NovaScience Program - Support for the position of innovation and commercialization manager
QC, Canada
The NovaScience program fosters organizational innovation and commercialization by creating strategic RIC positions to drive research, funding, and competitive growth.
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|closingDateOctober 15, 2024
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Manufacturing
- Professional, scientific and technical services
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Canada
- Gouvernement du Québec
- Ministère de l'économie, de l'innovation et de l'énergie du Québec (MEIE)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
The grant program, part of NovaScience's second component, aims to support organizations in creating a position for a Responsible for Innovation and Commercialization (RIC). Its purpose is to address needs related to funding and capital acquisition, commercialization, and managing innovative projects. Eligible activities include creating the RIC position, hiring for this role, and deploying initiatives in research, development, and innovation focused on commercialization, financing, and technology transfer.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant is specifically targeted at organizations established and operating legally within the geographical confines of Quebec, Canada. These eligibility requirements ensure that the funding supports the provincial economic ecosystem.
- Organizations must be registered and doing business in Quebec.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$75,000
Create a new RIC position to enhance tech transfer and commercialization at a fintech startup in Montreal.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
The eligibility criteria for this grant are defined by specific requirements regarding the applicant's organizational status, operations, and previous funding history.
- The applicant must be one of the following: a not-for-profit organization (OBNL), a social economy enterprise as defined in the Loi sur l'économie sociale (RLRQ, chapter E 1.1.1), or a for-profit organization (OBL).
- The organization must be legally constituted for at least five years under Quebec government laws.
- The applicant must be registered and established in Quebec, conducting business legally within the province.
- The organization must employ between 11 and 249 people.
- The applicant should not have received direct or indirect financial assistance from the Ministry in previous RIC project calls.
- The organization must not engage in business activities related to providing support or consulting services to organizations.
- The organization cannot be a hospital center or a college technology transfer center affiliated with educational institutions.
- The organization must not be recognized as an educational establishment by the Ministry of Education or the Ministry of Higher Education, nor be a school organization (school boards and school service centers).
- The organization must not be listed in the Registry of enterprises ineligible for public contracts (RENA), including subcontractors expected to undertake work within the project.
- Compliance with the francization process according to the Charter of the French Language (RLRQ, chapter C 11) is required if the organization has 50 employees or more in Quebec (25 employees or more starting June 1, 2025) for a minimum of six months.
- The organization must be free of outstanding obligations to the Ministry or Investissement Québec for prior financial aid in the last two years.
- The organization must not be a state corporation or controlled directly or indirectly by a government (municipal, provincial, or federal), or a majority state-owned municipal entity or organization.
- The organization must not be under protection of the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act (R.S.C. [1985], chapter C 36) or the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (R.S.C. [1985], chapter B-3).
- The organization must not exhibit any ethical behavior that may tarnish the image of integrity and probity of the Quebec government.
- Activities must not involve the production or distribution of weapons; fossil fuel activities except for low-carbon transition efforts; gambling, violent games, combat sports involving living beings, racing; sexual exploitation; dealings related to tobacco or drugs, except cannabis and industrial hemp; or any primary activity protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (religion, politics, rights advocacy, etc.).
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Eligible applicants for this grant include non-profit organizations, social economy enterprises as defined by the Social Economy Act in Quebec, and for-profit organizations. Applicants must meet several conditions:- Be legally constituted for at least five years under Quebec laws.- Be registered and conduct business legally in Quebec, employing between 11 and 249 people.- Not have received financial aid from the Ministry under previous RIC project calls.- Not be engaged in providing consulting or advisory services to organizations.- Not be a hospital center or a technology transfer center affiliated with educational institutions.- Not be recognized as educational establishments by the Quebec Ministry of Education or Higher Education.- Not be listed on the Register of companies ineligible for public contracts.- Conform to the French language charter if employing 50 or more people in Quebec.- Respect obligations related to previous financial aid from the Ministry or Investissement Québec in the past two years.- Not be a state-owned or government-controlled entity.- Not be under protection related to bankruptcy laws.- Avoid ethical issues that could damage the image of integrity of the Quebec government.- Avoid activities related to arms production, fossil fuel industries, gambling, or sectors protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant excludes certain companies and industries due to their status or main activity. The restrictions aim to ensure that funds are directed toward strategic sectors aligned with the grant's objectives.
- Organizations providing consulting or advisory services to other organizations.
- Hospitals and affiliated technology transfer centers.
- Educational institutions and school boards recognized by the relevant ministries.
- Entities registered in the RENA (Register of businesses ineligible for public contracts).
- Crown corporations and those directly or indirectly controlled by government entities.
- Companies under bankruptcy protection or insolvency laws.
- Businesses involved in the production or distribution of weapons.
- Organizations in fossil fuel industries, excluding those transitioning to low-carbon operations.
- Industries related to gambling, violent games, combat sports, or similar activities.
- Businesses involved in sexual exploitation or related services.
- Companies in the production, sale, or services related to tobacco or drugs, excluding cannabis and industrial hemp.
- Activities focused on themes protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, such as religion or politics.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
This grant aims to enhance innovation and commercialization capabilities within organizations through the creation of a strategic role. The eligible activities focus on establishing and carrying out responsibilities that align with innovation and business objectives.
- Creation of a permanent position for a Responsible for Innovation and Commercialization (RIC) within the organization.
- Deployment of research and innovation initiatives targeting commercialization, financing, management, and technology transfer.
- Adaptation and commercialization of research results for commercial applications.
- Development of new innovation activities, products, processes, or services, including social innovation.
- Registration or attempts at registration of intellectual properties.
- Development of new partnerships in research or investment.
- Expansion into new markets and acquiring new capital for organizational growth.
- Implementation of technology transfer initiatives.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The grant specifically covers expenses related to the salary of the individual hired for the position.
- The gross salary of the individual serving in the position as defined in the employment contract and justified by payroll documents.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria to ensure alignment with the grant’s objectives.
- The pertinence of the project.
- The quality of the proposal.
- Economic, social, or technological benefits resulting from the project.
- Assurances and guarantees of project realization.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Review Eligibility and Guidelines
- Ensure your organization meets all eligibility criteria provided in the guidelines.
- Familiarize yourself with the objectives of the grant program.
- Step 2: Prepare Application Materials
- Complete the application form with detailed information about your proposed project.
- Draft a comprehensive project description addressing the criteria for innovation and commercialization.
- Step 3: Submission of Application
- Submit the completed application form by the deadline, ensuring all fields are properly filled.
- Ensure that only one application per organization or affiliated entity is submitted.
- Step 4: Await Decision
- Wait for an official decision notification regarding your application after submission.
- Step 5: Recruitment and Follow-up (if applicable)
- If selected, proceed to recruit a suitable candidate for the RIC position.
- Submit all required documentation related to the employment contract by the specified deadline.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The aid takes the form of a non-repayable grant with a maximum amount of $75,000 per project for a duration of 12 months.
- The maximum aid rate is 50% of eligible expenses.
- The total government assistance cannot exceed 50% of eligible expenses.
- Organizations must complete an accountability form if financial assistance is received.
- A candidate must be recruited and justification documents submitted by January 20, 2025, at 11:59 PM.
grant_single_labels|contact
responsable.innovation@economie.gouv.qc.ca
1-866-680-1884
Apply to this program
Create a Strategic Innovation and Commercialization Position in Your Organization
This grant supports organizations in Quebec looking to establish a pivotal role in innovation and commercialization. Aimed at driving R&D and innovation, this funding program offers a unique opportunity to integrate strategic initiatives that enhance productivity and competitiveness.
Detailed Insights into the NovaScience Grant for Innovation & Commercialization
The NovaScience program, through its second component, presents an incredible opportunity for non-profit and for-profit organizations, as well as social economy businesses in Quebec, to reinforce their strategic innovation capabilities. Focusing exclusively on establishing a dedicated position for innovation and commercialization (RIC), this initiative addresses critical areas such as fundraising, project management, cultural inculcation of innovation, and commercialization efforts within enterprises. With financial backing, this program encourages participants to immerse innovation at the heart of their operations, fostering an environment where new ideas and technologies thrive.
Eligible organizations can leverage this grant to hire a full-time employee specifically tasked to spearhead innovative strategies that align with current and future strategic priorities. The RIC role is envisaged as an integral part of an organization's structure, playing a critical role in implementing projects, managing productive collaborations, and driving technological advancements. Qualified candidates for this position must possess substantial experience and education in innovation cycles, ensuring they're equipped to navigate and capitalize on emerging trends effectively.
The grant offers a maximum of $75,000, covering up to 50% of the eligible expenses, specifically the salary of the RIC. This financial support is instrumental in bridging resource gaps, allowing more focus on deploying sophisticated research and development (R&D) projects that aim for maximum impact. Recipients are expected to meet and exceed certain targets including the commercialization of research outputs, development of new products and processes, and registration of intellectual properties, which collectively enhance the organization's market standing.
Undoubtedly, this program aims to deliver substantial economic and social benefits throughout the province by scaling innovation capacity across various sectors. By catalyzing technological adoption and facilitating access to new markets and partnerships, the program is structured to create long-lasting impacts on organizational growth and competitive edge. Additionally, successful applicants must engage in ongoing dialogues regarding project progress, showcasing their achievements, and contributing to a broader narrative of innovation excellence in Quebec.
By offering a clear avenue for strategic development, the NovaScience grant is more than a financial aid package; it's a commitment to strengthening the province's innovation ecosystem and future-proofing businesses for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow. As organizations endeavor to meet these pre-set goals, they simultaneously engage in a transformative process, equipping themselves with the necessary tools to foster advancements and maintain a sustainable competitive advantage in their respective fields.
