Support for Regional Quantum Innovation

Overview of the Support for Regional Quantum Innovation program:

The BSP programme, administered by Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED), supports Quebec-based businesses with strong growth potential that aim to scale up operations, become more productive, and pursue domestic or international market expansion. It is part of the broader Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) initiative, which seeks to stimulate regional development by supporting high-performing businesses in key sectors. Funding through the BSP programme is not a traditional grant but an interest-free, repayable contribution, often used to support investment in equipment, technology adoption, productivity improvements, or expansion into new markets. These funds reduce the financial risk associated with scaling up, allowing businesses to take bolder steps toward growth. The programme places emphasis on strategic sectors such as clean technologies, advanced manufacturing, agri-food, digital industries, and life sciences. Applicants must demonstrate financial stability, a realistic plan for scaling, and alignment with regional development priorities. The programme operates on a continuous intake basis, meaning applications can be submitted at any time. However, early engagement with a CED advisor is encouraged to ensure alignment and completeness of the proposal.

Benefits of the Support for Regional Quantum Innovation program:

• Access to interest-free, repayable funding to reduce growth-related financial risk
• Enables purchase of equipment, process improvement, and technology adoption
• Supports market expansion efforts, both domestic and international
• Tailored advice and support from CED advisors during application development
• Encourages innovation and business modernisation
• Helps firms in strategic sectors align with federal economic development priorities
• Flexible repayment terms that accommodate the businesss growth trajectory
• Aligns with the national REGI framework, promoting innovation and regional competitiveness

Eligibility criteria of the Support for Regional Quantum Innovation program:

• To be eligible, applicants must:
• Be for-profit companies incorporated and operating in Quebec
• Have strong growth potential, with plans for expansion or productivity improvement
• Demonstrate financial health and repayment capability
• Be operating in or aligned with strategic sectors such as clean tech, agri-food, advanced manufacturing, life sciences, or digital industries
• Be capable of carrying out the proposed project effectively and within set timelines
• Submit a realistic project plan with measurable outcomes
• Be in good legal and financial standing with federal agencies
• Projects must align with the goal of scaling up operations or increasing productivity