CRIAQ

What CRIAQ does

CRIAQ (Consortium de Recherche et d'Innovation en Aérospatiale au Québec) is a Montreal-based non-profit research consortium founded in 2002 and operating as one of nine designated RSRI (Regroupements sectoriels de recherche industrielle) under the Quebec government's MEIE ministry. Its core function is to act as an intermediary that sources industry-defined aerospace R&D problems, pairs them with academic expertise at Quebec universities and CCTTs (Polytechnique Montréal, McGill, Concordia, Université de Sherbrooke, ÉTS, ÉNA, CTA), and administers co-financing through government programs. Core offerings consist of funding programs — Exploration-Innovation (up to 40% of project value, max CAD $500K/year or $1.5M over 3 years), Maturing-Innovation (up to 50%, max $150K/company, $500K/project), CRIAQ International, INNOV-R Academic (up to $500K/year), and Strategic Sectors calls (up to $1M per project over 24 months) — alongside three service lines: networking (Maillage et mise en relation), funding access (Accompagnement et financement), and technological leadership positioning.

Revenue mechanics are anchored in two streams: (i) core operating support from MEIE via the Programme de soutien aux organisations (PSO volet 2), and (ii) administrative management of government co-financing routed through programs like the $5M 2025 MEIE grant that funded 14 collaborative projects totaling ~$20M. Distribution is direct engagement by program directors and portfolio managers, supplemented by the annual RDV Forum (500+ attendees in 2025) and regional RDV Réseau meetings. Customer segments split between aerospace OEMs/SMEs/startups seeking collaborative R&D and risk/cost sharing (Airbus Canada, Bombardier, Pratt & Whitney Canada, Bell Textron Canada, MDA, Siemens Énergie, H55) and Quebec academic institutions seeking industry-linked applied research funding and talent pathways.

Over 20 years, CRIAQ has facilitated 220+ projects totaling nearly CAD $300M involving 1,900+ researchers and 2,200+ students, and has built formal international R&D partnerships with ZAL (Germany, since 2015), KITECH and KARI (South Korea, 2024/2025), IVADO/IRT Saint Exupéry (France, since 2018), and the Université de Toulouse. In 2024 Guillaume Côté (ex-Collins Aerospace, AIAC, CARIC) was appointed CEO; in 2026 the organization expanded into a new defense and national-security coordination mandate at the request of MEIE, alongside three sister RSRI organizations (PROMPT, PRIMA, CRITM).

Name

CRIAQ

Legal name

Consortium de Recherche et d'Innovation en Aérospatiale au Québec

Website

https://criaq.aero

Company type

Private

Founded year

2002

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Montreal-based non-profit aerospace research consortium, founded in 2002, that facilitates collaborative R&D between Quebec aerospace companies (OEMs, SMEs, startups) and universities, administering government co-financing through MEIE-funded programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Montréal

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Government Funding - Operating Support: CRIAQ receives core operating funding from the Québec government (MEIE) through the Programme de soutien aux organisations (PSO volet 2). This supports organizational operations and administrative functions.
2. Project Co-Financing Administration: CRIAQ helps manage and administer collaborative R&D project funding from government programs. Financial assistance from CRIAQ can reach 40% of project value (Exploration-Innovation) or up to 75% for Maturation-Innovation projects, funded by MEIE's Innovation Program.
3. Collaborative Research Facilitation: CRIAQ facilitates collaborative aerospace research projects involving industry partners and academic institutions, with co-funding from multiple sources including MEIE, federal agencies, and private sector contributions.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

CRIAQ is a non-profit aerospace research consortium that facilitates collaborative R&D projects between aerospace companies and academic institutions. It administers multiple government funding programs (Exploration-Innovation, Maturation-Innovation, CRIAQ International, Strategic Sectors, INNOV-R Academic) offering co-financing of project costs, and provides networking, matchmaking, and technology leadership services to Quebec's aerospace ecosystem. The consortium also operates the annual RDV Forum event and talent development programs including scholarships for women in aerospace.

Product overview

CRIAQ (Consortium de Recherche et d'Innovation en Aérospatiale au Québec) operates as a collaborative aerospace research consortium, not a traditional product company. The organization functions as a coordination and funding body that connects industry partners with academic researchers. Its core offerings consist of funding programs including Exploration-Innovation (for emerging technology exploration up to $1.5M for 3 years), Maturing-Innovation (for technology maturation and demonstration), and CRIAQ International (for international collaborative R&D). The consortium organizes the annual RDV Forum as its flagship networking event, and provides services in networking, financing support, and technological leadership. Supplementary offerings include talent development scholarships (Relève Féminine), INNOV-R programs for GHG reduction, and strategic sector funding calls. Together, these programs form a comprehensive innovation support ecosystem for Quebec's aerospace industry.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Exploration-Innovation Program Funding program that supports exploration of emerging technology potential to generate new application ideas and validate technological elements in industry-proposed applied research projects led by researchers. Provides financial assistance up to 40% of project value, max $500,000/year, or $1.5M for 3-year projects. For aerospace companies and academic researchers in Quebec.
• Maturing-Innovation Program Funding program led by industry (especially SMEs) to mature and demonstrate technologies for aerospace applications including sustainable aeronautics, future air mobility, and digital aviation systems. Financial assistance up to 50% of eligible expenses, max $150,000 per company, $500,000 per project. Projects must last at least 12 months.
• CRIAQ International Program that stimulates R&D activities within collaborative projects with potential for commercialization of product or process technologies, leveraging CRIAQ and Espace Aéro networks to identify partners in targeted collaboration countries (Germany, Korea, France).
• RDV Forum Annual flagship event bringing together over 500 aerospace innovators for conferences, project idea presentations, and networking sessions. Features themes including decarbonization, advanced air mobility, digital aviation systems, and women's role in aerospace.
• Strategic Sectors Call Funding program supporting large-scale collaborative innovation projects in strategic sectors for Quebec aerospace companies (priority to SMEs and startups), with subsidies up to $1,000,000 per project for up to 24 months.
• INNOV-R Academic Funding program encouraging innovative technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Quebec, requiring potential to reduce or avoid at least 100,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent within 10 years of commercialization. Max 3-year duration.
• Relève Féminine Scholarship Program Scholarship program supporting women pursuing university studies in aerospace, with master's and doctoral level bursaries co-funded with Fonds de recherche du Québec totaling $125,000.
• Maillage et mise en relation (Networking and Matchmaking) Networking service connecting key players in aerospace ecosystem and other innovative ecosystems to realize innovation ideas with appropriate industrial and research partners.
• Leadership Technologique (Technology Leadership) Service positioning companies within aerospace research and innovation vectors aligned with societal needs and regulations, accelerating transitions and encouraging development of innovative entrepreneurial talent.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 220 projects completed and in progress worth nearly $300 million involving 1,900+ researchers and 2,200+ students over 20 years
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

23 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• McGill UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 May 2026Academic partner in aerospace research collaboration, including Airbus Tech Hub Canada partnership.
• University of WaterloominorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 May 2026Academic partner in aerospace research collaboration with Airbus Tech Hub Canada.
• PROMPT (RSRI for AI and Quantum)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 May 2026RSRI partner in defense and national security innovation mandate. Collaborates on AI and quantum technologies for defense applications.
• PRIMA (RSRI for Advanced Materials)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 May 2026RSRI partner in defense mandate, contributing advanced materials expertise for defense technology development.
• CRITM (RSRI for Critical Minerals and Metallic Transformation)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 May 2026RSRI partner in defense mandate, contributing critical minerals and strategic metals expertise.
• Aéro MontréalcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 February 2026Co-organized Quebec-Germany aerospace mission with CRIAQ. Strategic partner in aerospace ecosystem coordination and innovation zone development.
• H55coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 November 2025Collaboration supported by CRIAQ and Écoleader Fund to develop second-life applications for aerospace batteries. H55 is a Swiss company (leader in certified electric propulsion systems) with Canadian subsidiary at Saint-Hubert airport in Greater Montreal. Partnership aims to create sustainable business models and circular economy practices for battery reuse.
• SiacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 November 2025International management and transformation consulting firm collaborating with H55 and CRIAQ on second-life battery applications. Sia supports development of economic and environmental scenarios, viable business models, and implementation plans for circular economy integration.
• Écoleader FundminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 November 2025Quebec government fund managed by FAQDD supporting eco-responsible business practices and clean technology adoption. Provides funding support for the H55-Sia-CRIAQ second-life battery project.
• Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 September 2025Partnership with INRS and Department of National Defence to host strategic 'Connexion Défense' forum. Aimed at strengthening Canada's technological sovereignty by mobilizing Quebec's innovation ecosystem around defense capabilities.
• Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 August 2025Agreement signed August 2025 to establish framework for future R&D collaborations. Focus areas: advanced air mobility, sustainable energy and alternative fuels, urban air mobility infrastructure, digital technologies and AI applied to aerospace, and space systems.
• ZAL Center of Applied Aeronautical Research (Hambourg, Germany)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 June 2025Long-standing partnership since 2015, renewed in 2025 with memorandum of understanding signed at Paris SIAE. Collaborates on key enabling technologies including AI and propulsion systems for sustainable aviation. CRIAQ coordinates Canadian side, ZAL coordinates German side. Successfully completed projects include LiBio (bionic aircraft interior), NAIMMTA (acoustic metamaterials), AIARA (AI-augmented robots), and COMP1633-INTL (fire-resistant PRF systems).
• ZAL (Center of Applied Aeronautical Research)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 June 2025Joint participation in ZAL Innovation Days 2026 (Hamburg), collaboration on international project calls, and talent mobility programs including hosting of Àngela Àlvarez García (Network & Innovation Manager) for 3 weeks in 2026.
• Skywin (Belgium)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 June 2025Belgian aerospace cluster partner met at Paris SIAE alongside Aéro Montréal.
• Espace AérocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 February 2025Strategic partnership worth $300,000 over three years for aerospace innovation zone development. Includes leadership of Strategic Scientific Committee, development of pan-Canadian and international collaborative research projects, and strategic initiatives to accelerate Espace Aéro deployment.
• Fonds de recherche du Québec (FRQ)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 February 2025Co-funding agreement totaling $165,000 including Women in Aerospace scholarships ($125,000 for 5 master's and 5 doctoral scholarships) and Postdoctoral Sustainable Aerospace grants ($40,000 for 12+ month projects).
• Initiative de technologie aéronautique durable (INTAD)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 February 2025Enhanced collaboration agreement to streamline co-funding of collaborative R&D projects in aerospace, leveraging funding tools available to both organizations.
• Conseil de l'innovation du QuébecminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 February 2025Collaboration agreement to develop an overview/portrait of the aerospace industry in Quebec.
• Aéro MontréalcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 February 2025Partnership on aerospace innovation zone and collaborative research initiatives.
• Korea Institute of Industrial Technology (KITECH)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2024Agreement signed June 2024 to support aerospace collaboration development in sustainable aviation, advanced air mobility, and digital aviation systems. Aims to facilitate resource pooling and business needs response in both countries.
• IVADOcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 June 2023Renewed collaboration agreement with IVADO and IRT Saint Exupéry since 2018. Includes new partnership with University of Toulouse. Supports AI applied to critical systems in aerospace and transportation. Projects include DEEL (explainable machine learning), DETONATION (acoustic prediction), ENVIA (AI pilot simulation), and Montreal-Toulouse intelligent mobility platform.
• IRT Saint ExupérycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 June 2023Partnership renewed in 2023 to facilitate research links between members and support Quebec and Toulouse organizations in international development.
• Université de ToulouseminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 June 2023New partner added to existing IVADO-IRT Saint Exupéry collaboration in 2023 for AI research in aerospace.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• INTAD (Initiative de technologie aéronautique durable): Quebec initiative for sustainable aerospace technology with overlapping member base and project themes (decarbonization, SAF, hydrogen) as CRIAQ. Partner under the 2025 enhanced co-funding agreement for collaborative R&D.
• IVADO: Quebec consortium for AI and data research operating the same RSRI industry-academia model as CRIAQ. Long-standing partner since 2018 for AI in aerospace, with joint projects in explainable ML, acoustic prediction, and pilot simulation.
• CARIC (Canadian Aerospace Consortium for Research and Innovation): National Canadian aerospace research consortium with the same industry-academia R&D facilitation model as CRIAQ. Guillaume Côté previously served at CARIC before becoming CRIAQ CEO, indicating directly comparable mandate, governance, and member base at the pan-Canadian level.
• IRT Saint Exupéry: French Toulouse-based aerospace R&D institute (Institut de Recherche Technologique) running collaborative industry-academia programs in AI, digital systems, and critical systems. Renewed CRIAQ partner since 2018 with co-funded projects including DEEL, DETONATION, and ENVIA.
• PROMPT (Quebec RSRI for AI and Quantum): One of the nine Quebec RSRI consortia with the same MEIE-funded, industry-academia R&D facilitation model as CRIAQ. Coordinates with CRIAQ under the defense and national security mandate, with overlapping AI/digital aerospace project pipelines.
• PRIMA (Quebec RSRI for Advanced Materials): Quebec RSRI consortium for advanced materials with the same industry-academia R&D facilitation mandate as CRIAQ. RSRI partner in the defense mandate, contributing materials expertise to joint projects.
• KITECH (Korea Institute of Industrial Technology): Korean government R&D institute covering industrial applied research with aerospace as a focus area; CRIAQ partner since 2024 for sustainable aviation, AAM, and digital aviation systems. Operates a comparable industry-academia co-funding model.
• ZAL Center of Applied Aeronautical Research: German applied aeronautical R&D center in Hamburg operating a comparable industry-academic consortium model and long-standing CRIAQ partner since 2015. Jointly runs collaborative projects in AI, sustainable propulsion, bionic aircraft interiors, and acoustic metamaterials, making it the closest functional twin outside Quebec.
• KARI (Korea Aerospace Research Institute): Korea's national aerospace research institute and CRIAQ partner since 2025, operating with similar applied R&D, talent development, and industry-academia coordination functions across advanced air mobility, sustainable fuels, and digital aviation.

Regional players

• Aéro Montréal: Greater Montreal aerospace industry cluster serving many of the same Quebec aerospace OEMs and SMEs as CRIAQ. While focused on cluster economic development rather than R&D project management, Aéro Montréal co-organizes international missions and innovation zone work alongside CRIAQ.

Market position

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/criaq_aero
• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/%C3%89conomieQu%C3%A9bec
• Facebookfacebook.com/profile.php
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ministere-economie-et-innovation
• Instagraminstagram.com/economieqc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about CRIAQ