Open Innovation Subsidy Program for start-up companies QC Canada

Open Innovation Subsidy Program for start-up companies

Montréal, QC, Canada
Empower start-ups to commercialize innovations addressing urban, ecological, and labor challenges in Montréal through partnerships with established organizations.

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
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
  • Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
  • Utilities
  • Retail trade
  • Transportation and warehousing
  • Health care and social assistance
  • Arts, entertainment and recreation
grant_single|grantors
  • City of Montreal (MTL)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open

grant_single_labels|preview

This financial support program is designed to facilitate the initiation of business relationships between innovative startups and established organizations in the metropolis of Montreal. The main goal of the program is to boost the commercialization of innovative solutions addressing key issues such as urban development, ecological transition, or labor shortages. These urban challenges encompass a wide range of areas, including economic, cultural, and social development, environmental management, improvements to transportation systems, and the revitalization of neglected zones. Through this collaboration, emerging companies not only receive technical and financial support but also benefit from an expanded business network. Meanwhile, partner organizations enjoy the agility and innovative capacity of startups, as well as privileged access to cutting-edge solutions.

grant_single_labels|projects

There are eligible projects for this grant. Companies can participate in projects aimed at addressing urban issues, ecological transition, or labor shortages. Eligible activities include:
  • Proving a concept or demonstrating feasibility through product tests
  • Validating technology
  • Offering pre-commercial demonstrations
  • Making initial sales
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$45,000

Montreal
Providing a feasibility study for a new bike-sharing system in Montreal.

$48,000

Montreal
Offering a pre-commercial demonstration of an innovative public transportation app in Montreal.

$40,000

Montreal
Developing a pilot project for smart waste management in urban areas of Montreal.

$50,000

Montreal
Creating a mobile app to help Montreal workers find jobs more efficiently.

$35,000

Montreal
Implementing a renewable energy solution for underserved neighborhoods in Montreal.

$45,000

Montreal
Launching a community garden initiative to promote urban agriculture in Montreal.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

The eligibility criteria for this grant program are as follows:
  • The start-up company must be located in one of Montréal's boroughs or neighbouring municipalities, be in the start-up phase or operating for fewer than five years, have a team of at least two full-time staff, and post annual sales equal to or lower than $2 million.
  • The partner organization must be established within the Montréal agglomeration, be a legal entity with more than 50 employees or independent workers, and be a non-profit corporation such as a cooperative or industrial cluster.
  • The project must focus on commercializing a new solution or product in specific activity sectors, and not have received a separate subsidy from the city.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

Start-up companies and social economy businesses in Montréal and its neighbouring municipalities are eligible for this grant. They must meet specific criteria related to their location, operational phase, annual sales, ownership structure, and industry sector.
  • Start-up company:
  • Head office or principal place of business in Montréal borough or neighbouring municipalities
  • In start-up phase or operational for fewer than five years
  • Annual sales equal to or lower than $2 million
  • Ownership structure requirements for joint-stock companies
  • Partner organization:
  • Established within the Montréal agglomeration
  • Legal entity with more than 50 employees or independent workers
  • Non-profit corporation such as a cooperative or industrial cluster

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

There are eligible expenses for this grant. Eligible expenses include:
  • Remuneration of temporary or permanent staff
  • Professional fees for legal assistance, research, accounting services, etc.
  • Purchase of equipment and supplies
  • Equipment rental fees
  • Licensing or certification fees

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

There are specific geographic areas specified for this grant.
  • The company’s head office or principal place of business must be located in one of Montréal’s borough or neighbouring municipalities.

grant_single_labels|criteria

There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The projects will be evaluated based on the growth potential of the start-up, the quality of the project collaboration between the start-up company and the partner organization, and the scope and financial benefits of the project.
  • Growth potential of the start-up and capacity to successfully complete the open innovation project
  • Quality of the project and of the collaboration between the start-up company and the partner organization
  • Scope and financial benefits of the project

grant_single_labels|register

Step 1:
  • Complete the application form in French.
  • Provide a board of directors' resolution or power of attorney document if applicable.
  • Submit the curriculum vitae of each management member.
  • Include financial statements or a report with earnings statement and bank statements.
Step 2:
  • Estimate the innovative product's sales potential in the target market.
  • Prepare a business plan or summarize the business model and commercialization strategy.
Step 3:
  • Submit the application and necessary documents.
  • Wait for confirmation of project eligibility and maximum subsidy within 30 working days.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

The grant is designed to stimulate the commercialization of innovative solutions in urban, ecological, or labor transition issues by providing financial and technical support to start-ups partnered with established organizations in Montréal.
  • The program requires an agreement with a partner organization that must contribute financially to the project.
  • The project must be implemented within a maximum period of twelve months.
  • The project should be in one of the specified sectors like biofood, entertainment, logistics, medical technologies, clean technologies, or commercial vitality.
  • The maximum subsidy amount is 50% of the project cost, up to $50,000.
  • The start-up retains ownership rights associated with product developments during the project.
  • Unusable expenses must be submitted with proof of payment, excluding receipts.
  • The first grant installment is 60% of the estimated subsidy, with the balance payable upon submission of accountability documents.

grant_single_labels|documents

Open Innovation Subsidy Program for start-up companies

Apply to this program