QUEBEC BUDGET 2025–2026
Montreal – March 25, 2025 – On the occasion of the release of the Government of Quebec’s 2025–2026 Budget, the Association pour le Développement de la Recherche et de l’Innovation du Québec (ADRIQ) congratulates the Government of Quebec for a budget that responds to U.S. tariff threats by focusing on innovation-driven measures and market diversification for Quebec SMEs.
“Through this budget, the government takes a clear-eyed look at Quebec’s innovation challenges and provides an encouraging response so that SMEs can rely on an effective innovation ecosystem and a competitive business environment,” stated Nancy Déziel, Chair of the ADRIQ Board of Directors.
ADRIQ welcomes the $5.4 billion in investments to stimulate wealth creation, including $604 million over five years to increase companies’ capacity to innovate. ADRIQ wishes to highlight several measures, many of which align with its pre-budget submission:
- the continuation of the Digital Transformation Offensive;
- $22 million over two years to continue funding for Mila;
- the modernization of the tax credit for the development of electronic business to better target AI solutions;
- the introduction of the Research, Innovation and Commercialization Tax Credit (CRIC), notably to encourage the acquisition of technologies and productive assets used in R&D or pre-commercialization activities;
- the extension of accelerated depreciation measures;
- $1.6 billion in liquidity in the form of loans to address U.S. tariffs;
- $196 million to promote international market diversification;
- support for the development of the Technum Québec innovation zone;
- the renewal of the Quebec Life Sciences Strategy;
- the continuation of the Quebec Plan for the Development of Critical and Strategic Minerals;
- the extension of funding for the Economic Development Program to Support the Revitalization of Territories, enabling the realization of business projects;
- budgets to support collaborative research and technology transfer by leveraging the expertise and infrastructure of public research centers, and to accelerate the adoption of cutting-edge technologies by businesses;
- the continuation of efforts to reduce regulatory and administrative burden.
“ADRIQ is pleased to see that several of its recommendations have been taken into account in this budget. Increased support for innovation and research is essential to ensure the competitiveness of Quebec businesses on the international stage,” stated Frédéric Alberro, President and CEO of ADRIQ.
ADRIQ also welcomes the emphasis placed on SMEs and young companies with the creation of a new $200 million fund to support investment and the commercialization of young companies’ innovations, as well as $42.3 million over three years to implement the 2025–2028 SME Plan, which is based on an integrated vision of the main actions of the Government of Quebec and its local and regional partners in supporting SMEs.
In light of the implementation of these measures, ADRIQ encourages the government to make programs available to young companies and SMEs that allow them to access support from expert advisors specialized in innovation. Quebec should leverage the diversity of players within the Quebec innovation ecosystem, such as ADRIQ-accredited innovation advisors, research centers, college centres for technology transfer (CCTTs), and industrial research sectoral groups (RSRIs).
Moreover, ADRIQ reiterates the importance of:
- increasing investments in higher education and knowledge advancement. Talent quality and scientific excellence are fundamental pillars of innovation creation and adoption; and
- making public procurement markets even more understandable and accessible to Quebec businesses, notably by increasing support for SMEs through training and neutral advisory services that maximize their chances of participating in and winning Quebec public contracts.
Finally, as Quebec faces challenges arising from changes in its trade and diplomatic relationship with the U.S. administration, the President and CEO of ADRIQ wishes to reiterate the association’s full collaboration to double down on efforts—together with its many partners and its forty accredited innovation advisors—to promote a culture of innovation within SMEs, encourage the sharing of best practices and expertise in research and innovation, and support Quebec SMEs in their innovation projects, including digital transformation.
About ADRIQ
Since 1978, ADRIQ has brought together Quebec organizations and businesses that share a common goal of making Quebec more innovative. Its mission is to support and promote research and innovation in order to raise the competitiveness and productivity of Quebec businesses. The association draws its strength from the commitment of its members, its 44 innovation advisors, and its vast network of more than 7,000 people engaged throughout the innovation cycle. Through its values of collaboration and partnership, ADRIQ offers support programs and activities that foster the sharing of knowledge and innovation expertise among Quebec businesses, while celebrating excellence and promoting technoscientific careers.
Source:
Marilyn Rémillard
Director – Communications and Events
Cell: 514-248-2760
marilyn.remillard@adriq.com
Information:
Frédéric Alberro
President and CEO
Cell: 514-241-7784
frederic.alberro@adriq.com
