FAQ

To apply for collaborative programs with an academic stream, eligible research partners must be based in Quebec and include:

• Universities and associated research centers;
• CEGEPs and CCTTs;
• Public research centers recognized by the MEIE, including the National Research Council Canada (NRC) and Centre de recherche informatique de Montréal (CRIM). SEE THE COMPLETE LIST OF ELIGIBLE PUBLIC RESEARCH CENTERS HERE.

The financing process consists of four steps.

1. Eligibility criteria
   Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria:
   • Company more than 50% owned by Quebec residents;
   • Demonstrate socio-economic benefits in Quebec and outside Quebec;
   • Demonstrate the technological uncertainty and risks of the project;
   • Demonstrate financial capacity complementary to available grants;
   • The applied ICT R&D project must be carried out in Quebec at a rate of 95%.
2. Contact us
   Contact Prompt via our contact form.
3. Discussion with an advisor
   A Prompt advisor will contact you to:
   • Assess your company’s potential eligibility based on the program’s basic criteria and eligibility requirements;
   • Identify funding and verify your project’s eligibility.
4. Funding
   Once your project has been approved, Prompt will assist you with administrative and financial follow-up, such as accessing funding, claiming expenses, submitting reports, etc.

We finance innovative digital technology projects that meet the specific needs of SMEs. By promoting a collaborative model, Prompt stimulates innovation in businesses and the research community through funding provided upstream of the innovation/R&D phase.

We offer funding opportunities in areas of innovation such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), manufacturing productivity, greenhouse gas reduction, collaborative research, and quantum technologies.

The TRL scale (Technology Readiness Level) is a measurement system ranging from 1 to 9, used to assess the maturity level of a technology (hardware, components, peripherals, etc.), particularly with a view to financing research and development or integrating this technology into an operational system or subsystem. READ THE DEFINITIONS ACCORDING TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA.

• A large company has 250 or more employees.
• An SME or startup has 249 or fewer employees.

Visit the REVENU QUÉBEC website or consult your tax advisor for more details.

For each supported project, management and communication fees of up to 5% will apply.

Two fund management options are available, depending on the program:

• Project managed by the company:
  • Grant paid to the company Internal expertise to develop innovation (or with a partner company)
  • Preparation of the funding application and management of reporting
  • Management of subcontractors

• Project managed by the research center:
  • Expertise of world-class research teams
  • Greater financial leverage (1 to 4)
  • Collaboration with students with cutting-edge expertise who are likely to join your organization
  • Application submission, administrative and financial management handled by the academic partner
  • Acquisition of cutting-edge technology without disrupting the company’s daily operations

Contact our team to find out which program best suits your needs.