The CQDM Funding Program (Quantum Leap) supports the development of innovative technologies, tools, and platforms that address strategic needs of large pharmaceutical companies. With funding ranging from $500,000 to $1.5 million per project, the program accelerates biopharmaceutical innovation through industry–academic collaboration, helping Canadian researchers and SMEs move high-impact ideas from concept to application.

Overview

The CQDM Funding Program is a Canadian research and innovation initiative designed to bridge the gap between early-stage scientific discovery and pharmaceutical industry adoption. It focuses on technologies, tools, and platforms with strong translational potential and direct relevance to large pharmaceutical companies. By co-funding projects with industry partners, CQDM reduces risk and increases the likelihood of real-world impact.

What the Program Supports

The program targets innovative, pre-competitive research that can improve drug discovery, development, and biopharmaceutical processes. Supported projects typically involve:

Novel research technologies and scientific tools
Platforms enabling drug discovery or development
Innovative methodologies with pharmaceutical applications
Solutions aligned with unmet needs identified by pharma partners

Projects must demonstrate strategic relevance to the pharmaceutical sector and clear potential for downstream adoption.

Key Concepts Explained

CQDM (Consortium Québécois sur la Découverte du Médicament)

CQDM is a not-for-profit biopharmaceutical research consortium that fosters collaboration between industry, academia, and SMEs to accelerate drug discovery and innovation in Canada.

Strategic Interest to Pharmaceutical Companies

This refers to technologies or platforms that address real challenges faced by large pharma companies, such as improving R&D efficiency, reducing development risk, or enabling new therapeutic approaches.

Co-Funding Model

CQDM typically covers about one-third of total project costs. The remaining funding must come from pharmaceutical partners or other confirmed sources, ensuring strong industry engagement.

Funding Amount and Duration

Typical funding per project: $500,000 to $1,500,000
Higher amounts may be considered with strong justification
CQDM contribution: Approximately one-third of total project budget
Project duration:
- Minimum: 1 year
- Maximum: 3 years

This structure provides sufficient time and flexibility for complex, high-impact research.

Who Is Eligible?

The program is particularly suited for:

Canadian academic researchers
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
Research teams collaborating with pharmaceutical companies
Innovation-driven consortia with clear industry alignment

Applicants must be able to demonstrate active or planned collaboration with pharmaceutical partners and secure complementary funding.

Eligible Expenses

CQDM funding can be used for a wide range of project-related costs, including:

Research grants and operating costs
Salaries and social benefits for research staff
Laboratory equipment and consumables
Platform usage fees and animal facility costs
Travel related to project work, collaboration, or conferences
Knowledge dissemination and publication fees
Intellectual property costs (patent filing and maintenance)
Small equipment purchases up to $25,000
Essential subcontracted work directly related to the project

Ineligible Expenses

The following costs are not covered:

Purchase or rental of equipment exceeding $25,000
Salaries of principal investigators and associated researchers at universities or affiliated research centers

Understanding these limits is critical when preparing a compliant budget.

Why This Funding Matters

Accelerates translation of research into pharmaceutical applications
Strengthens academia–industry collaboration
Reduces financial risk for early-stage innovation
Enhances Canada’s biopharmaceutical competitiveness
Helps move promising technologies toward commercialization

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

Define your innovation
Clearly articulate the technology, tool, or platform and its pharmaceutical relevance.
Engage industry partners
Secure interest and financial participation from pharmaceutical companies or other funders.
Build a realistic budget
Align requested CQDM funding with eligible costs and the one-third contribution rule.
Prepare your proposal
Include objectives, innovation rationale, development plan, timeline, and impact.
Contact CQDM early
Discuss your project with CQDM’s Senior Director of Business Development to ensure alignment.
Submit the application
Follow CQDM’s official submission guidelines and timelines.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Requesting CQDM funding without secured co-funding sources
Proposing projects without clear pharmaceutical relevance
Including ineligible expenses in the budget
Underestimating project timelines or costs
Failing to engage CQDM early in the proposal process

FAQ

What is the main goal of the CQDM Funding Program?
To support innovative technologies and platforms that meet strategic needs of large pharmaceutical companies.

How much funding can a project receive?
Typically between $500,000 and $1.5 million, with possible exceptions for highly justified cases.

Does CQDM fund the entire project budget?
No. CQDM generally funds about one-third of the total project cost.

How long can a project last?
Projects must run at least one year and can last up to three years.

Are SMEs eligible to apply?
Yes. Canadian SMEs are strongly encouraged, especially when collaborating with academia and pharma partners.

Are patent costs eligible?
Yes. Patent filing and maintenance fees related to the project are eligible expenses.

Is early contact with CQDM required?
While not mandatory, early discussion with CQDM’s Senior Director of Business Development is strongly recommended.

Conclusion

The CQDM Quantum Leap Funding Program offers a powerful pathway for Canadian researchers and SMEs to advance high-potential biopharmaceutical innovations. Through substantial co-funding, industry collaboration, and flexible project timelines, the program helps transform promising scientific ideas into impactful technologies that strengthen Canada’s pharmaceutical research ecosystem.