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Support Program for Research and Innovation Organisations (PSO) - Québec - QC - Canada

Support Program for Research and Innovation Organisations (PSO)

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
  • Continuous Intakes
Financing Type
Partnering and Collaboration
Eligible Industries
  • Manufacturing
  • Information and cultural industries
  • Professional, scientific and technical services
  • Educational services
  • Health care and social assistance
Grant Providers
  • PROMPT
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

1
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.
2
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.
3
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).
4
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

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