How much funding can be received?

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|projects

This grant targets organizations within the province of Quebec, emphasizing its socio-economic growth and alignment with regional objectives. Eligible applicants must be legally established within Quebec or Canada and operate a business or R&D facility in Quebec.

Companies located in Quebec.
Businesses legally constituted under the laws of Quebec or Canada.
Entities with operational facilities in Quebec for goods and services production or internal R&D activities.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$262,500

Calgary

Technological showcase for a renewable energy storage system

$350,000

Montreal

Creating a new vaccine production process to improve public health

$300,000

Vancouver

Innovative waste recycling system to reduce landfill use

$337,500

Ottawa

Developing a prototype for a smart home energy management system

$225,000

Halifax

Testing and validation of new biodegradable packaging materials

$337,500

Toronto

Development of a smart irrigation system to improve water efficiency in urban gardens

grant_single_labels|admissibility

The eligibility criteria for the grant "Programme Innovation Volet 1 : Soutien aux projets d’innovation" are outlined as follows:

The applicant must be an enterprise or a group of enterprises in any sector, legally established under the laws of Quebec or Canada, with an operational establishment in Quebec.
Social economy enterprises, as defined by the Act on Social Economy (RLRQ, chapter E-1.1.1), are eligible.
The enterprise must be operational in Quebec for the production of goods and services or internal R&D activities.
The enterprise should not be listed in the Register of companies not eligible for public contracts (RENA).
The enterprise must not have defaulted on any obligations in the past two years, after being duly put on notice by the Ministry of Economy and Innovation or Investissement Québec.
State-owned corporations or those controlled directly or indirectly by a government, municipal entity, or where a government holds the majority ownership, are not eligible.
Enterprises under the protection of laws on bankruptcy or insolvency are not eligible.
Holding companies are not eligible.
Enterprises that may damage the image of Quebec's government through ethical concerns are not eligible.
Enterprises operating in certain sectors such as arms production, fossil fuel production, gambling, certain violent sports, sexual exploitation, or related to protected subjects by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms are not eligible.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

This grant program is designed to support businesses in Québec that are legally constituted under the laws of Québec or Canada and have an active establishment in Québec. It is aimed at fostering innovation in various sectors to enhance economic competitiveness and development.

Enterprises or groups of enterprises from all sectors, legally constituted in accordance with the laws of Québec or Canada and operating in Québec.
Social economy enterprises as defined by the Loi sur l’économie sociale (RLRQ, chapter E-1.1.1).
Projects must not involve entities listed on the Register of enterprises ineligible for public contracts (RENA) or those with unresolved financial obligations to the ministry or Investissement Québec.
Applicants must not be state-owned or directly or indirectly government-controlled corporations.
Applicants should not be under the protection of the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act or the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act.
Portfolio corporations (holding companies) are ineligible.
Enterprises with unethical practices that could damage the integrity image of Québec government are excluded.
Projects related to arms production or distribution, fossil energy exploration, gambling, sexual exploitation, certain prohibited substances, or constitutionally sensitive subjects are not eligible.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

The 2PROGRAMME INNOVATION grant stipulates specific ineligibility criteria to ensure the funds support strategic innovation projects. Companies and industries that fall under certain categories due to their activities or legal status are excluded from applying.

Entities listed on the Registre des entreprises non admissibles aux contrats publics (RENA), including subcontractors.
Companies that failed to meet obligations related to previous financial aid from the Ministry of Economy and Innovation or Investissement Québec within the last two years.
State-owned enterprises or those controlled by any level of government or municipal entity.
Companies under protection from the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act or Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act.
Holding companies (portfolio management companies).
Entities engaged in unethical activities that could tarnish the image of the Quebec government.
Companies operating in the production or distribution of arms.
Industries involved in fossil fuel exploration, extraction, drilling, production, and refining, except those transitioning to low-carbon economies.
Businesses in gambling, violent gaming, or combat sports.
Companies engaged in sexual exploitation, such as erotic bars, escort agencies, or swinger clubs.
Entities related to tobacco or drug consumption services, excluding those involving cannabis or industrial hemp.
Activities primarily focused on matters protected under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, such as religion or politics.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The grant supports businesses in Québec with innovative projects across various stages, from research and development through to pre-commercialization. Eligible activities focus on planning, development, and testing to enhance competitiveness and innovation.

Preliminary activities and studies for project planning and execution, including market studies and technical assessments.
Validation of concepts for new products or processes.
Development or significant improvement of products or processes, including design and engineering.
Testing and validation of products or processes, including prototype and pilot tests.
Development of commercialization plans and strategies for intellectual property protection.
Demonstration of products or processes in real operational situations, crucial for reducing perceived risks by potential clients.
Establishment of a technology showcase, demonstrating product or process operations in real-world settings for potential client visits.
Planning for scale-up and final improvements post-demonstration.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

The eligible expenses for this grant include costs that are deemed reasonable and essential for the successful completion of the project.

Professional fees for specialized services, including those in the service proposal from an eligible public research center.
Subcontracting services.
Direct labor costs related to the project, including social benefits and mandatory contributions, as well as management fees.
Travel and accommodation expenses linked to the project, following government norms.
Direct costs of materials and inventory.
Direct costs of equipment, based on the project's duration compared to the equipment's useful life.
Equipment rental costs.
Acquisition costs for studies or other necessary documentation.
Animal and platform fees.
Costs for preparing and obtaining intellectual property protection and acquiring intellectual property rights or licenses.
Fees for obtaining necessary certifications or approvals for marketing the product.
Costs for participating in exhibitions or trade shows to attract potential clients to the technological showcase.
Project preparation and management fees, when submitted by a non-profit organization for a group of businesses, up to 7% of eligible expenses.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects under the "Volet 1 : Soutien aux projets d’innovation" are based on a set of criteria that focus on the project's innovation, market potential, and alignment with business and economic goals.

The novelty and innovative character of the project, including a significant advantage compared to existing solutions in the market.
The potential market impact of the product or process that is being developed or improved.
The robustness and strategy related to intellectual property, ensuring a competitive advantage is maintained.
The project's relevance to the business model of the applying company.
The capacity of the company to successfully execute the project, with respect to financial and human resources.
The quality of the partners involved in the project.
The realism and quality of the project implementation plan.
The level of risk and uncertainty linked to the project, alongside the strategies to mitigate these risks.
The financial structure and support from partners, highlighting the project's feasibility.
The potential benefits for the company and the economic sector it operates within.
The socio-economic impacts of the project.
The quality and relevancy of the service offer from any engaged consultants or collaborating research centers.
The alignment with the expertise of involved research centers and the company's business strategy, as well as the established priorities of Investissement Québec.
The inclusion of sustainable development aspects in the project plan.

grant_single_labels|register

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

Step 1: Review Application Guide
- Ensure you have read and understood the Guide de présentation des demandes thoroughly.
Step 2: Complete Application Form
- Fill out the "Programme Innovation, volet 1 Soutien aux projets d'innovation – Demande d’aide financière" form completely.
- Ensure the form is signed properly by an authorized signatory.
Step 3: Prepare Supporting Documents
- Gather all required documents as specified in Section 7 of the Guide.
- Compile financial statements for the last two years or projected financials for startups.
- Create a Gantt chart or timeline with project stages and budgets.
- Include any relevant partnership agreements or intellectual property documents, if applicable.
Step 4: Submit Application
- Email the completed application form and required documents to aidefinanciere@invest-quebec.com.
Step 5: Confirmation and Follow-up
- Await confirmation of receipt from Investissement Québec.
- Prepare for a potential follow-up request for additional information or clarification.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional miscellaneous details about the grant:

Applications must be submitted electronically to aidefinanciere@invest-quebec.com in French.
Projects must present an advantage determinative over existing market solutions.
Admittances include conformity to specific laws and non-affiliation with certain unethical activities.
The maximum project duration is five years.
Regular project reports and justifying documentation are required during the project's execution.
The financial support granted is non-repayable and varies between 30% and 50% of the eligible expenses.

grant_single_labels|contact

soutien.aidefinanciere@invest-quebec.com

Apply to this program

Empowering Innovation in Quebec's Economic Landscape

The 2Programme Innovation aims to catalyze economic development in Quebec by supporting innovation projects through financial aid. This program primarily targets small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to advance their innovation projects from conception to commercialization, fortifying their competitiveness in the global market.

Detailed Overview of the 2Programme Innovation Grant

Launched in collaboration with Investissement Québec and the Ministry of Economy and Innovation, the 2Programme Innovation provides a structured support system for businesses aiming to enhance their innovative capacities. Recognizing innovation as a key driver for economic and social development, the program offers tailored financial assistance to facilitate SMEs navigating through the risky pre-commercial stages of innovation. The program’s core ambition is to create a cohesive financial support network that extends from research and development phases to technological demonstration, thus ensuring a robust framework that supplements other governmental and private financial aids.

Under the Volet 1 of the program, the grant seeks to empower eligible businesses to innovate by developing new products or processes or by significantly improving existing ones. The eligibility extends to enterprises legally constituted in Quebec or Canada, specifically focusing on those with active operations in Quebec. Priority is given to projects demonstrating significant innovation with considerable potential market impact, technological or business risks, and a strong research and development component. These projects must not only align with the applicant company's business model but also present measurable socio-economic benefits for Quebec.

The grant offers a non-refundable financial aid ranging from 30% to 50% of eligible expenditures, with a maximum allocation of up to CAD 350,000 per project. This financial support helps alleviate the financial burden on SMEs, allowing them to focus on critical stages of innovation, including design, engineering, prototyping, market studies, and commercialization strategies. The program is especially advantageous for collaborative projects involving multiple enterprises or partnerships with public research centers, as these can attract higher funding intensities due to shared resources and collective expertise.

Investissement Québec ensures a rigorous appraisal of applications based on specific criteria, which include the innovative nature of the project, its market potential, intellectual property robustness, and the project's strategic fit with the company's goals. The appraisal also considers the quality and commitment of partners involved in the project, the financial and operational capabilities of the applicant, and the anticipated economic and technological outcomes for Quebec.

This grant not only fills a financial gap but also encourages enterprises to integrate sustainable innovation that can lead to competitive advantages, fostering long-term economic growth within Quebec. Hence, businesses interested in this program must carefully prepare their applications to highlight the innovative nature and strategic impact of their projects. By supporting such initiatives, the Quebec government demonstrates its commitment to transforming the province into a leader in innovation and sustainable economic development.

Overall, the 2Programme Innovation offers a vital opportunity for Quebec-based businesses to accelerate their innovation journey, reduce the financial risks associated with new developments, and contribute significantly to the province's economic prosperity.