INNOV‑R Quebec Program: How to Apply Through CRIAQ, CRIBIQ, PRIMA, InnovÉÉ & More

INNOV‑R Quebec Program: How to Apply Through CRIAQ, CRIBIQ, PRIMA, InnovÉÉ & More

If your Quebec business is working on an R&D project to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the INNOV‑R Quebec Program could cover a large share of your costs. INNOV‑R is not a single grant. It is a provincial funding envelope delivered through sector‑specific innovation consortia like CRIAQ, CRIBIQ, PRIMA, CRITM, and CQRDA. Each stream has its own rules, partners, and application process. All streams support collaborative, low‑carbon innovation in Quebec.

INNOV‑R funding comes from the Government of Quebec. It targets projects that can reduce or avoid at least 100,000 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent within 10 years of commercialization.

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How the INNOV‑R Program Works in Quebec

INNOV‑R supports collaborative R&D projects between businesses and research organizations. You do not apply directly to the province. Instead, you apply through the consortium that matches your sector.

Here is how the main INNOV‑R delivery organizations differ.

INNOV‑R — CRIAQ (Aerospace)

Best for: Aerospace and advanced air mobility projects
Lead applicant: Public research institution (university, CCTT, or public research centre)

• Funding of up to $500,000 per year for up to three years
• Covers up to 40% of eligible project costs
• Funding is repayable
• Requires at least one Quebec‑based company partner
• Project must show ≥100,000 tonnes of GHG reduction within 10 years

This stream is common when universities lead applied aerospace research and businesses act as commercialization partners.

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INNOV‑R — CRIBIQ (Industrial Bioprocesses)

Best for: Agri‑food, industrial bioproducts, environmental technologies

• Funding of up to $500,000 per year for up to three years
• Covers up to 50% of eligible costs
• Funding is repayable
• Mandatory collaboration with an academic or public research centre
• Focus on industrial process innovation with GHG impact

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INNOV‑R — PRIMA (Advanced Materials & Clean Tech)

Best for: Advanced materials, clean technologies, manufacturing innovation
Lead applicant: Quebec‑based SME

• Up to $450,000 total funding
• Covers up to 50% of eligible project costs
• Public funding can be stacked up to 90%
• Requires collaboration with another Quebec company or eligible partner
• Must demonstrate 100,000 tonnes of CO₂ reduction or avoidance over 10 years

Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you quickly see whether PRIMA or another INNOV‑R stream fits your industry and project structure.

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INNOV‑R — CRITM (Metal Transformation)

Best for: Metal processing, steel, aluminum transformation

• Up to $500,000 per year
• Covers up to 50% of eligible costs
• Funding is repayable
• Requires at least:
  • One enterprise lead
  • One SME or startup
  • One research organization

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INNOV‑R — CQRDA (Aluminum)

Best for: Aluminum R&D and transformation

• Up to $1.5 million total funding
• Covers up to 50% of eligible costs
• Funding is repayable
• SME must have production or R&D activities in Quebec
• Strong focus on commercialization and growth potential

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Step‑by‑Step: How to Apply for INNOV‑R Funding

While each consortium has its own forms, the process usually follows these steps:

1. Choose the right consortium
   Match your sector and technology to CRIAQ, CRIBIQ, PRIMA, CRITM, or CQRDA.

2. Build your collaboration early
   Most INNOV‑R streams require:

   • At least one Quebec‑based SME
   • At least one research institution or knowledge user

3. Validate your GHG reduction model
   You must show credible data supporting 100,000 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent reduced or avoided within 10 years.

4. Submit a pre‑project or expression of interest
   Many consortia review eligibility before inviting a full application.

5. Prepare the full technical and financial application
   This includes:

   • R&D work plan
   • Commercialization pathway
   • Partner agreements
   • Budget and funding stack

6. Consortium review and provincial approval
   Approved projects move to funding agreements and reporting milestones.

Checking current deadlines and eligibility with a tool like GrantHub can save you time before you start the application process.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Choosing the wrong consortium
  A strong project can still be rejected if it does not match the consortium’s sector focus.

• Weak GHG impact justification
  Estimates must be realistic and defensible, not marketing numbers.

• Applying without confirmed partners
  Letters of commitment are often mandatory at submission.

• Assuming funding is non‑repayable
  Most INNOV‑R streams are repayable contributions, not grants.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is INNOV‑R funding a grant or a loan?
Most INNOV‑R streams provide repayable contributions, meaning repayment is required under defined conditions.

Q: Can startups apply for INNOV‑R?
Yes, if they are Quebec‑based and part of a collaborative project. Some streams require an SME lead or enterprise partner.

Q: Can INNOV‑R be combined with other funding?
Yes. Public funding can often be stacked, sometimes up to 90% of project costs, depending on the stream.

Q: Are INNOV‑R funds taxable?
Yes. INNOV‑R funding is generally taxable and may reduce eligible SR&ED expenses.

Q: How long does approval take?
Timelines vary by consortium. Multi‑partner projects often take several months from initial contact to final approval.

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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

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Next Steps

INNOV‑R can support large or complex R&D projects. Your partners, sector, and GHG impact must match the right stream for your application to succeed. GrantHub tracks active INNOV‑R programs and other Quebec innovation funding in real time. This can help you see which options match your business before you invest months in an application.