MTRIC — Start Program

Who is eligible?

The CRITM grant program AMORCE is specifically aimed at supporting startups and SMEs in Québec engaged in the metallurgical transformation sector. Eligible organizations must meet specific criteria related to their legal status, operations, and membership in CRITM.

• Startups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) legally constituted under federal or Québec laws.
• Organizations must have their headquarters in Québec and their workforce must primarily operate within the province.
• The organization should have 249 or fewer employees located in Québec.
• The enterprise must be a current member of CRITM to access the funding.
• Projects should align with eligible sectors such as metal extraction, primary production, various stages of metal transformation, production of finished products, and metal recycling.
• Projects must involve a direct partnership with recognized research institutions such as universities or specialized research centers.
• Eligible projects must focus on critical and strategic metals, including but not limited to steel, aluminum, nickel, titanium, magnesium, copper, zinc, and rare earth elements.
• Organizations not eligible for this grant are those controlled by government entities or under insolvency protection, and firms with significant government ownership.

Who is not eligible

This grant excludes certain companies from applying due to ownership and legal status restrictions to ensure the focus remains on eligible Québec startups or SMEs.

• Companies controlled directly or indirectly by a government, municipal entity, or state corporation.
• Companies registered as ineligible for public contracts.
• Businesses under protection pursuant to the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act or the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act.

Eligible expenses

This grant is focused on advancing research and development in the metallic transformation sector, specifically encouraging partnerships between startups or SMEs and research institutions. Eligible activities include a range of projects aimed at improving processes, developing new products, and reducing environmental impacts.

• Development of new or improved metal transformation processes, including automation and industry 4.0 applications.
• Creation of advanced metallic products, such as new alloys and lightweight structures.
• Projects focused on reducing ecological footprints, including the development of eco-responsible and energy-efficient processes.
• Innovations in digital technologies applied to the metal transformation industry, incorporating AI and quantum technologies.

Eligible geographic areas

The AMORCE program grant covers specific expenses related to research services provided by the institution.

• Salaries and benefits of personnel involved in the research project.
• Materials, consumables, and supplies required for the project.
• Equipment rental costs necessary for the research activities.
• Travel and accommodation expenses incurred for project purposes.
• Indirect research costs (FIR) for universities, colleges, and CCTTs.

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.