Quebec R&D & Innovation Grants 2026

Comprehensive guide to 64 r&d & innovation funding programs in Quebec

64Programs
QCProvince

Quebec R&D & Innovation Funding Updated April 2026

Businesses in Quebec can access 64 specialized r&d & innovation programs combining federal and provincial funding opportunities. Quebec is the only province with a consolidated provincial R&D tax credit (CRIC, effective March 2025) stacking on top of federal SR&ED, plus a new AI-specific credit (CDAEIA) launched January 2026.

Find Your Grants + Get a Funding Roadmap →

Quebec R&D Tax Credits: CRIC, SR&ED, and CDAEIA Explained

Quebec businesses doing qualifying R&D can claim both federal SR&ED (up to 35% refundable for CCPCs on the first $3M of eligible salaries, rising to a $6M limit as of Budget 2025) and the Quebec CRIC provincial credit (base 20% refundable), stacking these two sources for combined effective recovery rates above 50% on eligible R&D wages.
Here's what you need to know about SR&ED in Quebec:
The federal SR&ED program is administered by the Canada Revenue Agency through form T661. For Canadian-Controlled Private Corporations (CCPCs), the refundable credit rate is 35% on the first $6 million of qualifying SR&ED expenditures (expenditure limit raised directly from $3M to $6M by Budget 2025 — there was no intermediate step). Capital expenditures are eligible again as of Budget 2025. The maximum enhanced CCPC credit is $2.1 million per year. Non-CCPCs receive a non-refundable 15% credit. Quebec businesses then layer the CRIC on top — these are parallel credits that share the same eligible expenditure base. Source: Canada Revenue Agency, SR&ED Program, canada.ca/sred; Budget 2025, Chapter 3
SR&ED vs CRIC vs CDAEIA — Quebec R&D Credit Comparison
ProgramRate (CCPC)Refundable?Effective date
Federal SR&ED (CCPC enhanced)35% on first $6M of eligible expendituresYesBudget 2025 raised limit; ongoing
Quebec CRIC (base rate)20% on eligible QC R&D expendituresYesMarch 25, 2025 (replaces 8 legacy credits)
Quebec CDAEIA (AI-specific)30% on qualified AI R&D expendituresYesJanuary 2026
Source: Revenu Québec, TP-1086.R.23 (CRIC); MEIE announcement Jan 2026 (CDAEIA); CRA T661 (SR&ED)
Here's what you need to know about the CRIC (Consolidated R&D Credit):
The CRIC (Crédit pour la recherche scientifique et le développement expérimental) replaced eight legacy provincial R&D credits on March 25, 2025. The eight credits it replaced included: Crédit RS-DE général, Crédit pour la recherche universitaire, Crédit pour les cotisations des employeurs, Crédit pour les frais de sous-traitance, Crédit pour les frais d'adaptation technologique, Crédit pour les stages en milieu de travail, and related bonus streams for SMEs and pre-commercial R&D. The base CRIC rate is 20% refundable. Bonus streams may apply for certain SME profiles. If you were previously claiming any of the eight legacy credits, you should verify your 2025 Quebec tax return uses the consolidated CRIC form rather than the old credit schedules — your tax preparer should be aware of the transition. Source: Revenu Québec CRIC program page; Loi sur les impôts (Quebec), sections 1029.8.1 et seq., as amended 2025
IRAP vs NSERC Alliance vs Mitacs Accelerate — Industry Partnership Programs
ProgramMax AmountWho leadsTurnaround
NRC IRAP (advisory + project)Up to ~$1M (larger for growth projects)Company (ITAs assess first)8–16 weeks after ITA engagement
NSERC AllianceUp to $1M/yearUniversity PI (company co-applies)3–6 months (competition-based)
Mitacs Accelerate$15K–$30K per internship unitCompany proposes project6–10 weeks

Who Qualifies: R&D Funding by Business Type in Quebec

Quebec R&D programs are designed to fit at least four distinct business profiles — each with a different optimal program stack. The right combination depends on your legal structure, size, sector, and whether you have post-secondary research partners.
Persona 1: Deep-Tech / AI Startup

If you're an early-stage AI or software company in Quebec doing qualifying R&D

You're in an exceptionally strong position. Quebec is the only province with the CDAEIA — a 30% refundable credit specifically for AI R&D expenditures, effective January 2026. Layer this on federal SR&ED (35% on eligible wages up to the $6M limit) and the base CRIC (20%), and your effective R&D cost recovery on qualifying AI activities can exceed 60% when all three apply to the same expenditures.

Code-as-R&D qualifies when the software work involves resolving a technological uncertainty — not just implementing known techniques. If your team is developing novel algorithms, training architectures, or AI infrastructure that goes beyond applying existing libraries, document the uncertainty and your systematic investigation approach. NRC IRAP's Quebec-region ITAs are experienced at advising on software SR&ED eligibility.

Recommended stack for this persona: SR&ED + CRIC + CDAEIA (all three, same expenditure base) → NRC IRAP for advisory & matching grants → Scale AI supercluster for supply-chain AI projects with consortium partners at the Montréal hub → Mila / Cité de l'innovation as co-applicant anchor if you need an academic partner for NSERC Alliance.

Verdict
The best first-year funding stack for an AI startup in Quebec is SR&ED + CRIC + CDAEIA (combined recovery up to 60%+ on qualifying wages), followed by an NRC IRAP ITA engagement — because the ITA assessment unlocks matching contributions without a separate open competition.
Persona 2: Established Manufacturer Running Continuous R&D

If you're a Quebec manufacturer with an in-house engineering team doing ongoing product and process R&D

You're a strong SR&ED claimant — the most valuable program for this profile. For manufacturers doing continuous R&D (not one-off projects), the annual SR&ED claim can represent a significant recurring recovery. With the Budget 2025 expansion restoring capital expenditure eligibility, machinery and equipment acquired or modified for R&D purposes — previously excluded — is again an eligible cost category. This is a meaningful change for Quebec manufacturers that invest in R&D-dedicated equipment.

Beyond SR&ED, the CRIC base rate of 20% applies to the same qualified expenditures, increasing your total recovery. For manufacturers in advanced materials or microelectronics (Bromont, Boucherville, Varennes clusters), PRIMA Québec is the sector organization to engage — it facilitates access to co-funded R&D projects with industry consortia. For larger innovation capital projects, the Investissement Québec Programme Innovation stream provides capital for transformative manufacturing R&D.

Recommended stack: SR&ED + CRIC (annual recurring claim on wages + newly eligible capital) → Investissement Québec Programme Innovation for project capital → NSERC Alliance if you have a university partner → PRIMA Québec for advanced materials R&D consortia.

Quebec Provincial R&D Programs: Amount, Match Requirement, Turnaround
ProgramMax AmountMatch RequiredDelivery Agency
CRIC provincial R&D credit20% refundable on QC expendituresNo (tax credit)Revenu Québec
CDAEIA (AI credit)30% refundable on AI R&D expendituresNo (tax credit)Revenu Québec
Bon d'Innovation (IQ)Up to $25,00050% from companyInvestissement Québec
Programme Innovation (IQ)Varies by project sizeYes (case-by-case)Investissement Québec
Persona 3: University-Partnered R&D (Industry PI)

If you're a company partnering with a Quebec university or CÉGEP on an applied R&D project

Quebec's post-secondary ecosystem — with universities including Université de Montréal, McGill, Polytechnique, UQAM, Laval, Concordia, Sherbrooke, and a network of 48 CEGEPs — is one of the strongest in Canada for industry-partnered research. If you have an active or prospective academic partner, NSERC Alliance is the most valuable program: up to $1 million per year, with the company providing at least 25% of the total project cost in cash. Alliance Alliance Advantage is an accelerated stream for time-sensitive collaborations.

Mitacs Accelerate pairs graduate students from any Quebec university with your R&D projects at $15,000–$30,000 per internship unit (company and Mitacs each contribute). Quebec-based Fonds de recherche du Québec (FRQ) also funds some industry-partnered research, particularly in health sciences and social innovation sectors. For broader college-to-industry applied research, the College and Community Social Innovation Fund (CCSIF) targets CÉGEP partnerships.

Recommended stack: NSERC Alliance (lead, largest dollar value) + Mitacs Accelerate (fill specific talent gaps at lower cost) + FRQ partnership programs (health/social focus) + SR&ED claim on company's own contribution to the partnership costs (company-side expenditures are SR&ED-eligible if they meet the definition).

Verdict
The best option for a company with a confirmed university partner doing R&D in Quebec is NSERC Alliance (up to $1M/year, strongest dollar value), because it provides sustained multi-year funding and the company's cash contribution is simultaneously SR&ED-eligible — effectively leveraging the same dollars twice.
Persona 4: AgriTech / Bioscience Innovator

If you're building agri-food, plant science, or bioscience R&D capacity in Quebec

Quebec's agri-food R&D corridor — centred on Saint-Hyacinthe (Canada's largest agri-food R&D hub), Drummondville, and Longueuil — has access to a distinct set of programs. AgriInnovate (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada) provides up to $10 million for development and commercialization of agri-food innovations. Genome Canada co-funds large-scale genomics projects with provincial co-funders. Protein Industries Canada Supercluster is relevant for plant-based protein and value-added agri-food.

At the provincial level, CRIQ (Centre de recherche industrielle du Québec) offers technology transfer and applied research services to Quebec manufacturers, including food processors. For Montréal-based bioscience companies, Montréal InVivo (the life sciences cluster) coordinates access to provincial programs, federal CIHR-partnered health R&D streams, and Genome Québec co-funding. The SR&ED + CRIC stack applies equally to agri-food R&D activities that meet the scientific uncertainty criterion.

Eligibility Decision Trees: Which Program Fits Your Situation

Use these decision paths to quickly identify whether you qualify for Quebec's key R&D programs before spending time on applications. Each tree leads to a specific program recommendation with funding amount.
Tree 1: Do you have qualifying R&D activities (technological uncertainty + systematic investigation)?
IF YES — Are you a Canadian-Controlled Private Corporation (CCPC)?
→ Claim federal SR&ED (35% refundable on up to $6M eligible expenditures) AND Quebec CRIC (20% refundable). Combined: up to 55% recovery on qualifying wages.
IF YES to R&D but NOT a CCPC (public company, foreign-owned, or large company above spending limits):
→ Claim SR&ED at 15% non-refundable (federal) + CRIC at 20% refundable (provincial). Total cash benefit lower, but still material for large expenditure bases.
IF your R&D is specifically in AI — CDAEIA applies additionally (January 2026 onward):
→ Add CDAEIA (30% refundable on qualified AI R&D). Verify "qualified AI R&D expenditures" definition with Revenu Québec — definition distinguishes AI-specific research from general software development.
IF NOT sure your activities qualify as SR&ED:
→ Request a free NRC IRAP ITA (Industrial Technology Advisor) in Quebec — ITAs help assess SR&ED eligibility and can simultaneously advise on IRAP matching grant access.
Tree 2: Do you have (or could you find) a post-secondary partner for your R&D project?
IF YES — Is your partner a university or college with an NSERC-eligible PI?
→ Apply for NSERC Alliance (up to $1M/year, company contributes ≥25% in cash). Also layer Mitacs Accelerate internships for student talent. Company cash contribution to the partnership is simultaneously SR&ED-eligible.
IF your partner is a CÉGEP:
→ Use College and Community Social Innovation Fund (CCSIF) or NSERC College/Industry Innovation Fund for the institutional side. Mitacs Accelerate covers student internships at CEGEPs too.
IF you want a partner but don't have one yet:
→ Bon d'Innovation (Investissement Québec, up to $25K) funds the cost of engaging a research institution to help define and scope your R&D project — ideal for building a partnership pre-application.
Tree 3: What is the scale of your innovation project?
IF small-scale (under $500K total project cost):
→ SR&ED + CRIC (annual tax credits) + Bon d'Innovation ($25K voucher) + Mitacs Accelerate (per-intern). No application competition required for credits.
IF medium-scale ($500K–$5M):
→ SR&ED + CRIC + IRAP matching grant (up to $1M) + NSERC Alliance if academic partner available. NRC IRAP application goes through your assigned ITA.
IF large-scale ($5M+), requiring capital and consortium partners:
→ Strategic Innovation Fund (up to $50M) or Scale AI Supercluster projects (AI supply chain focus, Montréal hub) or Genome Canada for genomics. These require industry consortium and formal expressions of interest.

Program Stacking: Combining Quebec R&D Credits for Maximum Recovery

Most Quebec R&D funding sources can be combined — SR&ED, CRIC, and CDAEIA all use the same eligible expenditure base, and grants like IRAP and NSERC Alliance are separate from the credit stack. Proper stacking can dramatically reduce net R&D costs.
Stacking Compatibility: Which Quebec R&D Programs Can Be Combined
Program AProgram BStackable?Note
SR&ED (federal)CRIC (Quebec)YesSame expenditure base; file CRA T661 + Revenu Québec TP-1086.R.23
CRICCDAEIAYes (AI expenditures only)CDAEIA applies to the AI-specific subset; verify with tax advisor
SR&ED / CRICIRAP grantYes, with adjustmentIRAP grants received reduce your SR&ED-eligible expenditure base (government assistance rule)
NSERC AllianceSR&EDYes (company portion)Company's own cash contribution to the Alliance project is SR&ED-eligible if it meets the definition
Verdict
The best stacking combination for a Quebec AI startup is SR&ED + CRIC + CDAEIA, because these three credits apply to the same qualifying expenditures without mutual exclusion — a startup spending $500K on qualifying AI R&D wages can receive combined credits of approximately $250K–$300K (refundable cash), depending on CCPC status and specific credit rates for their situation. No other province offers an equivalent three-layer R&D credit stack.
Federal Programs Available to Quebec Businesses: Key Comparison
ProgramMax BenefitApplication ProcessBest for
SR&ED (CRA)Up to $2.1M/year (CCPC enhanced)Annual tax return (T661)All R&D-active companies
NRC IRAPUp to $1M+ (large firms higher)ITA engagement → project applicationSMEs with commercialization plan
Mitacs Accelerate$15K–$30K per intern unitOnline application, 6–10 wk turnaroundGrad-student-augmented R&D
Strategic Innovation FundUp to $50MExpression of interest → full proposalLarge-scale, transformative projects

What's Changed for Quebec R&D Funding in 2025–2026

Five significant policy changes affect Quebec R&D filers in 2025–2026: the CRIC consolidation (March 2025), the CDAEIA launch (January 2026), federal SR&ED expansion (Budget 2025), Budget 2026-2027 innovation commitments, and PEV 2030 implementation updates.

1. CRIC consolidation (March 25, 2025): Quebec's eight legacy R&D credits were consolidated into the single CRIC (Crédit pour la recherche scientifique et le développement expérimental) effective March 25, 2025. The eight former credits — including the Crédit RS-DE général, Crédit pour la recherche universitaire, Crédit pour les cotisations des employeurs à des cotisations syndicales et professionnelles, and related bonus streams — are now filed under a single consolidated schedule. The base rate is 20% refundable. Quebec R&D claimants should use the new TP-1086.R.23 form and should not attempt to claim the old credit schedules for tax years after March 25, 2025. Your SR&ED consultant or CPA should be aware of the transition.

Source: Revenu Québec, CRIC program announcement, March 2025; Loi sur les impôts (Quebec)

2. CDAEIA — AI-specific R&D credit (January 2026): The Crédit pour développement de l'intelligence artificielle (CDAEIA) launched January 2026 as a new refundable provincial credit at 30% on qualified AI R&D expenditures. This is separate from and additive to the CRIC. The definition of "qualified AI R&D expenditures" narrows the scope to bona fide AI research — not general software development — so verify your activities qualify with Revenu Québec's technical guidelines before claiming. This credit makes Quebec the most aggressive Canadian province for AI-specific R&D tax incentives.

Source: Ministère de l'Économie, de l'Innovation et de l'Énergie (MEIE), announcement January 2026

3. Federal SR&ED: Budget 2025 raised expenditure limit from $3M to $6M — directly, with no intermediate step: The Budget 2025 (tabled April 2025) raised the qualifying expenditure limit for the 35% CCPC enhanced SR&ED credit directly from $3 million to $6 million per year. Capital expenditures are eligible again. The maximum enhanced credit for a CCPC under the new limit is $2.1 million per year. This change is highly material for Quebec manufacturers and tech companies running sustained R&D programs with wage bases above $3 million. The phase-out for large CCPCs was also adjusted — consult CRA guidance for the updated taxable capital thresholds.

Source: Budget 2025, Chapter 3 (Research and Innovation); CRA SR&ED program guidance

4. Quebec Budget 2026-2027 innovation commitments: Quebec's 2026-2027 budget included $1.7 billion in commitments relevant to innovation and economic development, including allocations for the Plan économique du Québec and continued investment through Investissement Québec's strategic innovation mandates. The Conseil de l'innovation du Québec continues to coordinate innovation programming across the MEIE, FRQ, and cluster organizations. Specific allocation breakdowns by program are expected to be published through MEIE program calls in mid-2026. Businesses should monitor Investissement Québec's website for new Programme Innovation calls.

Source: Gouvernement du Québec, Budget 2026-2027, Quebec Economic Plan

5. PEV 2030 (Plan pour une économie verte) implementation updates: PEV 2030's $10.1 billion investment plan continues to fund electrification and clean economy R&D. Innovation projects at the intersection of R&D and clean tech — battery technology, electric transportation, green building materials — can access both the standard CRIC/SR&ED stack and PEV 2030 streams delivered through Environment and Climate Change Canada Quebec-region programs and Transition énergétique Québec. Companies in Varennes (battery R&D cluster), Bromont (microelectronics), and Montréal's electrification corridor should review both streams for potential dual application.

Verdict on 2026 changes
The most immediately actionable change for most Quebec R&D companies is the SR&ED limit increase to $6M (Budget 2025). If your company previously hit the $3M cap and left eligible expenditures unclaimed, you now have headroom worth up to an additional $1.05M in federal refundable credits annually. Review prior-year claims with your SR&ED consultant.

Quebec's R&D Innovation Ecosystem: Regional Delivery and Key Organizations

Quebec R&D funding flows through a dense network of regional agencies, cluster organizations, and provincial ministries. Knowing which organization delivers which program saves weeks of misdirected applications.
Quebec R&D Innovation Ecosystem — Regional Organizations and Delivery Agents

Investissement Québec delivers the Bon d'Innovation and Programme Innovation across all regions, with regional offices in Montréal, Québec City, Sherbrooke, Trois-Rivières, Saguenay, Gatineau, Laval, Longueuil, Drummondville, and Saint-Hyacinthe. The Ministère de l'Économie, de l'Innovation et de l'Énergie (MEIE) coordinates provincial innovation policy and delivers the CDAEIA guidance through Revenu Québec. Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED-Quebec) handles federal regional innovation support across 16 regional offices including Montréal North, Montréal Central, Laval, Longueuil, Sherbrooke, Trois-Rivières, Saguenay, Québec City, Baie-Comeau, Rimouski, and Gaspé. NRC IRAP's Quebec region has advisors based in Montréal, Québec City, and Sherbrooke, serving companies across the province. Scale AI's headquarters and primary operations are in Montréal (Saint-Bruno), making it particularly accessible for Greater Montréal AI companies. Mila (the Quebec AI Institute) in Montréal's Cité du Multimédia district is the anchor institution for CDAEIA-eligible AI research partnerships. PRIMA Québec serves the advanced materials sector from Montréal and has connections to the Bromont and Boucherville microelectronics clusters. Prompt (the ICT innovation cluster) serves digital and software companies across Québec City and Montréal. The Fonds de recherche du Québec (FRQ) — with three branches (Nature et technologies, Santé, Société et culture) — has offices in Montréal and Québec City. CRIQ (Centre de recherche industrielle du Québec) operates from Québec City with satellite presence across the province. Varennes is home to important battery and electrification research facilities connected to PEV 2030 programs. Saint-Hyacinthe anchors agri-food R&D. Drummondville is emerging as a manufacturing and advanced materials R&D hub.

Source: Investissement Québec regional office directory; CED-Quebec regional office list; NRC IRAP regional contacts
Quebec R&D Cluster Organizations by Sector
SectorCluster OrganizationKey Location
AI / DigitalScale AI, Mila, PromptMontréal (Cité du Multimédia, Saint-Bruno)
Advanced materialsPRIMA QuébecMontréal, Bromont, Boucherville
Agri-foodCRIQ, Saint-Hyacinthe R&D hubSaint-Hyacinthe, Drummondville
Life sciences / healthMontréal InVivo, CIHR Quebec regionMontréal, Laval
ElectrificationTransition énergétique Québec, Varennes clusterVarennes, Montréal
Here's what you need to know about applying to Quebec programs as a non-French-speaking business:
Most Quebec provincial programs — including CRIC filings at Revenu Québec, Investissement Québec applications, and MEIE program intake — accept applications in English. While the working language of many Quebec institutions is French, English-language applications are routinely accepted for program delivery. NRC IRAP Quebec region advisors are fully bilingual. If your business operates in English, this is not a barrier to accessing Quebec-specific programs — however, building relationships with Montréal or Quebec City-based advisors who can navigate the French-language documentation requirements is strongly recommended.

Available R&D Programs for Quebec Businesses

The programs below represent the full list of federal and provincial R&D innovation funding available to Quebec businesses in 2026. Use the filters above the program list or the GrantCompass quiz to find programs matched to your specific business profile.

Available Programs (64)

Strategic Innovation Fund

Organization: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Level: federal

Amount: Up to $50 million

Supports large-scale, transformative and collaborative projects between industry, researchers and non-profit organizations that help grow Canada's economy.

InnovationLarge ScaleCollaboration
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Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP)

Organization: National Research Council Canada

Level: federal

Amount: Up to $1 million

Provides advice, connections and funding to help Canadian small and medium-sized businesses increase their innovation capacity and take ideas to market.

R&DInnovationTechnology Development
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Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED)

Organization: Canada Revenue Agency

Level: federal

Amount: Up to 68% tax credit

Federal tax incentive program that encourages Canadian businesses to conduct research and development in Canada.

Tax CreditR&DInnovation
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Clean Growth Program

Organization: Sustainable Development Technology Canada

Level: federal

Amount: Up to $10 million

Supports the development and demonstration of clean technology solutions that address climate change, air quality, clean water and clean soil.

Clean TechnologyEnvironmentSustainability
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CanExport SMEs

Organization: Global Affairs Canada

Level: federal

Amount: Up to $99,999

Helps small and medium-sized enterprises pursue new export opportunities and markets.

ExportInternational TradeMarket Development
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Youth Employment and Skills Program

Organization: Employment and Social Development Canada

Level: federal

Amount: Up to $25,000

Helps employers create quality work experiences for youth while addressing their human resource needs.

Youth EmploymentSkills DevelopmentWage Subsidy
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Innovative Solutions Canada

Organization: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Level: federal

Amount: Up to $1 million

Helps Canadian entrepreneurs bring their innovations to market by connecting them with federal departments and agencies that have a challenge to solve.

InnovationGovernment ProcurementTechnology
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AgriInnovate Program

Organization: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Level: federal

Amount: Up to $10 million

Supports the development and commercialization of innovative agri-food products, technologies, processes or services.

AgricultureFood InnovationAgri-tech
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Ocean Supercluster

Organization: Ocean Supercluster

Level: federal

Amount: Up to $5 million

Accelerates ocean technology development and commercialization to strengthen Canada's ocean economy.

Ocean TechnologyAtlantic CanadaBlue Economy
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Quebec Research and Development Tax Credit

Organization: Government of Quebec

Level: provincial

Amount: Up to 14% tax credit

Refundable tax credit for eligible R&D expenditures incurred in Quebec.

Tax CreditR&DQuebec
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Investissement Québec

Organization: Investissement Québec

Level: provincial

Amount: Varies

Provides financing solutions to support Quebec businesses at all stages of development, including loans, guarantees, and equity investments.

FinancingInvestmentQuebec
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Export Development Canada (EDC) Financing

Organization: Export Development Canada

Level: federal

Amount: Varies

Provides a suite of financial solutions (insurance, guarantees, financing) to help Canadian companies grow their export business and manage risk.

Export FinancingInternational TradeGrowth
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Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) Financing

Organization: Business Development Bank of Canada

Level: federal

Amount: Varies

Provides financing, advisory services and venture capital to Canadian small and medium-sized businesses.

Business FinancingAdvisory ServicesSME Support
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Canada Community Revitalization Fund

Organization: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Level: federal

Amount: Up to $500,000

Supported community-led projects that create jobs and economic opportunities in communities across Canada (program now closed).

Rural DevelopmentCommunity ProjectsJob Creation
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Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) Funding

Organization: Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

Level: federal

Amount: Varies

Supports business development and economic growth in Atlantic Canada through various programs and funds.

Atlantic CanadaRegional DevelopmentBusiness Growth
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PrairiesCan (Prairies Economic Development Canada) Funding

Organization: Prairies Economic Development Canada

Level: federal

Amount: Varies

Supports business growth and economic diversification in the Prairie provinces (Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba) with various funding programs and services.

PrairiesRegional DevelopmentBusiness Support
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PacifiCan (Pacific Economic Development Canada) Funding

Organization: Pacific Economic Development Canada

Level: federal

Amount: Varies

Supports business development and economic growth in British Columbia through federal funding programs and services tailored to B.C.

British ColumbiaRegional DevelopmentBusiness Support
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FedDev Ontario Funding

Organization: Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

Level: federal

Amount: Varies

Supports business growth, innovation and community economic development in Southern Ontario through various contribution funding programs.

Southern OntarioInnovationEconomic Development
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Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED) Funding

Organization: Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

Level: federal

Amount: Varies

Supports business development and regional economic growth in Quebec through grants and contribution programs.

QuebecRegional DevelopmentBusiness Support
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Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) Funding

Organization: Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency

Level: federal

Amount: Varies

Supports economic development in Canada's three territories through funding programs for businesses and communities.

Northern CanadaTerritoriesEconomic Development
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Mitacs Accelerate

Organization: Mitacs

Level: federal

Amount: Up to $15,000 per internship (matched)

Connects companies with graduate students and postdoctoral fellows for research and development projects, with matching funding for the internships.

R&D PartnershipGraduate StudentsInnovation
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Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) Applied Research

Organization: Colleges and Institutes Canada

Level: federal

Amount: Varies

Connects businesses with colleges and institutes for applied research projects, often via grants like NSERC's college programs.

Applied ResearchCollege PartnershipInnovation
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NSERC Research Partnerships (Alliance grants)

Organization: Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council

Level: federal

Amount: Varies

Supports collaborative research projects between universities and industry (e.g., through NSERC Alliance grants and other partnership programs).

University PartnershipResearchSTEM
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SSHRC Partnerships

Organization: Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council

Level: federal

Amount: Varies

Supports research partnerships in social sciences and humanities (e.g., through SSHRC Partnership Grants and Partnership Engage Grants).

Social SciencesHumanitiesResearch Partnership
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CIHR Industry Partnered Research

Organization: Canadian Institutes of Health Research

Level: federal

Amount: Varies

Supports health research projects in partnership with industry (via CIHR programs that co-fund industry-academic collaborations).

Health ResearchBiotechnologyMedical Innovation
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Genome Canada

Organization: Genome Canada

Level: federal

Amount: Up to $10 million

Supports large-scale genomics and genomics-related research projects through competitive funding programs co-funded with industry and provinces.

GenomicsBiotechnologyLarge Scale Research
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Canadian Space Agency (CSA) Funding Programs

Organization: Canadian Space Agency

Level: federal

Amount: Varies

Supports space technology R&D and commercialization through various CSA funding programs and opportunities (e.g., Space Technology Development Program).

Space TechnologyAerospaceSatellite
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Defence Innovation Network (QC)

Organization: Québec/Department of National Defence

Level: federal

Amount: Varies

Connects defence and security challenges with innovative solutions from Quebec companies and academic partners (Réseau d'innovation défense).

Defence InnovationSecurityQuebec
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Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS)

Organization: Department of National Defence

Level: federal

Amount: Up to $1.5 million

Provides funding for innovative solutions to defence and security challenges through competitive calls (IDEaS program includes contests, contracts, and sandboxes).

DefenceSecurity InnovationChallenge-based
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Build in Canada Innovation Program (BCIP)

Organization: Public Services and Procurement Canada

Level: federal

Amount: Up to $500,000

Helped Canadian companies test and sell their innovative products to federal departments (now succeeded by Innovative Solutions Canada - Testing Stream).

Government TestingInnovationProcurement
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CanExport Innovation

Organization: Global Affairs Canada

Level: federal

Amount: Up to $75,000

Helps Canadian innovators (early-stage R&D collaborations) explore international partnerships by funding travel and meeting costs to secure foreign partnerships for technology commercialization.

Export InnovationInternational MarketsTechnology Export
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CanExport Associations

Organization: Global Affairs Canada

Level: federal

Amount: Up to $400,000

Helps Canadian industry associations undertake export development activities for the benefit of their members.

Industry AssociationsExport DevelopmentMember Support
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Venture Capital Catalyst Initiative (VCCI)

Organization: Business Development Bank of Canada

Level: federal

Amount: Varies

Increases private sector venture capital available to Canadian entrepreneurs by investing in venture capital funds and fund-of-funds, indirectly supporting high-growth firms.

Venture CapitalInvestmentTechnology Startups
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Thrive Venture Fund

Organization: Business Development Bank of Canada

Level: federal

Amount: Varies

Invests in early-stage technology companies across Canada, focusing on innovative startups poised for high growth.

Early StageTechnology InvestmentVenture Capital
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Industrial Transformation Program

Organization: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Level: federal

Amount: Up to $100 million

Supports large-scale industrial transformation projects that strengthen Canada's industrial capacity, often through contributions to major facility or innovation upgrades.

Industrial TransformationLarge ScaleManufacturing
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Clean Fuel Fund

Organization: Natural Resources Canada

Level: federal

Amount: Up to $1.5 billion

Supports the development and expansion of domestic clean fuel production capacity through project funding (capital investments in new facilities or upgrades).

Clean FuelsBiofuelsEnergy Transition
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Energy Innovation Program

Organization: Natural Resources Canada

Level: federal

Amount: Up to $10 million

Supports research, development and demonstration of clean energy technologies (including renewable, smart grid, energy efficiency, and other clean energy solutions).

Energy InnovationClean TechnologyR&D
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Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP) Programs

Organization: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Level: federal

Amount: Varies

A five-year federal-provincial funding framework (2023-2028) supporting innovation, competitiveness and resilience in the agriculture and agri-food sector via various programs (grants, loans, insurance).

AgricultureSustainabilityFood Security
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AgriMarketing Program

Organization: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Level: federal

Amount: Up to $250,000 per year (50% of costs)

Supports the development of export markets for Canadian agricultural products through contribution funding for marketing activities and trade shows.

Agricultural MarketingExport DevelopmentMarket Access
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AgriAssurance Program

Organization: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Level: federal

Amount: Up to $250,000 per project

Supports the development and adoption of assurance systems, standards and certifications to meet buyer and market demands for Canadian agriculture and agri-food products.

Food SafetyQuality AssuranceAgriculture
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Aquaculture Innovation and Market Access Program

Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Level: federal

Amount: Up to $1 million

Supports innovation and market development in the aquaculture sector through contribution funding for projects that increase global competitiveness and sustainability of Canadian aquaculture.

AquacultureMarine InnovationSustainable Seafood
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Forest Innovation Program

Organization: Natural Resources Canada

Level: federal

Amount: Up to $2 million

Supports innovation in Canada's forest sector to develop new products and markets through funding of R&D and technology adoption projects.

Forest InnovationWood ProductsSustainable Forestry
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Mining Innovation Commercialization Accelerator (MICA)

Organization: Natural Resources Canada

Level: federal

Amount: Up to $5 million

Supports the commercialization of innovative mining technologies by co-funding pilot demonstrations and commercialization projects in the mining sector.

Mining InnovationTechnology CommercializationResource Extraction
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Critical Minerals R&D and Demonstration Program

Organization: Natural Resources Canada

Level: federal

Amount: Up to $10 million

Supports research, development and demonstration projects in critical minerals mining, processing and recycling, aiming to advance critical mineral supply chains.

Critical MineralsMining TechnologyStrategic Resources
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Indigenous Tourism Fund

Organization: Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada

Level: federal

Amount: Up to $100,000

Supports the development of Indigenous tourism experiences and businesses through grants (often project-based funding for product development, marketing, etc.).

Indigenous TourismCultural TourismIndigenous Business
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Canada Media Fund

Organization: Canada Media Fund

Level: federal

Amount: Varies (grant or recoupable investment)

Supports the creation of Canadian content in television, digital media and interactive platforms through various funding streams (development, production, marketing).

Media ProductionCanadian ContentDigital Media
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Telefilm Canada Funding Programs

Organization: Telefilm Canada

Level: federal

Amount: Varies

Supports the Canadian audiovisual industry through investments and funding for film, television, and digital media projects (production, development, marketing funds).

Film ProductionTelevisionAudiovisual Content
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Canada Council for the Arts Grants

Organization: Canada Council for the Arts

Level: federal

Amount: Varies

Supports Canadian artists and arts organizations through a variety of grants for creation, production, professional development, touring, and more in arts and culture sectors.

Arts FundingCultural SupportCreative Arts
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Sport Canada Programs

Organization: Sport Canada

Level: federal

Amount: Varies

Supports sport development and high-performance sport in Canada through funding programs such as the Athlete Assistance Program, Sport Support Program, and Hosting Program.

Sport DevelopmentAthletic PerformanceRecreation
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Social Innovation and Social Finance Fund

Organization: Employment and Social Development Canada

Level: federal

Amount: Up to $10 million

A federal initiative to support innovative approaches to social challenges, including a $755 million fund to fund, finance, and support social purpose organizations (currently rolling out).

Social InnovationSocial ImpactCommunity Development
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Enabling Accessibility Fund

Organization: Employment and Social Development Canada

Level: federal

Amount: Up to $100,000 (small projects stream)

Supports capital projects that improve accessibility in workplaces and community spaces for people with disabilities through grants for renovations, retrofits or accessible technologies.

AccessibilityInclusionDisability Support
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Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program

Organization: Employment and Social Development Canada

Level: federal

Amount: Varies

Supports skills development and employment training for Indigenous peoples through funding agreements with Indigenous service delivery organizations across Canada.

Indigenous TrainingSkills DevelopmentEmployment
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Skills for Success Program

Organization: Employment and Social Development Canada

Level: federal

Amount: Up to $5 million

Supports the development of foundational and transferable skills (like literacy, numeracy, digital skills) for Canadians through funding to organizations that deliver training and upskilling projects.

Skills TrainingWorkforce DevelopmentEducation
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Union Training and Innovation Program

Organization: Employment and Social Development Canada

Level: federal

Amount: Up to $2 million

Supports union-based apprenticeship training and innovation in training approaches through project funding, to help more apprentices succeed and modernize training systems.

Union TrainingLabour InnovationWorkforce Development
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Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program

Organization: Employment and Social Development Canada

Level: federal

Amount: Up to $10 million

Addresses workforce challenges in specific economic sectors by funding projects that help connect Canadians with training and jobs in in-demand sectors (e.g., sector-based workforce development projects).

Sectoral TrainingWorkforce SolutionsIndustry Development
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Student Work-Integrated Learning Program

Organization: Employment and Social Development Canada

Level: federal

Amount: Up to $7,000 per placement

Supports work-integrated learning opportunities for post-secondary students by providing wage subsidies to employers who create co-op placements in STEM and business fields (e.g., through partner delivery organizations).

Student EmploymentWork-Integrated LearningSkills Development
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Green Jobs Training Program

Organization: Employment and Social Development Canada

Level: federal

Amount: Up to $5 million

Supports training and skills development for jobs in the green economy and clean technology sectors, often through wage subsidies for youth in environmental roles (delivered via various partner organizations).

Green JobsClean Technology TrainingEnvironmental Careers
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Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen) Supercluster

Organization: NGen (Supercluster)

Level: federal

Amount: Varies (project-based funding)

Canada's Advanced Manufacturing Supercluster that co-funds collaborative, transformative manufacturing and technology projects led by industry consortia to scale up innovation.

Advanced ManufacturingSuperclusterCollaboration
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Protein Industries Canada Supercluster

Organization: Protein Industries Canada

Level: federal

Amount: Varies (project-based co-investment)

An innovation supercluster that co-invests in projects to grow Canada's plant-based protein and value-added agri-food sector, fostering collaboration from farm to fork.

AgricultureSuperclusterAgri-food Innovation
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Scale AI Supercluster

Organization: Scale AI

Level: federal

Amount: Varies (project-based funding)

Canada's artificial intelligence supercluster that funds collaborative projects deploying AI to enhance supply chains. Supports industry-led consortia in retail, manufacturing, transportation and more.

Artificial IntelligenceSuperclusterSupply Chain
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Business Development Program (BDP) - ACOA

Organization: Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

Level: federal

Amount: Varies (Repayable Contribution)

Provides interest-free, repayable contributions to help small and medium-sized enterprises in Atlantic Canada grow, improve productivity, and become more competitive.

Atlantic CanadaSMEBusiness Development
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PME MTL - Fonds de développement de l'économie sociale (FDÉS)

Organization: PME MTL

Level: municipal

Amount: $5,000 - $50,000

Supports social economy projects in Montréal, from the planning stage to growth, with a focus on innovative projects that explore new sectors or approaches.

Social EconomyMontrealInnovation
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2SLGBTQI+ Ecosystem Fund

Organization: Canadian Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC)

Level: federal

Amount: Varies

Part of the federal 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurship Program, this fund provides funding to not-for-profit business-support organizations to deliver projects that help 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs develop skills and access resources.

2SLGBTQI+ EntrepreneursEcosystem SupportNon-Profit
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Canada Council for the Arts - Explore and Create

Organization: Canada Council for the Arts

Level: federal

Amount: Varies by component

Funds Canadian artists, artistic groups, and organizations to create and disseminate innovative and diverse art. Supports research, creation, and project development.

ArtsCultureCreativeFederal
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