supporting projects within defined research axes.
Detailed Guide to the AMORCE Research Collaboration Grant
The AMORCE program is a research collaboration initiative offered by the Consortium de recherche et d’innovation en transformation métallique (CRITM). The main objective of this grant is to establish new synergistic collaborations between Quebec-based startups or small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and research institutions. By doing so, the program aims to propel innovative research and development (R&D) within the metallic transformation sector. Below is a comprehensive guide to understanding the various aspects of this program, from eligibility criteria to application processes and expected outcomes.
Objective and Goals
CRITM's AMORCE program focuses on several overarching goals:
- Generation of New Knowledge: To enrich the sector with innovative knowledge that benefits members, enterprises, and research institutions.
- Facilitation of Partnerships: To encourage partnerships between startups or SMEs and research institutions to advance their products or processes.
- Foundation Building for Larger R&D Projects: To lay groundwork for larger-scale research and development initiatives over time.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the AMORCE program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Business Status: The program is available to startups and SMEs involved in various sectors of metallic transformation, including extraction, concentration, primary and secondary production, recycling, and final product finishing. Startups are defined as innovative, high-growth potential companies that are in the early stages and have not yet made significant sales. SMEs should have no more than 249 employees.
- Legal Requirements: Eligible enterprises must be legally constituted under Quebec or federal laws and registered with the Registraire des entreprises du Québec. They must have their headquarters in Quebec, and their employees or subcontractors should primarily operate from Quebec.
- Membership: Applicants must be members in good standing with CRITM, though CRITM provides an option for startups to apply for free membership.
- Excluded Entities: Enterprises controlled by the government or those under protection of the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act are not eligible. Additionally, those with notable debt issues or currently ineligible for public contracts do not qualify.
Research Axes
Proposals must align with one or more of the following research axes defined by CRITM:
- Transformation Process Development: Innovations and improvements in metal transformation processes, including productivity, quality, automation, industry 4.0, and 3D printing.
- Advanced Metal Product Design: Developing new alloys, improving manufacturability, lightweight structures, product enhancements, and metallic powders.
- Ecological Footprint Reduction: Strategies to reduce pollutant emissions, valorize transformation by-products, recover energy, and create more eco-friendly processes.
- Digital Innovation: Adapting to new technologies, enhancing production processes, and incorporating automation, robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and quantum technologies.
Funding Details and Requirements
Below is a summary of the funding structure and requirements:
- Funding Rate: CRITM will fund up to 70% of eligible project expenses, with a maximum grant of $10,000 per project.
- Project Duration: The maximum timeframe for a project is 12 months.
- Partner Requirement: Each project must involve a minimum of two partners – a Quebec-based startup or SME and a research institution.
- New Collaborations: Eligible projects must represent new collaborations, not previously established partnerships.
- Funding Conditions: Cumulative government funding must not exceed 80% of the project's cash contributions, requiring at least a 20% cash contribution from the startup or SME.
- Project Limitations: Only one active application per company at a time is allowed, with preference given to first-time applicants.
- Language Requirements: Businesses must have a French-language website and may need to provide a certificate of francization or proof of ongoing efforts to comply with the Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF) standards.
Eligible Expenses
Allowable expenses under the AMORCE program typically include:
- Salaries and social benefits.
- Materials, consumables, and supplies.
- Equipment rental costs.
- Travel and accommodation expenses.
- Indirect research costs (FIR) associated with universities, colleges, and CCTTs.
The proposal must include a detailed offer of services from the chosen research institution, outlining the expected outcomes, methodology, implementation plan, cost distribution, and other necessary project details.
Application Process
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. The process includes submitting a completed application form, accompanied by the offer of services from the research institution, to CRITM's program team. This team will review the submissions for quality and compliance before passing them to an ad hoc evaluation committee. This committee uses a rigorous set of criteria to assess the proposal's relevance, potential impacts, and the quality of the research collaboration. The entire process, from submission to acceptance, is designed to be expedited, typically within 15 working days.
Intellectual Property
CRITM does not claim any intellectual property rights from the funded initiatives but requires an agreement between the partners outlining intellectual property management and the results of the research.
Contact Information
For additional information about the program, applicants can directly contact CRITM's program directors, Jean-François St-Cyr and Olivier Arnaud Sadoung Noubossié. Their contact details, as well as other relevant resources, are readily available for potential applicants who wish to seek further guidance or clarification.
In conclusion, the AMORCE program is a robust avenue to foster innovation and collaborative research in the metallic transformation sector. By providing significant financial support and emphasizing new partnerships, CRITM aims to stimulate technological advancements and contribute substantially to Quebec's economic and industrial landscape.
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