Financing Your Invention: A Practical Guide to Grants Available in Quebec
August 2nd, 2025
Turning an innovative idea into a tangible product is an exciting yet often costly journey. Fortunately, Quebec offers various grant programs designed to finance and support your innovation projects. Here is a practical guide to the main grants accessible to Quebec inventors.
- Investissement Québec Innovation Program
This program is specifically designed to support innovative Quebec SMEs. It provides financial assistance for the development of new products, processes, or technologies, covering a significant portion of research and development (R&D) costs.
- National Research Council of Canada (NRC) Grants
The NRC offers several programs aimed at inventors and innovative businesses. Among these, the Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) finances innovative projects by covering part of the costs associated with research, development, and prototyping, while providing valuable technical and strategic support.
- Canada Economic Development Innovation Grant
This grant aims to stimulate innovation in Quebec regions by funding innovative and collaborative projects. It is particularly suited for businesses and inventors seeking to enhance their competitiveness and growth through technological innovation.
- NovaScience Program by the Ministry of Economy and Innovation
The NovaScience program provides financial support for innovative initiatives in science and technology. It particularly supports partnerships between businesses and academic institutions, facilitating technology transfer and the development of practical solutions from promising ideas.
- Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) Tax Credit
Although not a direct grant, this tax credit is essential in significantly reducing the costs associated with your R&D activities. The SR&ED program reimburses a substantial portion of your innovation-related expenses, including salaries, materials, and prototyping costs.
How to Access These Grants?
To maximize your chances of obtaining these financial aids, it is crucial to:
- Prepare a solid file clearly describing your project, its objectives, and potential impacts.
- Clearly identify the proposed innovation, its market impact, and economic potential.
- Comply with each program’s specific eligibility criteria.
Do not hesitate to contact the relevant organizations directly to guide you through the application process and optimize your requests.
By leveraging these available financial resources, you can accelerate your invention’s development while significantly reducing associated financial risks. So, take the leap: Quebec is filled with opportunities to transform your innovative dreams into commercial successes.
