Collaborative R&D Grants in Quebec: Eligibility by Sector and Consortium

Collaborative R&D Grants in Quebec: Eligibility by Sector and Consortium

Quebec invests significant funding in collaborative R&D projects that reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Through the INNOV‑R initiative, businesses can access up to $500,000 per year in repayable funding when they work with research partners within an approved sector consortium. However, eligibility depends heavily on your sector and who leads the consortium.

This guide explains how collaborative R&D grants in Quebec work under INNOV‑R, with a clear focus on sector eligibility and consortium structures, so you can quickly see where your business fits.

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How INNOV‑R Collaborative R&D Grants Work in Quebec

INNOV‑R is a Quebec government–backed program delivered through sector‑specific research consortia. Each consortium manages its own call for projects, but the main rules are similar across programs.

INNOV‑R supports:

• Applied R&D projects
• Led by businesses
• Conducted in collaboration with academic institutions or public research centres
• Projects that result in measurable GHG emission reductions in Quebec

Funding is repayable—typically provided as a repayable contribution (sometimes called a repayable grant, depending on the consortium). Projects are usually approved for up to three years.

Note on terminology:

• InnovÉÉ, CRITM, and CRIBIQ refer to their funding as a repayable contribution.
• CRIAQ also uses the term repayable contribution.
• While some sources may use ‘repayable grant,’ the formal term in program guidelines is repayable contribution. This is not a loan, but you must repay the amount under agreed terms.

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Eligible Sectors and Consortia Under INNOV‑R

Eligibility depends first on whether your project fits within a recognized sector consortium. Below are the main INNOV‑R programs available to Quebec businesses.

INNOV‑R — InnovÉÉ (Electricity and Electrification)

Best for:
Businesses working in:

• Electricity systems
• Smart grids
• Transportation electrification
• Intelligent or electric vehicles

Key eligibility rules:

• Project must reduce GHG emissions
• Must involve at least one academic institution or public research centre
• Business participation is mandatory

Funding:

• Up to $500,000 per year
• Covers up to 50% of eligible project costs
• Repayable contribution

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INNOV‑R — CRITM (Metal Transformation)

Best for:
Manufacturers and SMEs in metal transformation.

Consortium structure:

• Project lead must be a business
• At least one SME or startup partner
• At least one research organization

Funding:

• Up to $500,000 per year
• Maximum 50% of project costs
• Repayable contribution

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INNOV‑R — CRIBIQ (Industrial Bioprocesses)

Best for:
Projects in:

• Agro‑food
• Industrial bioproducts
• Environmental industrial processes

Focus:

• Innovative industrial processes
• Clear contribution to Quebec’s GHG reduction targets

Funding:

• Up to $500,000 per year
• Maximum 50% of eligible expenses
• Repayable contribution

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INNOV‑R — CRIAQ (Aerospace)

Best for:
Aerospace R&D with significant emissions reduction impact.

Additional eligibility requirements:

• Minimum 100,000 tonnes of CO₂e reduced or avoided in Quebec within 10 years of commercialization
• Project must be submitted by a Quebec public research institute
• Must involve at least one Quebec‑based business or non‑profit

Funding:

• Up to $500,000 per year
• Maximum 40% of eligible costs
• Repayable contribution

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Consortium and Partner Requirements (Across All INNOV‑R Streams)

While sector rules differ, INNOV‑R programs share common collaboration requirements:

• ✅ Business involvement is mandatory
• ✅ At least one university or public research centre partner
• ✅ Projects must be collaborative, not single‑company R&D
• ✅ GHG reduction impact must be clearly quantified

Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter collaborative R&D grants by province, sector, and consortium type in seconds.

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Application Process for INNOV‑R Grants

Applying for INNOV‑R funding involves several key steps:

1. Identify the Right Consortium:
   Match your project’s sector and objectives with the appropriate consortium (InnovÉÉ, CRITM, CRIBIQ, or CRIAQ).

2. Build Your Consortium:
   Secure the required partners, including at least one academic or public research institution and relevant business partners.

3. Develop a Detailed Project Proposal:
   Clearly describe the R&D plan, expected GHG reductions, roles of each partner, and project timeline.

4. Submit Your Application:
   Each consortium has its own deadlines and submission process. Carefully follow their guidelines.

5. Review and Approval:
   The consortium reviews applications for eligibility, project quality, and GHG impact. Funding agreements outline the terms for the repayable contribution.

6. Project Execution and Reporting:
   If approved, carry out the project as proposed and submit regular progress and financial reports. Repayment terms are set out in your agreement.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Applying under the wrong consortium
   A strong project can be rejected if it does not align exactly with the consortium’s sector mandate.

2. Underestimating GHG reduction requirements
   Some programs, like CRIAQ, require quantified long‑term emissions impacts. General claims are not enough.

3. Weak partner roles
   Research partners must have clear R&D responsibilities, not just advisory roles.

4. Ignoring repayable contribution rules
   INNOV‑R funding is not a non‑repayable grant. Cash‑flow planning is important.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do startups qualify for INNOV‑R collaborative R&D grants?
Yes. Startups can participate, often as consortium partners, as long as the project lead and structure meet program rules.

Q: Is INNOV‑R funding considered a loan or a grant?
It is a repayable contribution (sometimes called a repayable grant). Repayment terms depend on the consortium and project agreement. It is not a traditional loan.

Q: Can INNOV‑R be stacked with other funding programs?
Stacking may be allowed, but total government assistance limits apply. Each consortium reviews this case by case.

Q: Are international partners allowed in the consortium?
The core partners must be Quebec‑based. Some programs allow additional partners, but Quebec impact remains the priority.

Q: How long can an INNOV‑R project run?
Most projects are approved for up to three years, depending on scope and consortium rules.

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Next Steps

If your business operates in Quebec and plans collaborative R&D, choosing the right consortium is as important as the project idea itself. GrantHub tracks hundreds of active R&D and innovation grants across Canada, including all INNOV‑R streams, so you can quickly see which consortium fits your sector and partnership model.

See also:

• How to stack grants and loans without violating funding rules
• What Business Expenses Are Eligible Across Canadian Grants and Loans?
• Impulsion PME vs Other Quebec Startup Funding Programs