Call for transformative joint projects between Québec and Wales (Agile Cymru)

Québec and Wales signed a Declaration of Intent in 2020 which committed to bilateral cooperation, including on innovation and shared economic interests. This has been supported by various funding calls over the years creating new partnerships and valuable collaborations. The Gouvernement du Québec and the Welsh Government have identified an opportunity to support partnerships take the next step towards delivering transformative economic benefit.

We are looking for proposals that:

• Involve genuine partnerships with at least one partner from Wales and at least one partner from Québec. Multilateral proposals are welcome if the added value is clear.
• Have the potential to deliver positive, transformative or structural change.
• Support at least one of the following economic sectors: aerospace, artificial intelligence, blue growth, critical materials, cybersecurity, energy transition, life sciences & health, semiconductors.
• Have a clear pathway to impact. This might include the involvement of important delivery partners such as relevant industry, sector bodies or clusters.
• Set out realistic options for continuing the activity after the funding ends.
• Involve actions led by the Québec partner and actions led by the Welsh partner that are distinct but complementary.
• The Welsh lead partner can deliver the activity, outputs and expenditure by 31 March 2027. Evidence of outcomes can be submitted after that date.

We expect to support 1 to 3 projects under this call, depending on demand and quality. The Welsh lead partner can apply for up to £10,000 for the activity they will lead. Similar amounts may be available for the Québec partner from the Gouvernement du Québec. However, value for money will be an important consideration and the expenditure of both partners should be logical and proportionate.

Unless confirmed otherwise, standard Agile Cymru guidance applies to the expenditure of the Welsh lead partner. Welsh partners should note that although up to 100% of eligible costs can be supported, some costs are ineligible (e.g. subsistence) and we strongly encourage a focus on larger, easy to evidence cost items.

Agile Cymru is now open to proposals from the lead Welsh partner. There is no deadline, submit your proposal as soon as possible. Proposals will be considered on a ‘first come, first served’ basis reflecting the relatively short period for delivery. However, we are unlikely to consider new proposals after December 2026.

This is a pilot call and the process may evolve. It will operate on a parallel funding model, requiring projects to meet the criteria and requirements of Gouvernement du Québec and the Welsh Government, and to be successful with an application for funding in both jurisdictions.

For Welsh Government funding the lead Welsh partner should email the Agile Cymru team with a short outline of the proposal explaining how it meets the requirements of this call. This should include information on the strategic nature of the activity and practical information on how it can be delivered in the timescale.

The Agile Cymru team will carry out an initial assessment (triage) of proposals, seeking further information where justified. Proposals that are not a clear priority may be placed on a ‘reserve list’ to allow opportunities for other proposals. 

You will only be invited to submit an application under this call if there is a reasonable chance of a joint project; the Agile Cymru team may advise on other funding routes or confirm that you have not been prioritised for funding. Please note that progressing to the application stage is not a guarantee of funding.

If you are invited to submit an application form, we will follow standard Agile Cymru procedures unless you are advised otherwise. Applicants will need to provide sufficient information on both the Welsh and Québec elements of the project to allow assessment of complementarity, value for money and any risk of duplication of public funding.

Throughout the process, advice may be sought from relevant specialist and policy colleagues in Wales or other relevant nations/regions. We will also work closely with the Gouvernement du Québec on the merits of each proposal, sharing information and applications as necessary.

Welsh Government will have the final decision on funding for the lead Welsh partner, which may include awarding a lower grant than requested. Welsh Government may consider approving funding in advance of other funding decisions, but Welsh partner costs incurred without specific agreement in writing of the Agile Cymru Team will be ineligible.

Welsh lead partners should email the Agile Cymru team at AgileCymru@gov.wales

Québec partners should email Gouvernement du Québec at CoopQuebecGalles@mri.gouv.qc.ca