Collaborative Innovation

Research/industry

Formerly PSO

This program enables businesses to benefit from the advanced expertise of one or more public research partners as part of a collaborative technology R&D project. Grants can cover up to 40% of project costs, and up to 80% when paired with funding from our partner organizations.

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Program Overview

Prompt connects research experts with companies seeking innovation solutions. This program provides access to leading-edge technological expertise and funding that helps reduce the risk associated with your R&D efforts.  

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Key Information

  • Maximum duration

    3 years

  • Program status

    OPEN year-round

  • Target applicants

    SMEs (fewer than 249 employees) Large Enterprises (250+ employees) Eligible academic research partners.

  • Submission deadline

    Open year-round

  • Administration fees

    5% of eligible expenses (maximum $50,000), 3% from the industrial partner, 2% from the MEIE (Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Energy).

  • Maximum financial support

    $1.5M ($500,000/year for up to 3 years)

  • Fund management

    By the research center

Program Goals

For Your Research Centre
  • Secure funding for high-potential technology R&D projects in emerging innovation sectors;
  • Enhance your research initiatives by fostering synergy between academic, institutional, and industrial expertise—locally and internationally;
  • Showcase the achievements of your research teams and support student training through applied research projects;  
  • Help position Quebec as a leader in digital technology development. 
For Your Business
  • Access the expertise and resources of world-class research teams; 
  • Strengthen your competitive edge through R&D while reducing risks and required investment; 
  • Build connections with highly skilled students who may become future members of your team; 
  • Minimize the financial risk associated with your R&D activities
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Eligibility

Eligible Applicants

Quebec-based companies and research and innovation organizations (universities, CCTTs, or public research centres) must meet the following conditions:

  • Must not be, or make use of subcontractors that are, listed in the Register of Enterprises Ineligible for Public Contracts (RENA);
  • Must have fulfilled all obligations related to any previous financial assistance received from the Government of Quebec or Investissement Québec within the past two years;
  • Must not be a Crown corporation or an entity directly or indirectly controlled by a government (municipal, provincial, or federal), a municipal entity, or a company majority-owned by a Crown corporation;
  • Must not be bankrupt or insolvent;
  • Must not be involved in any ethical breaches or offer products or services that could harm the integrity or credibility of the Government of Quebec, even by association;
  • Must not operate in any of the following business sectors:
    • The production or distribution of weapons;
    • Exploration, extraction, drilling, production, or refining related to fossil fuels such as oil and thermal coal, except for activities that support the transition to a low-carbon economy;
    • Gambling and games of chance, violent video games, combat sports involving live beings, racing, or other similar activities;
    • Sexual exploitation, such as erotic bars, escort agencies, erotic massage parlours, or swingers’ clubs;
    • The production, sale, or services related to tobacco or drug consumption, except for cannabis and industrial hemp initiatives as outlined in Section 4.1.2 of the program framework;
    • Any activity whose primary purpose is protected under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (e.g., religion, politics, advocacy, etc.).
Eligible Projects

Two categories of projects are eligible, depending on the size of the Quebec-based business involved:

  • SME Projects: Must include at least one Quebec small or medium-sized enterprise (fewer than 250 employees) conducting R&D or production activities in Quebec, as well as at least one university, CCTT, or public research centre; 
  • Large Enterprise Projects: Must include at least one company with more than 249 employees conducting R&D or innovation activities in Quebec, along with at least one university, CCTT, or public research centre. 

Program Terms

  • Maximum funding is $500,000 per year per project, for a period of up to 3 years;
  • Maximum financial assistance may cover up to 40% of the total project cost;
  • Combined government funding may reach up to 80% of the total project cost;
  • Private-sector contributions must represent at least 20% of the total project cost.

Please also note that only funding applications submitted in French are eligible for consideration by the Ministry.

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