How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 40% of admissible expenses, capped at $1500000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Who are the financial supporters of the Support Program for Research and Innovation Organisations (PSO)?

Support Program for Research and Innovation Organisations (PSO) is funded by PROMPT

Support Program for Research and Innovation Organisations (PSO)

Q: What are Support Program for Research and Innovation Organisations (PSO)'s eligibility criterias?

Must be a Quebec-based business (PME or large enterprise) Must partner with an eligible public research organization (university, CCTT, or public research center) Cannot be majority-owned by a government or listed on the RENA registry

Last Update: July 22, 2025

Québec, QC

Funds collaborative research with public partners in Quebec

Support Program for Research and Innovation Organisations (PSO) at a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $1,500,000
Up to 40% of project cost

Timeline

Unspecified

Financing Type

Partnering and Collaboration

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Information and cultural industries
Professional, scientific and technical services
Educational services
Health care and social assistance

Funds Providers

PROMPT

Program status

Archived

Overview of the Support Program for Research and Innovation Organisations (PSO) program

The grant provides a maximum funding amount of $1.5 million over three years to support research and development projects in innovation-driven technology sectors, fostering collaboration between businesses and academic or public research institutions. Eligible activities include R&D initiatives by Quebec-based SMEs and large enterprises, facilitated through partnerships with universities or public research centers.

Financing terms and conditions

Maximum financial assistance of $500,000 per project, per year, up to a total of $1.5 million over three years.
Funding can cover up to 40% of the total eligible project costs.
Total government funding combined may reach up to 80% of the total project cost with complementary funding from other partners.
Private contributions must account for at least 20% of the total project cost.
Management fees are set at 5% of eligible expenses, capped at $50,000 (divided into 3% from the industrial partner and 2% from MEIE).

Eligible projects & activities

Collaborative research and development projects between businesses and public research organizations.
Technological innovation initiatives involving universities, CCTT, or public research centres.
Projects aimed at advancing digital technologies and innovation in high-potential sectors.
Joint initiatives that strengthen synergies between academia and industry for applied research.

Eligibility criteria of the Support Program for Research and Innovation Organisations (PSO) program

The applicant must be a Quebec-based company or a recognized research and innovation organization (such as a university, CCTT, or public research center).
The applicant and any subcontractors must not be listed in the Register of Enterprises Not Eligible for Public Contracts (RENA).
The applicant must have met all previous government financial aid obligations from Quebec or Investissement Québec for at least two years.
The applicant must not be a state-owned enterprise or directly/indirectly controlled by a government entity.
The company must not be in bankruptcy, insolvency, or engaged in unethical practices or excluded business sectors as specified by the program.

Who is eligible?

Quebec-based small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with fewer than 250 employees involved in research & development or production
Quebec-based large enterprises with more than 249 employees involved in R&D or innovation
Universities
Colleges (CCTT)
Public research centers

Who is not eligible

Companies or organizations listed on the Registre des entreprises non admissibles aux contrats publics (RENA).
State-owned enterprises or companies controlled directly or indirectly by any level of government (municipal, provincial, or federal).
Businesses involved in the production or distribution of weapons.
Organizations whose main activity is related to fossil fuels (oil and thermal coal), except those focused on the transition to a low-carbon economy.
Companies involved in gambling, violent games, combat sports with living beings, sexual exploitation, tobacco or drug-related services (except certain cannabis/hemp activities), or whose main subject is protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (religion, politics, etc.).

Eligible geographic areas

Quebec

How to apply to the Support Program for Research and Innovation Organisations (PSO) program

Initial contact

Get in touch with a consultant by filling out the contact form on the PROMPT website.
Wait for the appropriate resource from the PROMPT team to contact you to discuss the details of your project.

Preparation of the request

Gather all necessary information and documents related to your project, including objectives, involved partners, and projected budget.
Ensure that your project meets the specified eligibility criteria, such as necessary private contributions and the presence of academic partners.

Submission of the request

Compile all required documents, including the duly completed application form and supporting documents.
Submit the entire file to PROMPT via the designated submission channels (online or by mail according to the instructions provided by the organization).

Submission Confirmation

Receive an acknowledgment confirming the receipt of your request by PROMPT.
Note the reference number of your request for further tracking.

Additional information

The program is managed by PROMPT, which facilitates connections between businesses and research experts.
The application period is open on a continuous basis, with no fixed deadlines.
Management fees are set at 5% of eligible expenses, with specific distributions between the industrial partner and MEIE, and a cap of $50,000 per project.
Both small and large enterprises, as well as eligible academic and public research partners, can participate in funded projects.

Apply to this program