How to Apply for the SynergiQc Program for Biopharmaceutical Research

How to Apply for the SynergiQc Program for Biopharmaceutical Research

If your biopharmaceutical project needs strong R&D funding, SynergiQc is an important program in Quebec. It supports collaborative research between Quebec companies and public research institutions, with funding of up to $1.5 million per project. The program is selective, and the application process expects a clear business and research plan from the beginning.

Below is a guide on how to apply for the SynergiQc program for biopharmaceutical research, who qualifies, and what funders look for.

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What Is the SynergiQc Program and Who Can Apply?

SynergiQc is delivered by the Quebec Consortium for Drug Discovery (CQDM). It funds projects that advance biopharmaceutical and life sciences innovations with real industrial potential.

Eligible Applicants

To apply, your project must meet all of the following conditions:

• Public research partner in Quebec
  • A university, college, or public research institution located in Quebec
• At least one eligible Quebec-based company
  • SMEs: 249 employees or fewer
  • Large enterprises: 250 employees or more
• Strong collaboration
  • The company must be actively involved, not just a sponsor
• Technology readiness level (TRL)
  • Projects must fall between TRL 1 and TRL 6
• Life sciences focus
  • Biopharmaceutical, drug discovery, or related life sciences research
• Student involvement
  • Students at all levels must participate in the project
• Quebec impact
  • The project must generate socio-economic benefits for Quebec

SynergiQc does not fund companies working alone. Find a research partner before applying.

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Funding Details and Eligibility Criteria

SynergiQc offers non-dilutive funding, which means you do not need to give up ownership or equity in your company. However, it does not cover all project costs.

Funding Details

• Maximum funding: Up to $1,500,000
• Maximum assistance rate: Up to 40% of eligible project costs
• Project duration: Typically up to three years
• Assistance rate varies
  • The exact funding percentage depends on the size of the partner company, not the project’s maturity level

Your budget must clearly show how the remaining costs will be covered by company and institutional contributions.

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Timeline and Review Process

Understanding the timeline and review process can help you plan your application and set realistic expectations.

Application Timeline

• Calls for projects: CQDM posts calls for proposals on their website throughout the year.
• Submission deadlines: Each call has a set deadline. Late or incomplete applications are not accepted.
• Review process: Applications are reviewed by CQDM’s scientific and industry panels. They assess the business and research plan, collaboration strength, and Quebec impact.
• Decision timeline: Most applicants receive a decision within a few months after submission.

Stay aware of deadlines and review periods for better project and partner coordination.

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How to Apply for the SynergiQc Program

Applying for the SynergiQc program for biopharmaceutical research is a structured process. Strong coordination between partners is critical.

1. Confirm Eligibility Early

Before writing anything, confirm that:

• Your company is incorporated and operating in Quebec
• Your research partner qualifies as a public research institution
• Your project fits within TRL 1–6

Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter programs by province and industry quickly, which is helpful if SynergiQc is one of several funding options you’re considering.

2. Define the Business and Research Plan

CQDM prioritizes projects with a clear industrial application. Your proposal must explain:

• The unmet need in biopharma or life sciences
• Why the research matters to industry
• How results could lead to future products, platforms, or pipelines

3. Build the Collaborative Work Plan

Your application must show real collaboration:

• Roles and responsibilities for each partner
• Milestones and deliverables
• Student involvement and training outcomes

Weak or unbalanced partnerships are a common reason for rejection.

4. Prepare a Realistic Budget

Your budget should:

• Separate eligible and non-eligible expenses
• Respect the 40% maximum funding limit
• Clearly show cash and in-kind contributions

5. Submit Through CQDM

Applications are submitted directly to CQDM. Timelines and calls for projects are published on the CQDM website. Late or incomplete applications are not reviewed.

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Tips for a Successful Application

• Start early: Give yourself enough time to build strong partnerships and gather required documents.
• Be clear and concise: Make your business and research plan easy to understand for reviewers.
• Show Quebec impact: Clearly explain how your project benefits Quebec’s economy and science.
• Include students: Highlight how students will be involved and what they will learn.
• Check deadlines: Mark CQDM’s submission dates and plan ahead.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Treating the company as a passive partner
   CQDM expects active industrial involvement, not just a symbolic collaboration.

2. Misjudging TRL levels
   Projects outside TRL 1–6 are ineligible, even if the science is strong.

3. Underestimating budget scrutiny
   Vague or inflated costs weaken credibility and can reduce your funding.

4. Ignoring Quebec impact
   Economic and scientific benefits for Quebec must be clear and direct.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is eligible to apply for the SynergiQc program?
Public research institutions in Quebec working closely with at least one eligible Quebec-based company can apply.

Q: What types of projects does SynergiQc fund?
SynergiQc funds collaborative biopharmaceutical and life sciences research projects with clear industrial applications.

Q: How much funding can a SynergiQc project receive?
Projects can receive up to $1.5 million, covering a maximum of 40% of total project costs, usually over three years.

Q: Does funding differ for SMEs and large enterprises?
Yes. The maximum assistance rate varies depending on whether the industry partner is an SME or a large enterprise.

Q: Is SynergiQc funding taxable?
SynergiQc funding is generally considered government assistance and may affect tax credits such as SR&ED. SR&ED is a federal tax credit program for R&D in Canada. Tax treatment can vary, so it is recommended to consult a tax professional for advice specific to your situation.

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See Also: Related Quebec Funding Topics

• How University Spin-Offs Can Get Funding in Quebec
• Impulsion PME vs Other Quebec Startup Funding Programs
• Eligible Expenses Under Regional Economic Development Grants in Quebec (CED)

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Next Steps

SynergiQc is a good choice if your biopharmaceutical research is collaborative, Quebec-based, and industry-driven. GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant programs across Canada, including specialized Quebec R&D funding—making it easier to see how SynergiQc fits into your broader funding strategy and what other programs may complement it.