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Source verified July 10, 2026
Strategic sectors
Supports collaborative innovation projects in Quebec strategic technology sectors
Latest source updateLast Update: July 10, 2026Latest change: The Strategic sectors page now shows tighter SME/startup eligibility, revised sector scope, and updated funding limits and aid rates.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: July 10, 2026
Latest change: The Strategic sectors page now shows tighter SME/startup eligibility, revised sector scope, and updated funding limits and aid rates.
Strategic sectors updated
The Strategic sectors page now presents more detailed eligibility rules for Quebec SMEs and startups, including Quebec establishment requirements and, for startups, support from a Quebec incubator or accelerator at the time of application. Funding terms were also updated: the maximum contribution is $1 million per project for a maximum duration of 20 months ending no later than December 31, 2027, with aid rates of 35% for SMEs or large companies and 50% for startups; certain expenses can qualify for 50% support, and the cumulative company-level cap is $1.5 million until March 31, 2027. The scope is now more clearly framed around quantum technologies, aerospace, digital technologies and microelectronics, and energy transition, with project stages running from planning through pre-commercialization and showcase.
Funding available
$ 1,000,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Quebec, Canada
Who can apply
Consortia of companies with collaborative research projects in quantum technologies involving at least two Quebec-based companies, including at least one SME or startup.
See full eligibility
Overview
This call for projects supports large-scale collaborative innovation projects in Quebec’s strategic sectors, offering up to $1,000,000 per project to help startups and SMEs develop and/or market innovative solutions. Eligible activities include planning, R&D, and pre-commercialization steps such as real-life demonstrations and technology showcases in quantum technologies, aerospace, digital technologies and microelectronics, or energy transition.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop a new product or service
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 1,000,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Quebec
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- 249 employees maximum
Audience
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Collaborative innovation projects to develop a new product, service, or process (or significantly improve an existing one) in quantum technologies, aerospace, digital technologies and microelectronics, or energy transition.
- Joint R&D projects carried out from planning through to pre-commercialization, including real-life demonstration and a technology showcase of the innovative solution.
- Collaborative projects to develop and/or market innovative solutions in the program’s strategic sectors.
Documents Needed
- Letter of intent.
- Any other required document.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Consortia of companies with collaborative research projects in quantum technologies involving at least two Quebec-based companies, including at least one SME or startup.
Eligible expenses
- Administration fees, up to 5% of eligible expenses.
- Expenses incurred by an eligible public research center if they represent at least 20% of the project’s eligible expenses.
- Expenses for access to the PINQ2, Calcul Québec and DistriQ quantum computing platforms.
Selection criteria
- Alignment of the project with the strategic focus areas of the innovation zones (quantum, information technologies and microelectronics, aerospace, energy transition), since these projects are prioritized.
- Formal support from an innovation zone (letter of support confirming the consistency of the project with the zone’s strategic orientations, research and innovation priorities, and its potential economic impact on the zone).
- Multipartner nature of the project (priority given to projects involving more than two companies).
How to apply
- Contact the RSRI of your research sector to obtain a letter of intent and any other required document.
- Submit, in a single electronic package, the mandatory documents, duly completed and signed, to the RSRI of your sector.
- For quantum technology projects, send the application electronically to PRIMA Québec or Prompt.
- RSRIs must submit project proposals to the government by April 1, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.
Additional information
- Priority is given to multi-partner collaborative projects (involving more than two companies).
- Support from an innovation zone is not mandatory, but projects aligned with the strategic axes of the identified innovation zones are given priority and require a letter of support from the zone.
- The call documentation available via the program guide contains the complete criteria and should be reviewed in addition to the summary information.
- The project is managed by the research center (fund management is handled by the research center).
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Strategic sectors Program
What is the Strategic sectors?
This call for projects supports large-scale collaborative innovation projects in Quebec’s strategic sectors, offering up to $1,000,000 per project to help startups and SMEs develop and/or market innovative solutions. Eligible activities include planning, R&D, and pre-commercialization steps such as real-life demonstrations and technology showcases in quantum technologies, aerospace, digital technologies and microelectronics, or energy transition.
How much funding can be received?
Strategic sectors Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $1,000,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Strategic sectors program?
To be eligible for the Strategic sectors program, you must:
Consortium of at least 2 Quebec companies, including at least 1 SME or startup.
SME/startup: legally constituted & registered in Quebec; head office in Quebec; ≤249 employees; assets <$50M.
Startup: pre-marketing with no significant sales; supported by a Quebec incubator/accelerator.
What expenses are eligible under Strategic sectors?
Collaborative innovation projects to develop a new product, service, or process (or significantly improve an existing one) in quantum technologies, aerospace, digital technologies and microelectronics, or energy transition.
Joint R&D projects carried out from planning through to pre-commercialization, including real-life demonstration and a technology showcase of the innovative solution.
Collaborative projects to develop and/or market innovative solutions in the program’s strategic sectors.
Who can I contact for more information about the Strategic sectors?
You can contact PROMPT by email at info@promptinnov.com or by phone at 5148750032.
Where is the Strategic sectors available?
The Strategic sectors program is available the province of Quebec.
Is the Strategic sectors a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Strategic sectors is a Grant and Funding