If you are a Quebec startup working on advanced technology, large R&D projects can stall without the right partners and funding. The Quebec Collaborative Industrial Research and Support to Innovative Entrepreneurship program helps solve that problem by funding joint innovation projects between startups and established companies. The program can cover up to $1.5 million per project and is currently open in Quebec.
This guide explains who can apply, how the funding works, and what to prepare before you submit an application.
This program is delivered by the Ministère de l’Économie et de l’Innovation (MEI). Its goal is to help Quebec businesses develop or complete innovative technologies, with a strong focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum technologies, through collaborative industrial research projects.
This is a non-repayable contribution, not a loan.
To qualify for the Quebec Collaborative Industrial Research and Support to Innovative Entrepreneurship program, your project must meet both business and project-level requirements.
The startup typically leads the innovation, while the large company contributes expertise, testing capacity, or commercialization support.
Projects that are purely commercial, marketing-driven, or unrelated to advanced technology R&D are not eligible.
Only direct project-related costs are eligible for this program. According to program guidance, eligible expenses commonly include:
General operating costs or unrelated overhead are usually excluded.
If you are unsure whether a cost qualifies, tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter programs and compare eligible expenses by province and industry in seconds.
Applying for this program takes planning and clear documentation. Here is how most successful Quebec startups approach it:
Define the collaboration clearly
Outline each partner’s role, contribution, and expected outcomes. MEI looks closely at how collaboration strengthens the project.
Build a detailed project plan
Include milestones, timelines (up to 24 months), and technical objectives tied to AI or quantum innovation.
Prepare a realistic budget
Show eligible expenses and confirm that public funding will stay within the 75% stacking limit.
Demonstrate commercial potential
Explain how the technology could be adopted, scaled, or commercialized in Quebec or beyond.
Submit through the MEI application process
Applications are reviewed for innovation level, economic impact, and feasibility.
If you want to compare this program with other Quebec or federal options, GrantHub provides up-to-date listings and side-by-side comparisons to help you save time.
Weak collaboration structure
Applications fail when partner roles are vague or unbalanced.
Overstating eligible costs
Including ineligible expenses can delay or disqualify your application.
Ignoring stacking rules
Exceeding the 75% public funding cap is a common compliance issue.
Unclear innovation focus
Projects must clearly advance AI or quantum technology, not incremental IT upgrades.
Q: How much funding can a startup receive under this program?
Startups can receive up to 50% of eligible project expenses, with a maximum of $1.5 million per project.
Q: Can this grant be combined with other Quebec or federal programs?
Yes. Funding can be stacked with other government support, as long as total public funding does not exceed 75% of eligible costs.
Q: How long can a project last?
Projects can run for up to 24 months from the approved start date.
Q: Is the funding taxable income?
In most cases, grants are treated as taxable income. Speak with your accountant to understand the impact on your business.
Q: Does the program only support artificial intelligence projects?
The program supports both AI and quantum technology research and development projects.
The Quebec Collaborative Industrial Research and Support to Innovative Entrepreneurship program is best suited for startups ready to scale serious R&D with strong partners. Preparation matters, especially around collaboration structure and eligible costs.
GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant programs across Canada and helps you see which ones match your business profile, industry, and province—so you can focus on the opportunities that truly fit.
Was this article helpful?
Rate it so we can improve our content.
Canada Proactive Disclosure Data
The Canadian government has funded over 400,000 businesses through 1.27 million grants and contributions. Check your eligibility in 60 seconds.