Regional Innovation Ecosystems

Description of funding

This stream targets NPO projects that help create an innovation-friendly entrepreneurial environment that fosters the growth and productivity of businesses in a given region. The funding is provided under the REGI program.

To be eligible, projects must meet one of the following objectives:

• foster closer ties among the players in the various ecosystems
• foster the creation, growth and maintenance of regional clusters
• attract foreign investment

Main sectors that are eligible:

• Manufacturing
• Food processing
• Information and communications technologies
• Life sciences

Other sectors may also be eligible.

Examples of funded projects

Transfer of technology and knowledge to businesses

• Acquisition of cutting-edge equipment by recognized research centres and educational institutions, and incubators or accelerators

Innovation support service

• Recruiting of highly skilled resources to increase businesses’ innovation capacity

Partnership, alliances and industrial clusters

• Creation or development of associations, alliances or partnerships to promote ties and networking
• Services aimed at attracting foreign direct investment to Quebec

Other activities may also be eligible. Contact us to discuss your project.

Financial assistance

For NPOs

• Non-repayable financial assistance generally of up to 90% of authorized costs (up to 50% of authorized costs in the case of capital projects).

Eligible costs

All costs directly related to the project that are deemed reasonable by CED and essential to the implementation of the project. Restrictions may apply in certain cases.

Ineligible costs

All non-essential costs not directly related to the project, as well as:

• the refinancing of an existing debt
• the purchase of an asset at a price that exceeds its fair market value
• amortization expenses
• goodwill costs
• land purchases

Eligibility

Examples of eligible clients

• Non-profit organizations (NPOs) that provide services or generate benefits for businesses
• Business incubators and accelerators
• Municipalities and regional county municipalities (RCMs)
• Groups or associations (NPOs, businesses, post-secondary institutions and consortia)
• Indigenous organizations

* Are you an SME or NPO in an economically vulnerable RCM or in Montréal’s East End? Your project may be eligible for flexible program conditions.

Examples of ineligible clients

• Retail businesses (e.g., clothing stores, grocery stores or automobile sales and maintenance outlets)
• Food services (e.g., restaurants and cafés)
• Transportation services
• Housing construction
• Daycare services
• Hair and beauty salons
• Nightclubs, bars and cabarets

Analysis criteria

Projects are analyzed against specific criteria, namely:

• the expected results of your project
• the viability of your organization
• your technical and financial management capacity
• the contribution of partners in terms of financial resources or professional services
• the degree of risk

Submitting a project

• Refer to the Project Submission Guide.
• For more information, contact us.