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Source verified August 11, 2026
Open Innovation Subsidy Program for start-up companies
Supports Montréal start-ups testing innovative solutions with partner organizations
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Funding available
$ 50,000
Deadline
Unspecified
Location
Montreal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
Who can apply
Start-up companies (including social economy businesses such as cooperatives and non-profit organizations) that meet the program’s criteria
See full eligibility
Overview
The Open Innovation Subsidy Program for start-up companies supports emerging businesses in Montréal with up to $50,000, covering 50% of project costs, to help commercialize innovations. It backs projects that test new solutions with a partner organization and address urban issues, ecological transition, or labour shortages.
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At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop a new product or service
- Optimize production processes
- Obtain certifications or accreditations
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 50,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Montreal
- Montréal
- Quebec
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Social economy enterprise
- Non-profit
- Non-financial cooperative
Annual revenue
- $ 2,000,000 maximum revenue
Organisation size
- 2 employees minimum
Audience
- Startups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Culture and Arts
- Research
- Environment
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Employment and Training
- Business Associations
Target groups
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Municipal
- Regional
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Test innovative solutions in a business context by partnering with established organizations.
- Commercialize a new solution or product by proving a concept or demonstrating feasibility through product tests and trials in a real context.
- Validate technology.
- Offer a pre-commercial demonstration or validate targeted markets, and make the first sales.
Documents Needed
- Completed application form
- Board of directors’ resolution authorizing the submission of the application, or document establishing power of attorney held by any person acting on its behalf, if applicable
- Curriculum vitae of each member of the management or their online link
- Financial statements from the last fiscal year, or if the company has no financial statements, a report and earnings statement prepared internally, along with bank account statements for the six month period preceding the date of your application
- Estimate of the innovative product’s sales potential in the target market over three financial years; business plan or any other document summarizing the business model and commercialization strategy
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Start-up companies (including social economy businesses such as cooperatives and non-profit organizations) that meet the program’s criteria
- Businesses in the biofood sector and organizations working on access to food
- Companies in entertainment and tourism
- Organizations in logistics and intelligent mobility
- Businesses developing medical technologies and community health solutions
- Companies in clean technologies and green energy, including energy optimization and circular economy
- Businesses contributing to the commercial vitality of neighbourhoods and residents’ quality of life
Eligible expenses
- Salaries and wages for temporary or permanent staff working on the project.
- Professional fees, including legal support, research by recognized institutions, accounting services, and services for software or data processing development.
- Purchase of equipment and supplies required for the project.
- Rental fees for equipment used in the project.
- Fees related to obtaining product licencing or certification.
Eligible geographic areas
- Start-up companies whose head office or principal place of business is located in one of Montréal’s boroughs.
- Start-up companies whose head office or principal place of business is located in neighbouring municipalities of Montréal.
- Partner organizations established within the Montréal agglomeration.
Selection criteria
- Growth potential of the start-up and its capacity to successfully complete the open innovation project.
- Quality of the project itself and the collaboration between the start-up and the partner organization.
- Scope and financial benefits (economic impact) expected from the project.
How to apply
- Complete the application form in French.
- Provide the required application documents.
Processing and Agreement
- Project eligibility and the maximum amount of the subsidy will be confirmed within 30 working days of receipt of the application.
- The first instalment must be equivalent to 60% of the maximum estimated amount of the subsidy.
- The balance of the subsidy is payable after receipt of the accountability documents.
- At the end of the project, the completed accountability form and supporting documents must be sent by email to entrepreneuriat@montreal.ca.
Contacts
Availability timeline
2026
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Open Innovation Subsidy Program for start-up companies Program
What is the Open Innovation Subsidy Program for start-up companies?
The Open Innovation Subsidy Program for start-up companies supports emerging businesses in Montréal with up to $50,000, covering 50% of project costs, to help commercialize innovations. It backs projects that test new solutions with a partner organization and address urban issues, ecological transition, or labour shortages.
How much funding can be received?
Open Innovation Subsidy Program for start-up companies Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $50,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Open Innovation Subsidy Program for start-up companies program?
To be eligible for the Open Innovation Subsidy Program for start-up companies program, you must:
Start-up located in a Montréal borough or neighbouring municipality, in operation less than 5 years, with at least two full-time team members and annual sales ≤ $2 million.
Share capital (if a joint-stock company) mainly held by Canadian citizens, permanent residents or CSQ holders, and not more than 50% owned by another legal person; social economy businesses (co-op or non-profit) also eligible.
Project carried out with a partner organization in the Montréal agglomeration that makes a minimum financial contribution.
What expenses are eligible under Open Innovation Subsidy Program for start-up companies?
Test innovative solutions in a business context by partnering with established organizations.
Commercialize a new solution or product by proving a concept or demonstrating feasibility through product tests and trials in a real context.
Validate technology.
Offer a pre-commercial demonstration or validate targeted markets, and make the first sales.
Who can I contact for more information about the Open Innovation Subsidy Program for start-up companies?
You can contact City of Montreal by email at entrepreneuriat@montreal.ca.
Where is the Open Innovation Subsidy Program for start-up companies available?
The Open Innovation Subsidy Program for start-up companies program is available Montréal, Quebec.
Is the Open Innovation Subsidy Program for start-up companies a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Open Innovation Subsidy Program for start-up companies is a Grant and Funding