Technology innovation grants in Quebec: top 5 in 2026

Are you looking for a technology innovation grant in Quebec but unsure where to start? With a wide range of funding programs available in Canada and Quebec, identifying the programs that truly fit your company is not straightforward.

Some programs stand out clearly because of their financial impact, accessibility, and direct effect on growth for innovative companies.

Here is a top 5 list of the most strategic financial incentives for Quebec technology companies in 2026, including key criteria and potential returns.

Which technology innovation grant in Quebec should you choose?

1. CDAE-IA: the flagship tax credit for IT companies integrating AI

The tax credit for e-business development integrating artificial intelligence (CDAE-IA) is by far one of the most attractive programs for information technology companies in Quebec in 2026.

It replaces the former CDAE and introduces a central requirement: projects must integrate artificial intelligence in a significant way into e-business solutions. The credit can reach 30% of eligible salaries (typically 24% refundable + 6% non-refundable), with no salary cap per employee.

To qualify for this technology innovation grant in Quebec, your company must derive at least 75% of its revenue from recognized IT activities, employ a minimum of 6 full-time technical employees for the full fiscal year, and be incorporated and established in Quebec.

For SaaS companies, software development firms, and IT consulting businesses, this credit can represent hundreds of thousands of dollars annually.

2. SR&ED: the essential federal program

Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) is the most generous federal tax program in Canada to support R&D. It is administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and is accessible to companies of all sizes and sectors.

For Canadian-controlled private corporations (CCPCs), the refundable credit can reach 35% of eligible expenditures, up to $3M. For other corporations, a 15% non-refundable credit applies. Combined with provincial support, the effective rate can approach 70% of eligible expenditures.

Eligible expenditures include salaries, materials, subcontracting, and certain overhead costs. SR&ED is especially powerful for teams working on algorithms, new software architectures, or complex optimization problems. It is often combined with provincial programs, including CDAE-IA.

3. CRIC: the new tax credit for research, innovation, and commercialization

Introduced in Quebec’s 2025 budget, the tax credit for research, innovation, and commercialization (CRIC) complements Quebec’s innovation tax incentive ecosystem. It targets applied research and commercialization activities for new technologies, making it relevant for companies in growth or go-to-market phases.

CRIC can be combined with SR&ED in certain configurations. As it is still relatively new, details continue to evolve. Working with grant specialists helps define eligible expenses and avoid costly filing mistakes.

4. CanExport Innovation: for tech companies targeting international markets

The Government of Canada’s CanExport Innovation program is often underused by Quebec technology companies. It offers non-repayable funding of up to $75,000 per project, covering up to 75% of eligible expenses related to protecting or commercializing technology in foreign markets.

To qualify, your SME must have fewer than 500 employees, annual revenue between $100,000 and $100M, and a structured international project such as patents, licensing, international certifications, or export market studies.

For an early-stage tech company preparing an international fundraise or building an IP strategy, this program can finance a meaningful share of legal and strategic expansion costs.

5. Hiring and training grants in IT

Often overlooked in financial planning, human resources funding programs are a practical lever to reduce growth costs. In Quebec, several programs can fund hiring interns, recent graduates, or specialized IT talent, as well as upskilling technical teams.

Wage subsidies can cover a significant portion of compensation for interns or new employees. Program terms vary by employee profile and sector. A tailored assessment helps identify what applies to your business.

Comparison table of the 5 programs

This table summarizes the five programs to evaluate for any company seeking technology innovation grants in Quebec.

Program	Agency	Potential amount	Refundable	Stackable
CDAE-IA	Revenu Quebec	Up to 30% of salaries	Partially (24%)	Yes (with SR&ED)
SR&ED	CRA (federal)	Up to 35% of expenditures	Yes (CCPC)	Yes
CRIC	Revenu Quebec	Case-dependent	Depends on terms	Yes (with SR&ED)
CanExport Innovation	Government of Canada	Up to $75,000	No (grant)	Yes
HR grants	Provincial / federal	Variable	Yes	Depends on program

Not sure which technology innovation grant in Quebec fits your business? Get a free assessment and discover your funding potential in minutes.

What tech companies often forget to claim

Even companies already benefiting from technology innovation grants in Quebec sometimes leave significant amounts unclaimed.

• Salaries of technical managers directly supervising R&D projects
• Subcontracting costs tied to innovation mandates (partially eligible under SR&ED)
• Training expenses related to adopting new technologies
• Taxable benefits included in the SR&ED calculation base

An annual claim strategy review with a specialist helps identify these missed opportunities before deadlines expire.

How to maximize your technology grants

To get the most from each technology innovation grant in Quebec, these practices make a clear difference:

• Document in real time: CRA and Revenu Quebec require contemporaneous evidence. Meeting notes, development logs, and timesheets are critical.
• Plan at the start of the fiscal year: waiting until year-end usually means leaving money unclaimed.
• Stack programs where possible: SR&ED and CDAE-IA are often combinable. A strong specialist can align federal and provincial incentives for maximum return.

Conclusion

Quebec technology companies can access one of the most generous funding ecosystems in North America. Each technology innovation grant in Quebec covered in this guide addresses a specific need: SR&ED for R&D, CDAE-IA for IT companies, and CanExport for international expansion.

The key is knowing which programs fit your situation, documenting correctly, and filing on time. Every unclaimed grant dollar is a dollar not reinvested in growth.

Ready to claim every dollar you are entitled to? Book time with an expert and leave with a concrete incentive action plan.

FAQ

How do you choose the right technology innovation grant in Quebec for your industry?

The answer depends on your profile: SR&ED fits any company performing R&D, while CDAE-IA is designed for IT companies significantly integrating AI. CRIC and CanExport target more specific needs. Choosing the wrong program can cost months of effort. An expert assessment is strongly recommended.

Can SR&ED and CDAE-IA be combined for the same projects?

Yes, in most cases these two programs are stackable. Stacking rules are strict: the same expense base cannot be claimed twice. A specialist can still structure your filing to maximize combined returns while respecting federal and provincial requirements.

Is a startup eligible?

Yes. Several programs, including SR&ED and some hiring incentives, are available to startups, even without a long revenue history. CDAE-IA, however, requires at least 6 technical employees and a sufficient level of IT revenue. A tailored assessment helps target programs that are realistically accessible at your stage.