NovaScience Program - Support for projects in scientific culture and innovation

The NovaScience Program provides non-repayable financial assistance designed to support project execution by covering eligible expenses directly related to the initiative. The funding structure is outlined based on the nature and objective alignment of the projects submitted.

• Non-repayable grant for a maximum duration of two years.
• For nonprofit organizations (OBNL), the maximum aid is 80% of eligible expenses, and for for-profit organizations (OBL), it is 50%.
• The total government aid must not exceed 80% of eligible expenses for OBNLs and 50% for OBLs.
• The maximum financial aid per project is $200,000 for themes like scientific and technological innovation, equity, diversity in STEM, AI initiatives, and life sciences.
• For events, the maximum aid is capped at $100,000, and for "Zoom on Innovation" projects, it is capped at $50,000.
• A maximum of three applications per enterprise or organization per call for projects is allowed.
• Beneficiaries must submit a financial report signed by a certified accountant at the project conclusion.
• Disbursements are divided into two parts: 75% upon signing the agreement and 25% after the final activity report and financial statement submission.

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and proposed activities.

• The applicant must be either a non-profit or for-profit organization with an establishment in Quebec.
• Eligible entities include collective enterprises (cooperatives), recognized educational institutions, school organizations, hospitals, and collegiate technology transfer centers.
• Municipalities, cities, regional county municipalities (MRC), and similar entities, including non-profit organizations constituted under the Cities and Towns Act, are also eligible.
• The applicant must not be, or use services of, subcontractors listed in the Register of Ineligible Enterprises for Public Contracts (RENA).
• All past financial assistance obligations from the Quebec government or Investissement Québec must have been respected for at least two years.
• State-owned enterprises or those controlled directly or indirectly by any government level (municipal, provincial, or federal) are ineligible.
• The applicant must not be in a state of bankruptcy or insolvency.
• The applicant must not engage in ethical breaches or provide products/services that could compromise the integrity or probity of the Quebec government.

Who is eligible?

Eligible applicants for this grant include non-profit organizations (NPOs) and for-profit organizations (PBOs) with an establishment in Quebec, collective enterprises (cooperatives) as per the Social Economy Act, recognized educational and school organizations, hospital centers and college technology transfer centers, municipalities, cities and regional county municipalities (RCMs), and similar organizations or NPOs constituted under the Cities and Towns Act. Applicants must not be or use services of subcontractors registered in the Register of Companies Ineligible for Public Contracts (RENA), must have fulfilled their obligations related to previous financial assistance from the Government of Quebec or Investissement Québec for at least two years, must not be a state-controlled company or directly or indirectly controlled by a municipal, provincial, or federal government, municipal entity, or business majorly owned by a state-controlled company, must not be in bankruptcy or insolvency, and must not be involved in any ethical misconduct or provide products or services that could harm the integrity or question the probity of the government of Quebec, even by association.

Who is not eligible

This grant excludes certain companies and industries due to their status or main activity, ensuring alignment with the grant's educational and scientific objectives.

• State-owned enterprises or those controlled by a municipal, provincial, or federal government.
• Entities in bankruptcy or insolvency situations.
• Companies engaged in the production or distribution of weapons.
• Businesses involved in fossil fuel exploration, production, and refining, except those transitioning to a low-carbon economy.
• Industries involved in gambling, violent games, combat sports involving living beings, or racing.
• Organizations engaged in sexual exploitation, such as erotic bars and escort agencies.
• Companies related to the production, sale, or service of tobacco or drugs, except regulated interventions regarding cannabis and industrial hemp.
• Activities primarily focused on religion, politics, or defense of rights as protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Eligible expenses

This program supports projects related to advancing scientific culture and innovation across multiple thematic areas. The eligible activities aim to promote scientific engagement, diversity, and collaboration in scientific endeavors.

• Projects focusing on scientific culture and innovation (CSI).
• Initiatives promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in sciences and technology.
• Organizing events that build bridges between society and the scientific community.
• Projects within the life sciences sector.
• Training initiatives in artificial intelligence.
• Activities under "Zoom on Innovation" for virtual or in-person visits related to scientific and innovative environments.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is available to companies and organizations located specifically within the geographical boundaries of Quebec. It is targeted to develop scientific culture and innovation throughout various regions of the province.

• Companies and organizations with an establishment in Quebec.
• Municipalities, cities, and regional county municipalities (MRC) within Quebec.
• Educational establishments and entities affiliated with recognized educational organizations in Quebec.

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria to ensure alignment with the grant’s objectives.

• Pertinence of the project.
• Quality of the project.
• Potential economic or social impacts.
• Guarantees of project completion.

The grant is available to organizations and entities in Quebec, aiming to promote scientific culture and encourage innovation. A variety of project themes are supported, and financial assistance is structured to accommodate different types of organizations with specific eligibility criteria.

• The submission deadline for this grant is June 3, 2024.
• Eligible applicants include registered non-profit organizations (NPOs), for-profit organizations (FPOs), collective enterprises such as cooperatives, recognized educational institutions, and municipalities.
• Projects must relate to themes like scientific culture, equity and diversity in science and technology, artificial intelligence training, or innovation visits.
• The grant provides financial aid covering up to 80% of eligible expenses for NPOs and up to 50% for FPOs.
• A maximum of three submissions is allowed per entity per project call date.
• The maximum funding for projects varies depending on the theme, with a limit of $200,000 for most thematic projects and $50,000 to $100,000 for others.
• The evaluation criteria include project relevance, quality, potential economic or social impact, and feasibility.
• Applicants must have a clicSÉQUR – Entreprises account and register with the Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Energy to apply.
• A grant recipient must complete a performance report as part of the accountability process.