How much funding can be received?

Get a grant of up to $500,000 to cover up to 40% of eligible costs if your SME partners with a research centre on a project involving metal processing.

grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions

The PSO SME program offers tailored financing modalities to support projects in the metal transformation sector, ensuring effective use of resources to meet specific project needs. The funding structure is designed to maximize the impact on innovation and collaboration between SMEs and research institutions.

Non-repayable grants with specific conditions for projects involving small and medium enterprises (SME) and large enterprises (GE).
Maximum project duration of 36 months for both SME and GE projects.
For SME projects: a minimum of one SME and one research institution is required; funding up to 40% of eligible expenses in cash; industrial contribution must be at least 20% in cash.
For GE projects: a minimum of one GE and one research institution is required; funding up to 20% of eligible expenses in cash and in-kind; industrial contribution must be at least 40% of the project, with up to 50% in-kind.
The CRITM's maximum funding per project is $1,500,000, with a cap of $500,000 per year for both SMEs and GEs.
Additional financial contributions from public partners are included in the overall public funding cap, which is 80% for SMEs in cash and 60% for GEs in cash and in-kind.
Eligible expenses include direct project costs such as salaries, equipment, travel, and intellectual property management fees.
A management fee of 8.5% of the CRITM’s contribution is applied, shared between MEIE (40%) and the enterprises (60%).
CRITM also covers indirect research costs for universities and CCTTs, applying a fixed rate of 27% only on the expenses funded by CRITM.

grant_single_labels|projects

This grant facilitates various research and development activities in the metallic transformation sector. Eligible projects encompass technological advancements, ecological improvements, and digital innovations to enhance competitiveness and sustainability.

Development of new or improved metal transformation processes, including automation and Industry 4.0 applications.
Design of advanced metallic products through the creation of new alloys or enhancement of existing products.
Reduction of ecological footprint through the development of environmentally friendly processes and technologies.
Implementation of digital innovations, such as artificial intelligence and 3D printing, in the metallurgical industry.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$ 200,000

Innovation in 3D printing of metallic structures

$ 200,000

Development of powder metals for lightweight structures

$ 200,000

Development of an energy-efficient metal smelting process

$ 200,000

Automation of metalcasting processes using advanced robotics

$ 200,000

Reduction of pollutant emissions in metal processing

$ 200,000

Design and testing of a new aluminum alloy

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for funding under this grant program is contingent upon specific criteria pertaining to the applicant organization and the nature of the proposed project.

The organization must be a regular member of the CRITM.
The organization should operate within one of the sectors of metal transformation, such as Extraction and Concentration, Production, Primary Transformation, Secondary Transformation, Tertiary Transformation, Finished Products, or Metal Recycling.
Projects must be related to metals such as steel, aluminum, or other critical and strategic minerals identified by the Government of Quebec (e.g., nickel, titanium, magnesium, copper, zinc, rare earth elements).
Research projects must take place in Quebec, but projects that involve companies from outside Quebec as a secondary partner are also eligible.
All project partners must become members of CRITM for the duration of the project to receive funding.
The project needs to align with one or more CRITM research axes, such as new process development, conception of advanced metallic products, ecological footprint reduction, or digital innovation.
The funding request must be submitted by a recognized research institution using the designated forms.
Industrial partners are required to provide a letter of commitment indicating their contributions in cash and in-kind, as well as the anticipated benefits.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

All industrial and research partners must be regular members of CRITM, and project eligibility includes businesses in various metal transformation sectors such as extraction, concentration, primary production, and recycling of metals. Specifically, projects should involve metals like steel, aluminum, or those listed as critical and strategic minerals (nickel, titanium, magnesium, etc.). Additionally, projects that include non-metallic substances essential to metallurgical processes or identified as critical minerals are eligible. Projects performed in Quebec which involve a second business outside Quebec are also eligible. Furthermore, SMEs must be legally constituted under federal or Quebec laws, registered with the Quebec Enterprise Registrar, headquartered in Quebec, with employees or subcontractors primarily working from Quebec, have 249 or fewer global employees, contribute significantly to the project, and be in good standing as a CRITM member.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant excludes certain types of companies based on ownership, legal status, and financial standing. Specific restrictions are imposed to align with the strategic objectives of the grant program.

Companies controlled directly or indirectly by a government, municipal entity, or state-owned enterprise.
Companies declared ineligible for public contracts.
Companies under protection from creditors or undergoing bankruptcy proceedings.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The grant supports projects in the field of metal transformation, emphasizing technological advancement and ecological sustainability. Eligible activities should align with innovation, process improvement, ecological impact reduction, and the advancement of digital technologies in metal processing.

Development of new transformation processes and enhancement of existing ones including productivity and automation improvements.
Engineering of advanced metallic products such as new alloys and structural innovations.
Reduction of environmental footprint, focusing on pollutant emissions, energy recovery, and eco-friendly processes.
Advancement in digital innovation involving new technologies, production processes automation, AI, and 3D printing.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant targets businesses involved in the metallurgical transformation sector in Quebec, Canada. Eligibility is specifically limited to those with operations or partnerships within the province to align with regional economic development priorities.

Companies with a headquarters located in Quebec, Canada.
Enterprises whose employees or subcontractors primarily operate within Quebec.
Collaborative projects involving Quebec-based businesses and research institutions.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria, focusing on innovation, partnership capacities, and potential impacts on Quebec's economy and industry.

The degree of innovation of the proposed product/process: the project must demonstrate a clearly novel aspect compared to existing solutions.
The capacity of the partners to successfully complete the project, including the level of commitment and financial involvement of the companies involved.
The quality of the research team and the public-private partnership, emphasizing the level and complementarity of expertise.
The technological and commercial benefits anticipated for the partner companies.
The training of students and highly qualified personnel.
Other economic benefits for Quebec.

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:

Step 1: Become a Member
- Ensure all project partners become members of the CRITM for the duration of the project.
Step 2: Identify Research Axis
- Select one or more of the identified research axes that your project will address, such as transformation processes, product design, ecological impact reduction, or digital innovation.
Step 3: Gather Necessary Documents
- Collect required documents including project proposals, budgets, and partnership commitment letters.
- Include letters of commitment from industrial partners detailing cash and in-kind contributions.
- Ensure to have a copy of the Certificate of Francisation or proof of submission to the OQLF.
Step 4: Check Eligibility Criteria
- Verify eligibility criteria for your organization type, project activities, and research areas.
- Make sure your project aligns with CRITM's objectives for technology innovation and sustainable development.
Step 5: Use Official Forms
- Prepare your application using the official forms designated by the CRITM.
Step 6: Submit Proposal
- Ensure all forms and documents are complete and submit via the link provided by CRITM or contact via their provided email or physical address for submissions.
- Submit by the deadlines indicated for the specific call for projects.
Step 7: Confirmation and Monitoring
- Receive confirmation of submission and track the review process as indicated by CRITM.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

The CRITM requires submission of a detailed industrial partner commitment letter outlining their financial and in-kind contributions and anticipated benefits.
Management fees charged by CRITM are 8.5% of their contribution, with the cost shared by the MEIE and the participating companies.
The CRITM does not claim any intellectual property rights; however, an agreement must be signed by the partners regarding IP and research outcomes management.
Projects may involve foreign companies as a second participating entity, provided they collaborate with a Quebec-based primary company.
Detailed presentation of in-kind expenses is required, especially for projects led by large enterprises.