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.

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Eligible companies for this grant must be based in geographical areas as outlined by the CRITM's criteria. These locations primarily focus on ensuring operational presence within Quebec, Canada, encouraging local economic and industrial growth.

Companies legally constituted within Quebec under federal or provincial laws.
Organizations with their headquarters or primary operational workforce located in Quebec.
Entities registered at the Quebec Enterprise Registrar.
Projects associated with Quebec but involving secondary businesses outside Quebec.

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the implementation and success of the project.

Salaries, treatments, and social benefits for project personnel.
Scholarships to students involved in the research.
Materials, consumable products, and supplies necessary for the project.
Purchase or rental of equipment, capped at 25% of the total eligible expenses.
Management fees of the CRITM.
Intellectual property operating costs.
Professional fees for a minor portion of the overall budget.
Travel and accommodation expenses necessary for project execution.
Monetary compensations for project participation.
Knowledge dissemination costs.
Costs associated with subcontracting agreements.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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PSO SME

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jfstcyr@critm.ca

418 446-7187

Apply to this program

Funding Innovation in the Metal Transformation Sector

This grant from CRITM supports research and development projects between businesses and academic or research institutions in Quebec's metal transformation sector. It aims to enhance technological innovation, sustainable practices, and collaborative efforts to benefit the wider community.

Detailed Insights into the Grant Structure and Objectives

The Consortium de recherche et d’innovation en transformation métallique (CRITM) collaborates closely with the Quebec Ministry of Economy, Innovation, and Energy to offer this comprehensive grant program designed for stakeholders in the metal transformation sector. It provides financial support to companies engaging in research and development (R&D) projects that fall within key areas of innovation, such as process development, the creation of new advanced metallic products, reduction of environmental footprints, and fostering digital innovation.

One of the principal aims of this funding opportunity is to spur collaboration between the metal transformation industry and Quebec's research institutions, including universities and technology transfer centers (CCTT). This endeavor is driven by the need to build partnerships that can lead to technological advancements and economic gains for Quebec, particularly by supporting new methodological endeavours and cutting-edge research that align with CRITM’s strategic research axes.

The grant caters to projects that include diverse aspects of the metal lifecycle—from extraction and primary production to recycling. Key target areas include developing more efficient, environmentally friendly processes, increasing competitiveness, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Projects focusing on circular economy principles are particularly encouraged as they align with the ongoing global push towards sustainable industry practices.

Eligible recipients must be active members of CRITM and engage in a field related to metal transformation, with a specific focus on critical and strategic metals such as nickel, titanium, and aluminum. Canadian enterprises outside Quebec can also participate as secondary partners in collaborative projects, provided the main operational activities take place within Quebec, reinforcing the local economic landscape.

The grant scheme provides various financial structures based on the type of business involved, favoring small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with a funding model that encourages significant partnership contributions. This structure not only aids in addressing funding needs but also ensures a balanced investment from both industrial and public sectors. Enterprises are expected to show a financial commitment, leveraging additional funds to expand their research efforts significantly.

Each project undergoes a rigorous selection process considering criteria such as innovation potential, economic impact, and the capacity to execute and manage the project effectively. Successful initiatives are expected to result in tangible technological advancements and economic development, thus enhancing Quebec's position as a leader in metal transformation.

Overall, this grant is a strategic tool for reinforcing the sector’s innovation capacity, ensuring long-term competitiveness, and enabling transformative projects that can respond to the evolving challenges faced by the metal transformation industry. By participating in this grant program, companies and research institutions are positioned to make significant contributions to Quebec's industrial landscape while addressing both local economic needs and global environmental sustainability goals.