The Quebec government announced on August 20, 2026 a major investment of $42,014,745 to support cutting-edge research at 22 colleges and universities across the province. This strategic initiative places aerospace, life sciences, energy, agri-food, and artificial intelligence at the heart of Quebec's economic development for the years ahead.
A landmark program: 147 projects totalling $110 million
The government contribution is designed to support infrastructure acquisition for 147 co-funded research projects under the programs of the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI). In total, these initiatives represent an investment of $110,550,084, making this one of the most significant announcements for Quebec's research ecosystem in recent years. With this funding, post-secondary institutions and their affiliated centres will be able to acquire state-of-the-art equipment and boost their research capacity to conduct world-class activities, further cementing Quebec's international standing in the strategic sectors where it excels.
Polytechnique Montréal: Hybrid Propulsion and Composite Materials Take Centre Stage
For aerospace professionals, the headline measure of this announcement involves École Polytechnique de Montréal. With a government contribution of $2,041,938 spread across nine distinct projects (total cost: $6,154,396), Quebec's flagship engineering institution will be able to acquire the infrastructure needed for an ambitious research program pursuing two complementary strategic objectives.
The first axis targets optimizing the performance of hybrid rocket propulsion systems — a technology combining the advantages of solid and liquid propellant engines that is experiencing renewed global interest, particularly for small satellite launchers and next-generation orbital transport vehicles. The second axis addresses the fire resistance of composite materials, now indispensable in the manufacture of lightweight aerospace structures, from fuselages to engine nacelles, empennages, and primary structural components.
Both research axes are directly tied to reducing the environmental footprint of aerospace — a growing priority for major global contractors operating under ambitious decarbonization targets. By acquiring the necessary equipment, Polytechnique Montréal positions itself as an essential player in sustainable aerospace research on the international stage, simultaneously attracting world-class researchers and high-value industrial partnerships.
Cégep Édouard-Montpetit: Technical Aerospace Excellence Strengthened
Under the college component of the program, Cégep Édouard-Montpetit — home to the Centre de technologie aérospatiale (CTA), one of the most recognized college technology transfer centres in the sector — will receive a government contribution of $1,000,000 for a project with a total value of $2,711,759. This funding will consolidate applied research infrastructure and strengthen the bridge between specialized technical training and the concrete needs of Quebec's aerospace industry, directly supporting the creation of skilled, lasting employment.
ÉTS and INRS Also Among the Beneficiaries
Two other major institutions in Quebec's research ecosystem are among the beneficiaries. The École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS), with deep ties to mechanical, electronic, and aerospace industries, receives a contribution of $440,000 for four projects (total cost: $1,232,891). The Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS) receives $1,207,085 for seven projects representing $3,706,134 in total investments. Both institutions will strengthen their capabilities in areas of strong industrial relevance, creating conditions conducive to spin-off creation and the commercial application of research results.
Two Complementary Funds Covering the Full Research Continuum
The investment operates through two distinct CFI mechanisms. The College Fund, with more than $5 million allocated by the Ministry of Higher Education to six college-level institutions, aims to strengthen colleges' capacity to support innovation in partnership with public, private, and non-profit sectors. It enables them to acquire the research infrastructure needed to meet immediate industry needs and create skilled jobs in communities across Quebec.
The John R. Evans Leaders Fund, representing nearly $37 million jointly allocated by the Ministry of Higher Education and the Ministry of Health and Social Services to 16 universities for 141 projects, helps universities and their affiliated centres recruit and retain outstanding researchers. By combining this funding with partner contributions, institutions can present a truly competitive research support offer on the international stage, attracting high-calibre talent that directly fuels Quebec's economic growth.
Concrete Impacts on Specialized Employment
For Quebec's aerospace industry — encompassing global leaders like Bombardier, Pratt & Whitney Canada, CAE, and Airbus Canada, along with hundreds of first-tier suppliers — these investments in fundamental and applied research will fuel the product and process innovations of the next decade. In concrete terms, they will translate into:
— Creation of research and development positions in high-value-added fields such as space propulsion, advanced materials, and computational aerodynamics;
— Enhanced hands-on training for students and technicians with access to equipment meeting global industry standards;
— Development of public-private partnerships fostering technology transfer to Quebec companies and the commercialization of innovations;
— Attraction of international talent to institutions equipped with world-class research infrastructure, expanding the pool of skills available to the entire industry.
Research and innovation are pillars of Quebec's socioeconomic development. By supporting these 147 projects across 22 institutions, the Quebec government is facilitating the recruitment of top talent, the training of the next generation of specialists, and collaboration with public and private partners — all with the ultimate goal of developing innovations that will durably improve quality of life and the competitiveness of Quebec companies on the world stage.
Find Your Next Aerospace Challenge
AeroEmploi is Quebec's reference job portal for the aerospace sector. Whether you are a propulsion engineer, composite materials specialist, avionics technician, university researcher, or R&D project manager, browse new job postings every day at aeroemploi.ca and join the teams shaping the future of Quebec's aerospace industry.