INNOV-R — CQRDA

For Quebec-based SMEs working in aluminum manufacturing or clean technology, reducing greenhouse gas emissions often requires deep R&D investment and access to specialized expertise. The INNOV-R program from the Centre québécois de recherche et de développement de l’aluminium (CQRDA) is designed to support ambitious industrial research projects that can meaningfully lower emissions while strengthening the province’s aluminum value chain. It targets businesses ready to collaborate and innovate, particularly those developing new processes, materials, or technologies with measurable climate benefits.

Through INNOV-R, eligible businesses can receive substantial non-repayable funding that may reach up to around $2 million over a multi-year project, covering a significant share of research and development costs. Projects must be carried out in collaboration with at least one university or public research centre, reflecting the program’s strong focus on applied research and knowledge transfer. The initiative is supported by Quebec’s broader electrification and climate change objectives and is delivered through sectoral industrial research groups that help bridge the gap between academic research and commercial application.

This program is especially relevant for SMEs in Quebec’s aluminum ecosystem looking to scale cleaner technologies while sharing risk with public research partners. Businesses interested in collaborative R&D with real environmental impact may want to explore whether INNOV-R aligns with their innovation and sustainability plans.