CQDM funding opportunities rely on collaboration between public institutions with businesses in order to support the development of internationally competitive innovations with an industrial scope. Our programs provide essential support and financial leverage in order to:  

  • reduce risks and transform discoveries in the early stages of development into commercial products;
  • develop technologies to increase productivity and manufacturing capability;
  • strengthen R&D business capability through access to leading expertise; and
  • encourage university researchers and students to get actively involved in collaborative research projects with an industrial scope.


These programs aim to catalyze the development cutting-edge innovations, to specifically meet market needs.

CQDM’s main funding opportunities

Overview of the main characteristics of CQDMs current funding opportunities

ProgramsSynergiQcQuantum LeapPartenar-IA
Eligible projectsCollaborative R&D relevant to the biopharmaceutical sector R&D aimed at the maturation of innovations of interest for large pharmaceutical companiesCollaborative R&D using artificial intelligence relevant to the biopharmaceutical sector
Partners required– 1 public research centre in Quebec
– 1 business conducting R&D or production activities in Quebec
1 public research centre or 1 Canadian business– 2 businesses conducting R&D or production activities in Quebec, of which one is an SME
– 1 public research centre in Quebec
Eligible expensesExpenses incurred by the public research centreExpenses incurred by the business and/or public research centreExpenses incurred by the businesses and the public research centre
CQDM funding available– Up to 40% of eligible expenses
– Grant of up to $1.5 M
– Up to 33% of eligible expenses*
– Financial support from CQDM of up to $400k*
– Up to 50% of eligible expenses
– Grant of up to $350k per business
Predicted frequency of proposal submissionsEvery 3 monthsEvery 3 monthsEvery 6 months
Contact personMathieu Paquette mpaquette@cqdm.orgJesse Paterson jpaterson@cqdm.orgMathieu Paquette mpaquette@cqdm.org

New Funding Opportunity in RNA Therapies

Discover the CELLULE’s call for solutions, a collective comprised of Axelys, CQDM, Fonds de recherche du Québec, Génome Québec, and Médicament Québec. This new approach to supporting and funding innovations will accelerate the development of highly promising technologies with the potential to address critical industrial challenges that currently hinder the development and use of RNA therapies. The proposed technologies must specifically address the identified industrial challenges and meet the defined minimum performance criteria.

For any questions, please contact Alexandre Morizot, Director of Business Development, at amorizot@cqdm.org, and for more information, visit AReNA’s website: www.arenapole.ca

Other funding opportunities

Did you know? CQDM can help your business submit applications to investment funds in Quebec, particularly for requests to:

  • The Innovation program, which aims to support businesses, first and foremost SMEs, in achieving their innovation projects in Quebec or in collaboration with international partners.
  • The Impulsion PME program, which aims to help young, innovative businesses with a high-growth potential to gain access to investment capital in the start-up stage.

For any questions regarding funding opportunities offered by Quebec Investment funds, please contact Mathieu Paquette at mpaquette@cqdm.org

*Depending on the nature of projects considered, funding support from CQDM may exceed the limits established