Support for innovation projects
QC, Canada
Funding for product and process innovations in Quebec
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateMarch 16, 2022
- grant_single|closingDateMarch 31, 2024
- grant_single|grantStatusClosed
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Manufacturing
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
grant_single|grantors
- Investissement Québec (IQ)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
Get up to $350,000 to cover 75% of the costs of project planning, R&D, technology validation and technological showcase activities relating to the development of innovative products or processes.
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
This grant provides financial assistance in the form of non-repayable contributions to support innovation projects, with variations based on collaboration and project type.
- Financial aid is provided as a non-repayable contribution, with maximum aid rates ranging from 30% to 50% of eligible expenses.
- The total government funding, including this grant, cannot exceed 50% to 75% of eligible project costs.
- The maximum funding per individual project varies from $100,000 to $350,000, depending on the nature of the project.
- Each business can receive up to a maximum of $500,000 under this program from March 16, 2022, to March 31, 2024.
- Social economy enterprises benefit from higher financial aid rates and government assistance, capped at 80% of eligible costs.
- Private contributions must cover at least 25% of eligible expenses, reducing to 20% for social economy enterprises.
- Government and private partnership financing cumulation rules apply, with disclosure requirements for any additional financial aid received for the project.
- Projects must be completed within five years, with a preference for timelines under three years.
- This financial support cannot be combined with other funding from the Ministry of the Economy and Innovation or Investissement Québec.
grant_single_labels|projects
The grant "Support for Innovation Projects" focuses on fostering the development of innovative products and processes. It aims to stimulate advancements that provide a competitive edge and contribute to the socio-economic progress of Quebec.
- Realization of preliminary studies and planning activities necessary for project execution.
- Validation of innovative concepts.
- Development or enhancement of new or existing products or processes including design and prototyping.
- Testing and validation of products or processes through prototypes and pilot tests.
- Creation and execution of commercialization plans and preparation for certifications.
- Demonstration of products or processes in real-world operational settings.
- Implementation of a technological showcase to demonstrate the product's practicality to potential clients.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 262,500
Technological showcase for a renewable energy storage system
$ 300,000
Innovative waste recycling system to reduce landfill use
$ 337,500
Development of a smart irrigation system to improve water efficiency in urban gardens
$ 350,000
Creating a new vaccine production process to improve public health
$ 337,500
Developing a prototype for a smart home energy management system
$ 225,000
Testing and validation of new biodegradable packaging materials
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and proposed activities.
- Applicants must be companies or groups of companies from any industry sector, legally constituted under Quebec or Canadian laws, with an operational establishment in Quebec.
- Social economy enterprises, as defined under the Social Economy Act (RLRQ, chapter E-1.1.1), are eligible.
- The applicant must have a Quebec-based operation dedicated to producing goods and services or engaging in internal research and development activities.
- The applicant must not be registered in the Register of companies ineligible for public contracts (RENA), nor can their subcontractors listed in RENA undertake project-related work.
- Applicants who, within two years of applying for financial aid, have failed to meet obligations after formal notice from the Ministry of Economy and Innovation or Investissement Québec regarding a previous aid grant, are ineligible.
- State-owned enterprises or companies controlled directly or indirectly by a government entity (municipal, provincial, or federal) or municipal entities are ineligible.
- Corporations under the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act (RSC [1985], c. C-36) or the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (RSC [1985], c. B-3) are ineligible.
- Holding companies are not eligible.
- Applicants must not engage in actions that could tarnish the reputation of the Quebec government.
- Businesses in certain fields are excluded: production or distribution of weapons, fossil fuel-related activities (unless transitioning to low carbon), gambling, violent games, sexually exploitative activities, tobacco or drug-related activities (excluding cannabis and industrial hemp projects), or activities focused on religion, politics, rights defense, etc.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The Support for Innovation Projects grant is suitable for legally constituted companies and groups of companies operating in various sectors, as well as social economy enterprises, all within the province of Quebec. These entities must have an establishment actively engaged in production or research and development within Quebec.
- Companies legally established under Quebec or Canadian laws with an operational base in Quebec.
- Social economy enterprises as defined by the Quebec Social Economy Act (RLRQ, chapter E-1.1.1).
- Entities not listed on the Register of companies ineligible for public contracts (RENA).
- Organizations that have not breached obligations related to previous financial support from the Ministry of Economy and Innovation or Investissement Québec within the last two years.
- Entities not under the protection of bankruptcy or insolvency laws.
- Businesses free from ethical issues damaging to the Quebec government's reputation.
- Companies not primarily involved in the production or distribution of arms, fossil fuel operations, gambling or violent games, sex trade, or tobacco-related activities, unless specified exceptions apply.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant excludes certain companies and industries due to their status or main activity. These restrictions are intended to support ethical businesses and exclude sectors not aligned with the grant's innovation objectives.
- Businesses listed on the Register of companies ineligible for public contracts (RENA).
- Entities that failed to meet obligations under previous financial aid from the Ministry of Economy and Innovation or Investissement Québec.
- State-owned enterprises or those controlled by any municipal, provincial, or federal government.
- Companies under protection of the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act or the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act.
- Holding companies.
- Entities with unethical behaviors that could tarnish the government's integrity.
- Industries involved in weapon production or distribution.
- Companies engaging in fossil fuel exploration or production, except for those transitioning to low-carbon activities.
- Businesses involved in gambling, violent games, or combat sports involving live beings.
- Enterprises engaged in sexual exploitation activities.
- Those primarily dealing with tobacco or drugs, unless related to cannabis or industrial hemp as specified.
- Entities involved primarily in activities protected under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (such as religion or political advocacy).
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
This grant supports a range of expenses deemed necessary and reasonable for the execution of innovation projects.
- Professional fees for specialized services, including expenses detailed in the service offer from an eligible public research centre.
- Subcontracting services.
- Direct labor costs, including social benefits and contributions to mandatory plans, along with project management fees.
- Travel and accommodation expenses related to project execution, including those for potential clients attending demonstrations.
- Direct material and inventory costs.
- Costs of equipment, calculated based on the project's duration relative to the equipment's useful life.
- Equipment rental fees.
- Acquisition costs of studies or other documentation.
- Animal facility and platform fees.
- Costs for developing a strategy for intellectual property protection, obtaining intellectual property protection, and acquiring intellectual property rights or licenses.
- Fees for obtaining certification necessary for commercialization.
- Participation costs in exhibitions and fairs to present the product or process and attract potential clients to the technological showcase.
- Project assembly and management fees by a non-profit organization, up to 7% of eligible costs.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant is available to companies that have an operational establishment in Quebec. The eligibility is focused on entities that are legally constituted under the laws of Quebec or Canada, with activities within the province.
- Companies legally established under Quebec or Canadian laws.
- Entities with operational activities within Quebec.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for the "Support for Innovation Projects" grant are based on specific criteria to ensure that they meet the program's objectives and contribute to the socio-economic growth of Quebec.
- The innovative nature of the project, including the distinct advantage of the product or process relative to existing market solutions.
- The potential market for the proposed product or process.
- The strength of intellectual property rights and strategy to maintain a competitive edge.
- Relevance of the project to the business model of the applicant.
- The financial and human resource capacity of the company to successfully execute the project.
- The quality and commitment of project partners involved.
- The quality and realism of the project's implementation plan.
- The level of risk and uncertainty associated with the project.
- Project financing structure, particularly the support from partners.
- Anticipated outcomes for the company and its sector.
- Potential socio-economic impact resulting from the project.
- The quality of the service proposal from consultants or public research centers involved, if applicable.
- Alignment with the expertise and mission of involved research centers and adherence to government priorities.
- Consideration of sustainable development elements within the project plan.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Review the Guide
- Read the "Guide de présentation des demandes" thoroughly to understand requirements and procedures.
- Step 2: Complete the Application Form
- Fill out the "Innovation Program, Component 1 - Support for Innovation Projects" financial aid application form.
- Ensure all sections are completed accurately and the form is signed by an authorized representative.
- Step 3: Gather Required Documents
- Collect all the necessary documents outlined in Section 7 of the presentation guide, including financial statements, project plans, and any collaborative agreements if applicable.
- Step 4: Submit the Application
- Submit the application and all supporting documents electronically to aidefinanciere@invest-quebec.com.
- Ensure submission is completed before incurring any project-related expenses.
- Step 5: Confirmation and Correspondence
- Wait for confirmation or correspondence from Investissement Québec regarding your application status.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The grant cannot be combined with financial support from another program within the Ministry of Economy and Innovation (MEI) or Investissement Québec (IQ).
- Private cash contributions must represent at least 25% of eligible expenditures, or 20% for social economy enterprises.
- Selected projects must start within a preferred timeline of less than three years, and overall project duration cannot exceed five years.
- All governmental financial aid, including loans and grants, must be accounted for at 100% of its value in the cumulative funding calculations.
- The grant entails regular assessment of funding availability and adherence to program standards for ongoing project evaluations.
grant_single_labels|contact
soutien.aidefinanciere@invest-quebec.com
