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?

Applicants must not be or use subcontractors listed in the Register of Enterprises Ineligible for Public Contracts (RENA). Applicants must comply with all obligations related to previous financial aid from the Government of Quebec or Investissement Québec for at least two years. Applicants must not be a state-owned company or controlled by any government entity at municipal, provincial, or federal levels, nor be a majority-owned subsidiary of such a company.

Last Update: January 24, 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

Open

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

This grant provides financial support for collaborative research and innovation projects, with specific funding limits and requirements to ensure the effective use of resources.

Maximum financial assistance of $500,000 per year, per project, for a duration of up to 3 years.
Financial assistance can cover up to 40% of the total project costs.
Cumulative government assistance can total up to 80% of the total project costs.
Private contributions must comprise at least 20% of the total project costs.

Eligible projects & activities

This program funds collaborative research projects to enhance the integration of industrial needs and academic expertise. Eligible projects focus on advancing technology and fostering innovation within Quebec.

Research and development projects by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) involving at least one Quebec-based SME with fewer than 250 employees partnered with a university, CCTT, or public research center.
Innovation projects by large enterprises with more than 249 employees, collaborating with a university, CCTT, or public research center in Quebec.

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

The eligibility criteria for companies applying for this grant are as follows:

Must be a Quebec-based company or a research and innovation organization (such as universities, CCTTs, or public research centers).
Must not utilize subcontractors listed in the Register of Ineligible Enterprises for Public Contracts (RENA).
Must have fulfilled all prior financial aid obligations from the Quebec government or Investissement Québec for at least two years.
Must not be a state enterprise or an enterprise controlled by a government (municipal, provincial, or federal).
Must not be bankrupt or insolvent.
Must not engage in activities that breach ethical standards or compromise the integrity of the Quebec government.
The company must not operate in certain excluded industries, such as:
Arms production or distribution.
Fossil fuel-related activities, except those aiming for a low-carbon economy transition.
Gambling, violent video games, or combat sports involving living species.
Sexual exploitation-related services (e.g., erotic bars, escort agencies).
Tobacco or drug-related products/services, except industrial hemp and cannabis.
Activities primarily related to protected areas under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (e.g., religion, politics).

Who is eligible?

Eligible organizations for the "Programme de Soutien aux Organismes de recherche et d’innovation (PSO)" include certain businesses and research organizations. These entities must align with specific eligibility conditions related to their operational status and domain of activity.

Quebec-based enterprises and research and innovation organizations, including universities, CCTTs (centres collégiaux de transfert de technologie), and public research centers.
Organizations not listed on the Register of businesses ineligible for public contracts (RENA).
Businesses that have fulfilled previous obligations for financial assistance from the Quebec government or Quebec Investment for at least two years.
Entities that are not state-owned or controlled by any governmental authorities, including municipal, provincial, or federal bodies.
Organizations that are not bankrupt or insolvent.
Entities demonstrating no ethical violations or engagement in services/products harmful to the government's integrity.
Entities not involved in specific business domains, such as weapon production, fossil fuel industries (except those transitioning to low-carbon economies), gambling, violent games, combat sports, and activities related to sexual exploitation, offensive products, or services.
Eligible projects must involve SMEs in Quebec or large enterprises meeting specific participation requirements.

Who is not eligible

This grant excludes certain companies and industries due to their status or main activity. The restrictions ensure alignment with ethical standards and strategic objectives.

Companies involved in the production or distribution of weapons.
Entities focused on fossil fuel activities, except for those transitioning to low-carbon solutions.
Businesses in sectors related to gambling and violent games.
Organizations involved in any form of exploitation or explicit content.
Companies dealing with tobacco, drugs, except for specific cannabis-related activities.
Any businesses whose main focus clashes with protected topics under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant targets companies located in Quebec, Canada, ensuring alignment with regional innovation and economic development objectives.

Companies must be based in Quebec, Canada.

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

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

The duration of funding is up to three years.
The program status is open continuously, allowing applications at any time.
Management fees are 5% of eligible expenses, capped at $50,000, with 3% from the industrial partner and 2% from the Ministère de l'Économie, de l'Innovation et de l'Énergie (MEIE).
Eligible projects can receive up to $500,000 per year, up to a maximum of $1.5 million over three years.
Funding can cover a maximum of 40% of the total project cost, with government funding potentially covering up to 80% with matching funds.
Private contributions must cover at least 20% of the project costs.

Apply to this program

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