If your life sciences project in Quebec is stuck between early research and real-world drug development, the CQDM Quantum Leap program can help support projects that are between early research and drug development. The Quebec Consortium for Drug Discovery (CQDM) runs this program. It supports teamwork on research to develop new drug discovery tools and treatments. The program is open to projects with budgets from $500,000 to $1.5 million.
CQDM Quantum Leap supports applied research that helps the pharmaceutical industry develop better and faster drug discovery and development methods. The focus is on projects that can be used by industry, not basic science. Projects must show a clear path to being used by companies.
Key facts about the program:
Funding is provided as repayable financial support for up to 33% of eligible project costs. You repay the funding if your project makes money from commercialization.
To qualify for CQDM Quantum Leap, both the organization and the project must meet certain rules.
You may be eligible if you are:
Collaboration is required. Projects without an industry partner are unlikely to get funding.
Your project must:
Common eligible R&D areas include enabling technologies, data platforms, screening tools, and translational research assets.
CQDM Quantum Leap funding covers:
Because the contribution is partial, you must show how you will pay for the rest of the project. This can include private investment, partner contributions, or other public funding that does not overlap.
The application process usually follows these steps, though timelines may change for each call:
Define your project and confirm partners
Make sure your industry partner is on board and your R&D goals are clear.
Talk to CQDM early
CQDM encourages you to contact them before you submit. This helps check if your project is a good fit.
Submit a formal application
Your application should include a detailed work plan, budget, team structure, and how you plan to bring your results to market.
Scientific and industry review
Experts will review your project for innovation, feasibility, industry value, and impact.
Sign a funding agreement and start your project
You can use GrantHub’s eligibility matcher to see if CQDM Quantum Leap fits your business and how it compares to other Quebec life sciences programs.
Expenses must be tied directly to R&D activities, such as:
All expenses must be reasonable, well-documented, and spent during the approved project period.
Submitting basic research projects
Quantum Leap is not for early-stage academic research without a clear plan for industry use.
Weak industry involvement
Industry partners must be active in the project, not just offer letters of support.
Ignoring repayment conditions
Some applicants forget that funding is repayable if the project makes money.
Underestimating project size
Projects under $500,000 are rarely considered.
Q: Is CQDM Quantum Leap funding repayable?
Yes. The funding is repayable, but only if your project earns money from commercialization or licensing.
Q: Can SMEs apply without a biopharma partner?
No. Projects must include collaboration, usually with a large biopharmaceutical company.
Q: Can Quantum Leap funding be combined with SR&ED?
Often, yes. But stacking rules apply, and total public support must not go over allowed limits.
Q: How long can a Quantum Leap project last?
Projects must last at least one year and no more than three years, with rare exceptions.
Q: Is the program only for Quebec-based companies?
The program runs in Quebec. Applicants must be Canadian and do the work in Quebec.
GrantHub tracks many active grant programs across Canada — including CQDM and other Quebec life sciences funding — so you can compare which options match your business.
If CQDM Quantum Leap seems like a good fit, start by checking your project scope and partner involvement. Then, compare it with other Quebec and federal life sciences programs to build a full funding plan. GrantHub helps you do this in one place, with up-to-date eligibility details and program information you can trust.
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