Fonds des pêches du Québec – Innovation

📋 Eligible Entities - Fish and seafood businesses operating in Quebec (primary operators) - Aquaculture enterprises engaged in fish or seafood production - Processors and distributors of Quebec fish and seafood products - Partnerships and consortiums involving eligible entities (joint projects encouraged) - Research institutions and technology providers partnering with industry participants - Businesses must be registered in Quebec and demonstrate active operations in the sector ### 💰 Funding Details - Maximum annual contribution: $1,000,000 CAD per project - Non-repayable grant: Funds do not require repayment - Matching requirements: Typically requires cost-sharing from applicant (verify current ratio in application guidelines) - Funding type: Contribution-based (grant), not a loan - Payment structure: Disbursed upon milestone achievement and expense verification ### 🛠️ Approved Expenses - Technology development for sustainable fishing and seafood production - Research and testing of new sustainable technologies - Commercialization activities including pilot projects and market validation - Equipment acquisition directly related to technology implementation - Professional services (engineering, consulting) for technology adoption - Payroll costs for dedicated project staff and specialized personnel - Training and capacity building related to new technology deployment - Intellectual property protection (patents, certifications) - Expenses must directly support sustainable innovation in fish and seafood sectors ### ⚠️ Conditions & Milestones - Project focus: Must demonstrate clear sustainability benefit to Quebec's fishing/seafood industry - Timeline: Annual funding cycle; specific application deadlines apply - Reporting requirements: Progress reports and financial documentation required at each milestone - Cost verification: All expenses must be documented and eligible; audits may occur - Quebec priority: Projects must benefit Quebec-based operations and workforce - Intellectual property: May require benefit-sharing agreements with the program - Accountability: Funds must be used as proposed; material changes require prior approval - Partnership transparency: If applicable, all partners must be declared and meet eligibility criteria - **Milestone-based disbursement