MAPAQ — Programme Innovation bioalimentaire (Quebec Biofood Innovation Program)

Insider Tip

Volet 3 is the main opportunity for commercial fishing and aquaculture enterprises — it is one of the few Quebec government programs that directly funds private fishing companies (not just research organizations). Projects must demonstrate 'applied research and experimental development activities' with scientific/technological uncertainty — this is a higher bar than mere product improvement; include a science protocol and methodology section. The 10% bonus for Magdalen Islands projects is automatic if your project is located there. For Volet 5, the June 15, 2026 deadline is firm — budget time to engage MAPAQ's regional fisheries and aquaculture directorate before submission. Contact [email protected] early for pre-application guidance.

Rejection Pitfalls 6

• Project lacks a clear scientific protocol or does not involve technological uncertainty (Volets 1–3)
• Applicant organization type does not match the eligible applicant list for the selected volet
• Project is located outside Quebec or lacks Quebec operational connection

Success Profile

Volet 3: Established Quebec commercial fishing or aquaculture enterprise with operational licenses seeking to fund applied R&D to develop new products, improve processes, or adapt to environmental/regulatory changes. Has personnel capable of conducting or overseeing research with a defined scientific methodology. Volet 5: Quebec biofood research organization, producer association, or technology transfer center developing training materials, guides, or structured knowledge transfer activities for the sector.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications assessed on: scientific and technological merit (degree of innovation, novelty of the approach), relevance to Quebec biofood sector challenges and priorities, qualifications of research team, feasibility of methodology and timeline, expected commercial or sector-wide impact, and budget reasonableness. Volet 3 gives additional weight to projects in the Magdalen Islands region.

Application Steps

Required Documents 8

Eligible Expenses 7

• Salaries and benefits of research personnel directly assigned to the project
• External expert and consultant fees
• Laboratory analyses and testing costs
• Equipment and materials directly used in R&D activities (proportionate to research use)
• Travel costs for research activities
• Knowledge transfer materials, training event organization costs (Volet 5)
• Registration and publication fees for knowledge dissemination (Volet 5)

Ineligible Expenses 6

• Ongoing operational costs unrelated to the approved research project
• Capital equipment purchased primarily for commercial production (not research)
• Expenses incurred before written MAPAQ approval
• Costs recoverable through SR&ED or other government programs (no double-claiming)
• Administration and overhead not directly attributable to the project
• Salary of the business owner or principal where this is already covered by operating budget

Intake Periods

Volet 3: continuous intake until March 1, 2028. Volet 5: active call closes June 15, 2026 — future calls may open later in the program period. Volets 2 and 4: no current call; watch MAPAQ announcements.

Deadline Notes

Two streams currently open: Volet 3 (fisheries/aquaculture innovation, continuous intake until March 1, 2028) and Volet 5 (knowledge transfer, active call closes June 15, 2026). Volets 2 (applied research) and 4 (partnership initiatives) are currently closed — no active call as of May 2026. Future calls for Volets 2 and 4 may open during the program period (2023–2028). Set deadline to Volet 5 close (June 15, 2026) as it is the most time-sensitive open stream.

Ineligible Organizations

• Individual producers without commercial fishing/aquaculture license (Volet 3)
• Enterprises outside the biofood sector
• Organizations not matching the eligible applicant type for the selected volet
• Federal and Quebec government departments (as applicants)

Compatible Programs

Clawback Risk

Medium Risk

Medium clawback risk — non-repayable contribution requires post-project reporting and evidence of outcomes. MAPAQ may request partial repayment if project milestones or knowledge transfer obligations are not met, or if ineligible expenses are found during audit.