The key parameters of Innovation Bois.
What the program funds.
- Innovative investment projects in the forest products industry
- Development of new processes and products using forest raw materials
- Implementation of new forestry technologies and equipment
- Industrial projects focused on processing lower-quality Quebec timber
Who can apply?
- For-profit companies or groups in forestry equipment manufacturing
- Research, teaching or knowledge-transfer centres in forest products
- Companies using forest industry products, with an active Quebec establishment
- Government ministries and budget agencies
- Entities on the RENA ineligible contractors list
- Insolvent, bankrupt or creditor-protected companies
What costs qualify.
- Direct material costs
- Equipment (rental, purchase, installation) prorated by project duration
- Software purchase and development essential to the project
- Materials sampling and quality control for process development
- Professional fees (consulting, engineering) up to MRNF rates
- Subcontracting costs; eligible salaries and benefits
- Patent and IP protection fees (Category B only)
- Prototype and system production costs
Your questions about Programme Innovation Bois.
What is the Innovation Bois program?
Innovation Bois is a Quebec MRNF program supporting innovation in forest product processing and low-grade timber valorization. It funds innovative capital investments, new process development, and technology adoption in the Quebec forest industry. The current 2023–2026 cycle is closed; the next cycle is expected in 2026–2027.
How much funding can I receive?
The program covers up to 50% of eligible project costs, with a minimum of $200,000 and a maximum of $2,500,000 per project. Projects must therefore represent at least $400,000 to reach the minimum threshold.
Is the program currently open?
The 2023–2026 reception cycle is closed. Hubvention monitors MRNF announcements closely to activate ready mandates as soon as the next cycle opens. We recommend preparing your file now — business plan, financial model, equipment specs — to be first in line.
Can Innovation Bois be combined with ITIF?
Yes. For large forestry projects with both Quebec and federal dimensions, Innovation Bois (provincial) and ITIF (federal, NRCan) can be stacked. Hubvention structures both applications simultaneously to maximize total funding.
What is a Category B project?
Category B refers to R&D and feasibility study-type projects under the program (as opposed to Category A industrial investment projects). Category B unlocks specific eligible expenses such as IP protection fees, documentation costs, and certification fees.
What deliverables are required?
The program requires a complete business plan or equivalent document demonstrating financial viability, at least one confirmed economic benefit (production capacity, labour productivity, or product quality improvement), and for construction contracts over $100K, a public tender process.
Does the project have to be in Quebec?
Yes — the company must have an active establishment in Quebec and the project must be carried out in Quebec. Some out-of-Quebec work costs are eligible if strictly necessary and pre-agreed with MRNF.
How does Hubvention help with Innovation Bois?
Hubvention prepares your Innovation Bois file in anticipation of the next cycle: eligibility audit, Category A vs. B classification, business plan drafting, financial modelling with required private co-investment, and public tender preparation for construction contracts over $100K. We also coordinate with ITIF for maximum combined funding.
Programme Innovation Bois — Start your file.
We handle the full mandate: eligibility audit, file structuring, submission, follow-up.
- Structured mandate
- Confidentiality guaranteed
- 20 minutes