AI Grants and Funding Available in Quebec for 2026

Q: What AI grants are available in Quebec for SMEs?

SMEs can access provincial programs for digital transformation and adoption, federal support like NRC IRAP, and cluster co‑funding such as Scale AI. They may also combine Mitacs internships and NSERC Alliance with Prompt Québec collaborations. RS&DE and the CDAE tax credits can complement grants when stacking rules allow. Review eligibility, match funding, and deadlines before applying.

Q: How do I apply for AI funding in Quebec step by step?

Start with a clear problem statement and baseline KPIs. Select the right program stream (R&D, adoption, supply chain, workforce), build a realistic budget, and secure partner letters. Prepare IP and data governance terms, submit on time, and respond promptly to clarifications. Plan reporting and audit readiness from day one.

Q: Which AI expenses are typically eligible?

Eligible costs often include salaries, subcontracting, software, cloud, GPU credits, compute hardware, data labeling, and training. Some programs allow commercialization, travel, and security/privacy costs. Always check caps, indirect cost rules, and documentation requirements.

Q: Can I combine RS&DE with grants for AI projects?

Yes, many organizations stack RS&DE with grants, respecting stacking limits and avoiding double counting. Align time tracking and cost attribution to separate claimed work. Keep clear audit trails and coordinate with finance to maximize non‑dilutive support.

Q: What are common AI grant evaluation criteria?

Review panels consider technical merit, team capacity, market impact, data governance, responsible AI, and measurable KPIs. Risk mitigation, partner commitment, and clear budgets improve scores. Include a pilot‑to‑scale plan and post‑award reporting approach.

Q: Are GPU purchases and cloud credits eligible in Quebec AI programs?

Some programs accept GPU hardware and cloud/GPU credits when essential to the project scope and justified. Provide vendor quotes, workload estimates, and cost controls. Confirm eligibility, caps, and depreciation rules for equipment.

Q: What is the difference between adoption and R&D AI funding?

Adoption support focuses on implementing proven AI tools, integration, training, and change management. R&D funding targets experimental development, new algorithms, and higher technical risk. Many roadmaps combine both streams across phases.

Q: How long do AI grant decisions take in Quebec?

Timelines vary by program and call volume. Expect several weeks to a few months, with longer cycles for consortium projects. Build buffers in your plan and avoid committing to fixed start dates before approval.

Q: Can nonprofits and public institutions access AI funding?

Yes, many programs support hospitals, municipalities, colleges (CCTT), universities, and nonprofits, especially for pilots and applied research. Eligibility and match ratios differ, so review program guides carefully.

Q: What documents are required for an AI grant application in Quebec?

Prepare an executive summary, technical plan, budget, and timeline. Add partner letters, IP and data‑sharing terms, risk management, and KPIs. Include evidence of match funding and a reporting plan aligned with program requirements.

Accelerate AI adoption with Quebec and Canadian funding. Find grants, tax credits, and co‑funding for research, pilots, and commercialization.

Across Quebec, organizations can access a dense ecosystem of artificial intelligence funding that supports research, technology adoption, skills, and commercialization. Programs range from Quebec ministry subsidies to federal grants and tax credits, with specific options for SMEs, corporates, and non‑profits. This directory outlines the main opportunities, eligibility patterns, and application practices to help you plan AI projects with confidence.

58 opportunities available

Grant and FundingOpen

SCALE AI — Acceleration

Scale AI Cluster

Supports Canadian AI startups and SMEs focused on value chains

Eligible Funding

Maximum amount : 50,000 $

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Transportation and warehousing
Professional, scientific and technical services

Types of eligible projects

CommercializationArtificial Intelligence (AI)Innovation

Tax CreditsOpen

Development of E-Business Tax Credit (CDAE)

Investissement Québec (IQ), Gouvernment of Québec, Revenu Québec

Tax credit for development of a Quebec e-business

Eligible Funding

Up to 30% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Information and cultural industries
Finance and insurance
Professional, scientific and technical services

Types of eligible projects

Artificial Intelligence (AI)TechnologyHuman ResourcesInnovationDigital Transformation

Grant and FundingClosed

NovaScience Program - Support for projects in scientific culture and innovation

Gouvernment of Québec

NovaScience promotes scientific culture and innovation development

Eligible Funding

Maximum amount : 200,000 $
Up to 80% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Information and cultural industries
Professional, scientific and technical services
Educational services

Types of eligible projects

Artificial Intelligence (AI)TechnologyInnovation

Grant and FundingOpen

ESSOR – Component 1B: Support for investment projects (digital diagnostics)

Investissement Québec (IQ)

Support for investment projects through digital transformation

Eligible Funding

Maximum amount : 10,000 $
Up to 30% of project cost

Eligible Industries

All industries

Types of eligible projects

Artificial Intelligence (AI)InnovationDigital Transformation

Grant and FundingOpenClosing Soon

MEDTEQ+ — AVISÉ program

Consortium de recherche et d’innovation en technologies médicales du Québec

Funding for validation and evaluation of innovative health technologies

Eligible Funding

Maximum amount : 700,000 $
Up to 50% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Professional, scientific and technical services
Health care and social assistance

Types of eligible projects

CommercializationArtificial Intelligence (AI)TechnologyInnovation

Grant and FundingOpen

CED — Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED), Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

Supports AI technology development and adoption by Canadian SMEs

Eligible Funding

Up to 50% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Manufacturing
Information and cultural industries

Types of eligible projects

CommercializationArtificial Intelligence (AI)

Partnering and CollaborationGrant and FundingOpenClosing Soon

Call for collaborative and structuring innovation projects in Quebec's strategic sectors

Gouvernment of Québec, innovÉÉ

Collaborative innovation funding for Quebec's strategic sectors

Eligible Funding

Maximum amount : 1,000,000 $
Up to 35% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Utilities
Manufacturing
Transportation and warehousing
Information and cultural industries

Types of eligible projects

Artificial Intelligence (AI)TechnologyEnvironment and ClimateInnovationDigital Transformation

Grant and FundingClosed

Collaborative Industrial Research and Support to Innovative Entrepreneurship — Stream 3

Ministère de l'économie, de l'innovation et de l'énergie du Québec (MEIE), Gouvernment of Québec

Support for business clusters to develop large-scale innovation projects

Eligible Funding

Maximum amount : 1,500,000 $
Up to 50% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Information and cultural industries
Professional, scientific and technical services

Types of eligible projects

Artificial Intelligence (AI)Innovation

Grant and FundingClosed

MTRIC — PARTENAR-IA — Industry

Metal Transformation Research and Innovation Consortium (MTRIC)

Funding for Quebec metal transformation innovative collaborations in AI

Eligible Funding

Maximum amount : 1,500,000 $
Up to 35% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
Manufacturing

Types of eligible projects

Artificial Intelligence (AI)Technology

Grant and FundingOpen

Capitale-Innovation

Quebec City

Supports business innovation, commercialization, and market expansion projects

Eligible Funding

Maximum amount : 150,000 $
Up to 50% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Manufacturing
Information and cultural industries
Finance and insurance

Types of eligible projects

CommercializationArtificial Intelligence (AI)TechnologyEnvironment and ClimateInnovation

Grant and FundingClosed

Collaborative Industrial Research and Support to Innovative Entrepreneurship — Stream 1

Ministère de l'économie, de l'innovation et de l'énergie du Québec (MEIE), Gouvernment of Québec

Funding for collaborative projects in AI

Eligible Funding

Maximum amount : 150,000 $
Up to 50% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Information and cultural industries
Professional, scientific and technical services

Types of eligible projects

Artificial Intelligence (AI)TechnologyInnovation

Researchers And FacilitiesPartnering and CollaborationGrant and FundingClosed

Call for innovation projects in artificial intelligence and quantum technologies – collaborative industrial research and support for entrepreneurship

Gouvernment of Québec

Supports collaborative innovation in artificial intelligence and quantum technologies

Eligible Funding

Maximum amount : 1,500,000 $
Up to 35% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
Utilities
Construction

Types of eligible projects

Artificial Intelligence (AI)TechnologyInnovation

Grant and FundingOpen

Entrepreneurial grant

Quebec City

Supports new business creation and structured business succession in Québec

Eligible Funding

Maximum amount : 25,000 $
Up to 50% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Manufacturing
Information and cultural industries
Finance and insurance

Types of eligible projects

CommercializationArtificial Intelligence (AI)TechnologyEnvironment and ClimateHuman ResourcesBusiness BuyoutInnovation

Grant and FundingOpen

Quebec City — Major projects

Quebec City

Supports significant business investments in targeted Quebec City sectors

Eligible Funding

Maximum amount : 1,000,000 $
Up to 25% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Manufacturing
Information and cultural industries
Finance and insurance

Types of eligible projects

Artificial Intelligence (AI)TechnologyEnvironment and ClimateInnovation

Tax CreditsOpen

Development of E-Business Tax Credit Integrating Artificial Intelligence (CDAEIA)

Investissement Québec (IQ), Gouvernment of Québec

Supports digital business projects integrating artificial intelligence in Quebec

Eligible Funding

Up to 30% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Information and cultural industries
Professional, scientific and technical services
Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services

Types of eligible projects

Artificial Intelligence (AI)TechnologyInnovationDigital Transformation

Grant and FundingClosed

MEDTEQ+ — PARTENAR-IA — Industry

Consortium de recherche et d’innovation en technologies médicales du Québec

Funding for Quebec innovative collaborations in AI for health technologies

Eligible Funding

Maximum amount : 150,000 $
Up to 50% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
Manufacturing
Health care and social assistance

Types of eligible projects

Artificial Intelligence (AI)TechnologyInnovation

Grant and FundingExpert AdviceLoans and Capital investmentsClosed

PME MTL — Call for projects : Innovation

PME MTL

Supports innovative business projects accelerating technology adoption in Montréal

Eligible Funding

Maximum amount : 50,000 $
Up to 80% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Information and cultural industries
Professional, scientific and technical services
Educational services

Types of eligible projects

CommercializationArtificial Intelligence (AI)TechnologyInnovation

Grant and FundingSuspended

Innovation Program — Stream 1 – Support for mobilising projects

Investissement Québec (IQ)

Transport technology innovation projects funding in Quebec

Eligible Funding

From $4,000,000 to $10
Up to 50% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Transportation and warehousing

Types of eligible projects

CommercializationArtificial Intelligence (AI)TechnologyEnvironment and ClimateInnovation

Grant and FundingClosed

CRIBIQ — PARTENAR-IA — Industry

Consortium de recherche et d'innovations en bioprocédés industriels au Québec (CRIBIQ)

Funding for Quebec innovative collaborations in AI

Eligible Funding

Maximum amount : 350,000 $
Up to 75% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Manufacturing
Professional, scientific and technical services
Other services (except public administration)

Types of eligible projects

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Grant and FundingClosed

CED Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

Funding to recover Quebec's aerospace sector

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing

Types of eligible projects

CommercializationArtificial Intelligence (AI)Environment and ClimateDigital Transformation

Researchers And FacilitiesPartnering and CollaborationExpert AdviceOpen

Advanced Manufacturing program

National Research Council Canada (NRC)

Supporting innovation and digitalization in advanced manufacturing technologies

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Transportation and warehousing

Types of eligible projects

Artificial Intelligence (AI)TechnologyEnvironment and ClimateInnovationDigital Transformation

Grant and FundingOpen

Productivity-Skills

Gouvernment of Québec

Funds workforce training projects to boost SME productivity and competitiveness

Eligible Funding

Up to 85% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Manufacturing
Transportation and warehousing
Educational services

Types of eligible projects

Artificial Intelligence (AI)Environment and ClimateHuman ResourcesInnovationDigital Transformation

Partnering and CollaborationGrant and FundingSuspended

PROMPT — Artificial intelligence

PROMPT

Supports Quebec businesses in collaborative artificial intelligence innovation projects

Eligible Funding

Maximum amount : 1,500,000 $
Up to 35% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Information and cultural industries
Professional, scientific and technical services

Types of eligible projects

CommercializationArtificial Intelligence (AI)TechnologyInnovation

Grant and FundingClosed

MTRIC — PSO SME

Metal Transformation Research and Innovation Consortium (MTRIC)

Funding for industrial research projects

Eligible Funding

Maximum amount : 1,500,000 $
Up to 40% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
Manufacturing

Types of eligible projects

Artificial Intelligence (AI)TechnologyInnovation

Grant and FundingExpert AdviceLoans and Capital investmentsOpen

Productivity and Sustainable Innovation Fund – Component 3: Project Implementation, It's time to take action!

NexDev | Haut-Richelieu Economic Development

Financial support for industrial productivity and digital transformation projects

Eligible Funding

Maximum amount : 10,000 $
Up to 10% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Wholesale trade
Transportation and warehousing

Types of eligible projects

Artificial Intelligence (AI)TechnologyInnovationDigital Transformation

Access over 10 000 different funding opportunities

Try the helloDarwin platform today and find programs that fit your needs

The helloDarwin application makes it easy to unlock grants so your business can grow faster—with less hassle and more impact.

Grant and FundingExpert AdviceOpen

Productivity and Sustainable Innovation Fund – Stream 1: Company consultations/micro-diagnosis and selection assistance

NexDev | Haut-Richelieu Economic Development

Financial support for productivity and innovation in local industries

Eligible Funding

Maximum amount : 10,000 $
Up to 50% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Wholesale trade
Transportation and warehousing
Other services (except public administration)

Types of eligible projects

Artificial Intelligence (AI)TechnologyInnovationDigital Transformation

Grant and FundingClosed

PRIMA — PARTENAR-IA — Industry

Advanced Materials Research and Innovation Hub (PRIMA)

Funding for Quebec innovative collaborations in AI for advanced materials

Eligible Funding

Maximum amount : 150,000 $
Up to 50% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Manufacturing

Types of eligible projects

Artificial Intelligence (AI)TechnologyInnovation

Other SupportResearchers And FacilitiesExpert AdviceOpen

OPZI – Innovation in optics and photonics

Optech

Accelerated R&D support for optics photonics and quantum innovation

Eligible Funding

Up to 40% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Professional, scientific and technical services

Types of eligible projects

Artificial Intelligence (AI)TechnologyInnovation

Grant and FundingClosed

Laval économique — Tech shift – Manufacturing

Laval Economique

Digital transformation grants for Laval manufacturers

Eligible Funding

Maximum amount : 75,000 $
Up to 25% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing

Types of eligible projects

Artificial Intelligence (AI)Digital Transformation

Grant and FundingClosed

Innovation in Quantum Technologies — Stream 3

Ministère de l'économie, de l'innovation et de l'énergie du Québec (MEIE), Gouvernment of Québec

Money for collaborative projects in partnership with public research centres

Eligible Funding

Maximum amount : 1,500,000 $
Up to 35% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
Construction
Manufacturing

Types of eligible projects

Artificial Intelligence (AI)Technology

Partnering and CollaborationGrant and FundingExpert AdviceClosed

Game Changer Pitch Competition

Decentralised Energy Canada (DEC)

Pitch competition for innovative decentralised energy technology companies

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Eligible Industries

Utilities
Information and cultural industries
Professional, scientific and technical services

Types of eligible projects

Artificial Intelligence (AI)TechnologyEnvironment and ClimateInnovation

Expert AdviceOpen

NUMERIA program

Computer Research Institute of Montreal (CRIM)

Training in Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Quebec SMEs

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Information and cultural industries
Professional, scientific and technical services
Health care and social assistance

Types of eligible projects

Artificial Intelligence (AI)TechnologyInnovation

Grant and FundingLoans and Capital investmentsArchived

Québec city — Supporting the development of the Saint-Roch district

Quebec City

Financial support for business development projects in Saint-Roch

Eligible Funding

Maximum amount : 500,000 $
Up to 25% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Information and cultural industries
Finance and insurance
Professional, scientific and technical services
Arts, entertainment and recreation

Types of eligible projects

Artificial Intelligence (AI)TechnologyInnovationDigital Transformation

Grant and FundingClosed

innovÉÉ — PARTENAR-IA — Industry

innovÉÉ

Funding for Quebec electricity innovative collaborations in AI

Eligible Funding

Maximum amount : 1,500,000 $
Up to 35% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
Construction
Manufacturing

Types of eligible projects

Artificial Intelligence (AI)TechnologyInnovation

Expert AdviceClosed

AI Expertise Program

Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec

Supports technological innovation and AI integration for Québec companies

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Eligible Industries

Professional, scientific and technical services

Types of eligible projects

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Grant and FundingClosed

Call for innovative projects in artificial intelligence: collaborative industrial research and support for innovative entrepreneurship

Gouvernment of Québec, Ministère de l'économie, de l'innovation et de l'énergie du Québec (MEIE)

Supports Quebec businesses innovating and commercializing artificial intelligence technologies

Eligible Funding

Maximum amount : 1,500,000 $

Eligible Industries

Professional, scientific and technical services

Types of eligible projects

CommercializationArtificial Intelligence (AI)Innovation

Grant and FundingArchived

Invest-AI — Funding AI adoption

Ivado Labs, Ministère de l'économie, de l'innovation et de l'énergie du Québec (MEIE)

Supports Quebec businesses integrating AI to boost productivity and competitiveness

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Eligible Industries

Professional, scientific and technical services

Types of eligible projects

Artificial Intelligence (AI)Technology

Grant and FundingClosed

MEDTEQ+ — PARTENAR-IA — Academic

Consortium de recherche et d’innovation en technologies médicales du Québec

Funding for Quebec R&D collaborations in AI for health technologies

Eligible Funding

Maximum amount : 1,500,000 $
Up to 35% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Transportation and warehousing
Health care and social assistance

Types of eligible projects

Artificial Intelligence (AI)Construction and Renovation

Grant and FundingOpen

CQRDA — PARTENAR-IA — Business

Centre québécois de recherche et de développement de l’aluminium (CQRDA)

Funding for Quebec innovative collaborations in AI, using aluminium

Eligible Funding

Maximum amount : 1,500,000 $
Up to 50% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
Construction
Manufacturing

Types of eligible projects

Artificial Intelligence (AI)TechnologyInnovation

Grant and FundingClosed

PRIMA — Call For Projects In Artificial Intelligence And Quantum Technologies

Advanced Materials Research and Innovation Hub (PRIMA)

Funding for AI and quantum technology innovation projects

Eligible Funding

Maximum amount : 1,500,000 $
Up to 35% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Manufacturing
Transportation and warehousing
Information and cultural industries

Types of eligible projects

Artificial Intelligence (AI)TechnologyInnovation

Grant and FundingOpen

Quebec Research Fund — Society and Culture Sector (FRQSC)

Québec Research Fund (FRQ)

Supports research, knowledge dissemination, and student training in Quebec

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Eligible Industries

Professional, scientific and technical services
Educational services
Health care and social assistance
Arts, entertainment and recreation

Types of eligible projects

Artificial Intelligence (AI)TechnologyEnvironment and ClimateHuman ResourcesInnovationDigital Transformation

Grant and FundingOpen

CQDM — PARTENAR-IA — Academic

Quebec Consortium for Drug Discovery (CQDM)

Funding for Quebec biopharmaceutical R&D collaborations in AI

Eligible Funding

Maximum amount : 1,500,000 $
Up to 50% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Health care and social assistance

Types of eligible projects

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Grant and FundingClosed

MEDTEQ+ — Call for Projects – FEMTECH

Consortium de recherche et d’innovation en technologies médicales du Québec

Funding for innovative women’s health technology projects in Quebec

Eligible Funding

Maximum amount : 1,500,000 $
Up to 20% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Professional, scientific and technical services
Health care and social assistance

Types of eligible projects

Artificial Intelligence (AI)TechnologyInnovation

Partnering and CollaborationGrant and FundingClosed

MEDTEQ+ — Impact

Consortium de recherche et d’innovation en technologies médicales du Québec

Funding for collaborative healthcare technology projects in Quebec

Eligible Funding

Maximum amount : 1,500,000 $
Up to 40% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Professional, scientific and technical services
Educational services
Health care and social assistance

Types of eligible projects

Artificial Intelligence (AI)TechnologyInnovation

Grant and FundingClosed

innovÉÉ — PARTENAR-IA — Academic

innovÉÉ

Funding for Quebec electricity R&D collaborations in AI

Eligible Funding

Maximum amount : 150,000 $
Up to 50% of project cost

Eligible Industries

All industries

Types of eligible projects

Artificial Intelligence (AI)Innovation

Grant and FundingClosed

ESM — Digital Acceleration

Économie du Savoir Mauricie (ESM)

Boost your business's digital maturity with non-repayable funding

Eligible Funding

Maximum amount : 27,000 $
Up to 45% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Information and cultural industries
Professional, scientific and technical services

Types of eligible projects

Artificial Intelligence (AI)Digital Transformation

Partnering and CollaborationGrant and FundingOpen

Export 4.0 program — Advanced and Intelligent Technologies

Excellence industrielle Saint-Laurent

Supports Quebec businesses in expanding with advanced technologies

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Information and cultural industries
Professional, scientific and technical services

Types of eligible projects

CommercializationArtificial Intelligence (AI)Technology

Grant and FundingClosed

CQDM — PARTENAR-IA — Industry

Quebec Consortium for Drug Discovery (CQDM)

Funding for Quebec innovative biopharmaceutical collaborations in AI

Eligible Funding

Maximum amount : 1,500,000 $
Up to 35% of project cost

Eligible Industries

All industries

Types of eligible projects

Artificial Intelligence (AI)TechnologyConstruction and Renovation Innovation

Grant and FundingClosed

PARTENAR-IA — CRIAQ — Academic

Consortium for Research and Innovation in Aerospace in Quebec (CRIAQ)

Funding for Quebec aerospace R&D collaborations in AI

Eligible Funding

Maximum amount : 500,000 $
Up to 40% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Transportation and warehousing

Types of eligible projects

Artificial Intelligence (AI)Innovation

Partnering and CollaborationGrant and FundingArchived

MTRIC — Start Program

Metal Transformation Research and Innovation Consortium (MTRIC)

Advance metal transformation processes and products

Eligible Funding

Maximum amount : 10,000 $
Up to 70% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing

Types of eligible projects

Artificial Intelligence (AI)Environment and ClimateInnovation

Partnering and CollaborationGrant and FundingClosed

CQRDA — PARTENAR-IA — Academic

Centre québécois de recherche et de développement de l’aluminium (CQRDA)

Funding for Quebec R&D collaborations in AI, using aluminium

Eligible Funding

Maximum amount : 1,500,000 $
Up to 40% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Professional, scientific and technical services

Types of eligible projects

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Grant and FundingOpenClosing Soon

Défi-Québec, an entrepreneurial city

Quebec City

Supports innovative startups in Québec and Wendake to launch operations

Eligible Funding

Maximum amount : 50,000 $
Up to 50% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Utilities
Manufacturing
Information and cultural industries
Professional, scientific and technical services

Types of eligible projects

CommercializationArtificial Intelligence (AI)TechnologyEnvironment and ClimateInnovation

Grant and FundingClosed

Support program to help victims of crime and promote their recovery - Stream 1

Quebec Ministry of Justice

Supports research, awareness, and training for victim assistance

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Eligible Industries

Educational services
Health care and social assistance
Public administration

Types of eligible projects

Artificial Intelligence (AI)Human Resources

Grant and FundingArchived

The Artificial Intelligence innovation funding program (PIIA) - Part 1: Scope

PROMPT, Ministère de l'économie, de l'innovation et de l'énergie du Québec (MEIE)

Quebec's AI innovation funding program for collaborations

Eligible Funding

Maximum amount : 1,500,000 $
Up to 50% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Information and cultural industries
Professional, scientific and technical services
Other services (except public administration)

Types of eligible projects

Artificial Intelligence (AI)TechnologyInnovation

Partnering and CollaborationGrant and FundingClosed

PROMPT — PARTENAR-IA

PROMPT

Funding for Quebec innovative collaborations in AI for ICT

Eligible Funding

Maximum amount : 1,500,000 $
Up to 50% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Professional, scientific and technical services
Educational services
Health care and social assistance

Types of eligible projects

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Grant and FundingClosed

PRIMA — PARTENAR-IA — Academic

Advanced Materials Research and Innovation Hub (PRIMA)

Funding for Quebec R&D collaborations in AI for advanced materials

Eligible Funding

Maximum amount : 500,000 $
Up to 50% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing

Types of eligible projects

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Grant and FundingArchived

The Artificial Intelligence innovation funding program (PIIA) - Part 2 : SMEs

PROMPT, Ministère de l'économie, de l'innovation et de l'énergie du Québec (MEIE)

AI Innovation Funding Program for Quebec Businesses

Eligible Funding

Maximum amount : 350,000 $
Up to 50% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Information and cultural industries
Professional, scientific and technical services
Other services (except public administration)

Types of eligible projects

Artificial Intelligence (AI)TechnologyInnovation

Tax CreditsArchived

Capital Synergie

Investissement Québec (IQ)

Supports business investment in innovative, high-growth Quebec companies

Eligible Funding

Maximum amount : 225,000 $
Up to 30% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Information and cultural industries
Professional, scientific and technical services

Types of eligible projects

Artificial Intelligence (AI)TechnologyEnvironment and ClimateInnovation

Frequently asked questions about AI grants in Quebec

Find clear answers to common questions about AI funding, eligibility, deadlines, and programs for SMEs, corporates, and non‑profits in Quebec.

What AI grants are available in Quebec for SMEs?

How do I apply for AI funding in Quebec step by step?

Which AI expenses are typically eligible?

Can I combine RS&DE with grants for AI projects?

What are common AI grant evaluation criteria?

Are GPU purchases and cloud credits eligible in Quebec AI programs?

What is the difference between adoption and R&D AI funding?

How long do AI grant decisions take in Quebec?

Can nonprofits and public institutions access AI funding?

What documents are required for an AI grant application in Quebec?

What else should I know about Grants and Funding for Artificial Intelligence in Quebec?

Overview: AI grants and funding in Quebec’s innovation ecosystem

Quebec hosts one of Canada’s most active artificial intelligence ecosystems. Organizations can combine provincial subsidies, federal grants, tax incentives, and consortium co‑funding to finance AI research, prototyping, adoption, and scale‑up. High‑intent opportunities exist for SMEs and large enterprises in manufacturing, healthcare, aerospace, fintech, logistics, agri‑food, and the public sector. Core mechanisms include non‑repayable contributions, cost‑sharing, wage subsidies, training support, tax credits, and innovation loans. This guide maps the landscape: Scale AI co‑funding, NRC IRAP support, Mitacs internships, NSERC Alliance research partnerships, Investissement Québec programs like ESSOR, sectoral funds such as Prompt, and cross‑cutting incentives like RS&DE and the CDAE digital/AI tax credit.

Why this matters for businesses and non‑profits

- AI grants in Quebec de‑risk R&D and technology adoption, turning complex roadmaps into staged pilots and production deployments.

- Funding can cover eligible salaries, subcontracting, cloud/GPU compute, data infrastructure, training, and commercialization planning.

- Consortium and university–industry programs align research with market needs, supporting proof of concept and pilot‑to‑scale pathways.

Main funding families for AI projects in Quebec

1) Federal grants and co‑funding relevant to Quebec

- Scale AI (supercluster) funding: co‑investment for supply chain AI, computer vision, NLP/LLM, forecasting, and smart manufacturing. Projects often involve multi‑partner consortia, cost‑sharing, measurable KPIs, and pilot‑to‑production trajectories.

- NRC IRAP AI funding: advisory and non‑repayable support for SMEs developing or adopting AI technologies. Typical use cases include prototyping, integration, and market validation with industrial research assistance.

- Mitacs AI funding: Accelerate, Business Strategy Internships, and Elevate streams connect companies with graduate students and postdocs, enabling applied research, data science, and MLOps projects.

- NSERC Alliance AI grants: university–industry partnerships for research and development, often combined with Mitacs internships and complementary provincial support.

2) Quebec government programs and agencies

- Investissement Québec (IQ): including the ESSOR program for modernization and digital transformation, often supporting AI equipment (e.g., servers, GPUs) and process automation.

- Sector and cluster programs: Prompt Québec (ICT/AI collaborations), regional development funds, and innovation vouchers through CCTTs (College Centres for Technology Transfer) to accelerate AI prototyping with cégeps.

- Workforce and training instruments: subsidies for AI skills development, workforce reskilling, and apprenticeship wage support for data and ML roles.

3) Tax incentives and credits

- RS&DE AI tax credit: non‑dilutive support for experimental development, algorithmic R&D, data pipelines, and related engineering work.

- CDAE digital/AI tax credit in Quebec: designed for eligible digital businesses; can complement grants when projects involve software and AI product development.

- Stacking strategies: organizations frequently combine RS&DE with grants while respecting stacking limits and avoiding double‑counting of eligible expenses.

Program snapshots: named opportunities searched most often

Scale AI funding in Quebec

Scale AI is a national supercluster with a strong footprint in Quebec and across Canada. It co‑funds collaborative AI supply chain projects covering demand forecasting, optimization, computer vision, NLP, and predictive maintenance. Organizations search for “Scale AI funding percentage,” “eligibility criteria for co‑funding,” and “pilot‑to‑scale AI funding Montreal.” In practice, successful applications define clear baselines, ROI assumptions, and milestones supported by data governance and MLOps readiness.

Typical eligible activities

- AI pilot projects and demonstration in manufacturing, warehousing, transportation, and retail supply chains.

- Data infrastructure and data governance workstreams: integration, labeling, quality, and privacy‑by‑design.

- Compute infrastructure and cloud/GPU credits when essential to the use case and authorized by program rules.

- Workforce development, including training on AI operations, change management, and safety and standards.

NRC IRAP AI funding (SMEs)

NRC IRAP supports Canadian SMEs in research and technology development. For AI ventures in Montreal, Quebec City, Sherbrooke, Laval, or Gatineau, IRAP advisors assess market potential, technical risk, and team capacity. Common long‑tail intents include “NRC IRAP AI funding for startups in Montreal,” “success rate IRAP AI Quebec,” and “documents required for IRAP applications.” Emphasis is placed on technical milestones, commercialization pathways, and credible budgets.

Mitacs AI internships and applied research

Mitacs connects companies with graduate talent for applied AI work: computer vision, NLP/LLMs, recommendation systems, edge AI, MLOps, and model validation. “Mitacs Accelerate AI funding for Quebec companies” and “AI internships funding for SMEs Quebec” are frequent searches. Projects often stack with NSERC Alliance or cluster grants when rules allow, covering supervision, IP strategy, and publication considerations.

NSERC Alliance for AI partnerships

NSERC Alliance funds university–industry collaborations in AI, spanning fundamental research to TRL advancement. Applicants prepare statements of work, IP clauses, and data sharing agreements. When paired with Mitacs, organizations can increase hands‑on capacity while maintaining academic rigor and responsible AI practices.

Investissement Québec and programme ESSOR for AI adoption

ESSOR helps finance modernization and digital transformation, including AI equipment purchases, integration costs, and technology adoption projects. Queries often address “GPU purchase eligible under ESSOR for AI,” “loan + grant hybrid AI,” and “AI for manufacturing Quebec.” Budgets typically include hardware, software licenses, integration services, and training.

Prompt Québec for ICT/AI collaborations

Prompt co‑funds collaborative R&D with companies and Quebec research institutions, emphasizing ICT and AI innovation. Use cases include 5G/edge AI, computer vision, cybersecurity + AI, and AI for games or media. Applicants define technical work packages, TRL progression, risk management, and commercialization strategy.

IVADO, Mila, and the Montreal AI ecosystem

IVADO seed grants and Mila industry programs support responsible AI, applied research, and knowledge transfer. Frequent searches include “IVADO grants,” “Mila funding opportunities,” and “AI ethics research grants.” These initiatives often complement federal/provincial programs and strengthen talent pipelines through internships and post‑doctoral funding.

Sectors: where Quebec organizations use AI funding

Health and life sciences

Hospitals, research institutes, and healthtech SMEs pursue “grants for AI proof of concept in health care Quebec,” “hospital AI pilot funding Quebec,” and “procurement of innovation AI pilots Quebec hospitals.” Common projects include diagnostic support, triage, scheduling optimization, and privacy‑preserving data environments (data clean rooms). Privacy, security, and compliance costs are frequently eligible.

Manufacturing and smart industry

“Smart manufacturing AI grants,” “manufacturing AI automation grants Quebec City region,” and “AI for the manufacturing sector in Quebec” reflect strong demand. Funded work covers machine vision for quality, predictive maintenance, supply chain optimization, robotics, and MLOps for production environments.

Aerospace, fintech, energy, and transportation

- Aerospace: “aerospace AI research funding Montreal” supports predictive maintenance, avionics data analytics, and digital twins in Greater Montreal’s aerospace cluster.

- Fintech: “fintech AI funding Quebec” addresses fraud detection, AML, and risk modeling with explainability and governance components.

- Energy and transportation: funded projects optimize grid operations, electric fleet routing, and multimodal logistics.

Natural resources and regions

Long‑tail searches such as “AI for forestry projects grants Saguenay–Lac‑Saint‑Jean,” “AI for mining grants Abitibi‑Témiscamingue,” and “regional AI grants Quebec” point to opportunities aligned with regional development priorities, including data infrastructure, remote sensing, and safety analytics.

Eligibility, costs, and stacking limits

Who can apply?

- SMEs, mid‑market companies, large enterprises, non‑profits, hospitals, municipalities, colleges (CCTT), universities, and research centers.

- Project teams must show managerial capacity, technical expertise, and credible partners for consortium projects.

- Many programs welcome newcomers to AI if training, reskilling, and change management are embedded in the plan.

Eligible expenses for AI projects

- Salaries and wages for data scientists, ML engineers, software developers, quality assurance, and project managers.

- Subcontracting for specialized services such as data labeling, cybersecurity, or model validation.

- Software, cloud services, GPU credits, and compute infrastructure; eligibility depends on program rules and caps.

- Equipment for AI integration (servers, sensors, edge devices), travel for collaboration, and commercialization activities.

- Training and workforce development: “AI training grants Quebec” and “AI workforce development grants” support upskilling.

Stacking, matching funds, and contribution types

- Programs often require matching funds or cost‑sharing; some accept in‑kind contributions for specific cost categories.

- Stacking limits prevent over‑compensation; applicants must align grants, tax credits, and loans with transparent budgets.

- Contributions may be non‑repayable (grants), repayable (loans), or hybrid structures with milestone‑based disbursements.

Application process: from idea to award

Step 1: Define the AI problem and baseline

Applicants who clearly define business pain points, data availability, and expected impact score higher. A concise problem statement, baseline KPIs, and target metrics help review panels evaluate feasibility and economic benefits.

Step 2: Choose the right program stream

Map your project to program intent: R&D (Prompt, NSERC, Mitacs), adoption (ESSOR, IRAP), supply chain transformation (Scale AI), or workforce (training subsidies). For early‑stage startups, “startup AI grants Quebec” and “Montreal startup AI grant list and amounts” point to micro‑grants and innovation vouchers.

Step 3: Build a credible budget and timeline

Review eligible expenses and funding caps, include contingency, and align milestone dates with application windows and deadlines (e.g., “Quebec AI grants 2026 deadlines”). Ensure vendor quotes and letters of intent match the scope.

Step 4: Structure partnerships and IP

For university–industry collaborations, define IP ownership, licensing, and publication rights. Include a consortium agreement or memorandum of understanding for multi‑partner projects. Align data governance and privacy requirements early.

Step 5: Submit, respond, and prepare for diligence

Expect clarifying questions on methodology, risk mitigation, and commercialization. Maintain a versioned work plan, budget, and risk register. Prepare for site visits or technical reviews in higher‑value calls for projects.

Step 6: Manage the award and reporting

Grants often require milestone reports, KPIs, and expenditure evidence. Establish time tracking and cost attribution for RS&DE alignment. Plan for audits and retain documentation for the grant management lifecycle.

Responsible AI, compliance, and standards

Funding increasingly requires responsible AI practices: fairness, transparency, safety, and privacy. Proposals with risk assessments, model monitoring, and incident response plans are stronger. Consider ISO/IEC standards, AI ethics frameworks, and cybersecurity certifications. Programs may support “AI ethics grants,” “AI safety research grants,” and “AI standards and compliance funding” to institutionalize governance.

Regional focus and ecosystem connectors

Montreal, Quebec City, Sherbrooke, and beyond

- Montreal AI grants: proximity to IVADO, Mila, and aerospace/fintech clusters.

- Quebec City AI funding: government services, health institutions, and smart city pilots.

- Sherbrooke and Estrie: applied research via universities and CCTTs, with strong manufacturing links.

- Laval, Longueuil, Gatineau, Saguenay, Trois‑Rivières, Chaudière‑Appalaches, Lanaudière, Laurentides, Montérégie, Bas‑Saint‑Laurent, Côte‑Nord, Gaspésie–Îles‑de‑la‑Madeleine, Centre‑du‑Québec: regional AI grants and college‑industry programs.

Budgeting tips: eligible AI expenses and documentation

- Eligible AI expenses often include salaries, benefits, software licenses, cloud compute, datasets, data clean rooms, and GPU time.

- Keep vendor quotes for hardware (GPUs/servers) and cloud pricing sheets; specify whether costs are OpEx or CapEx.

- Document time spent on experimental development to support RS&DE claims and avoid double counting with grants.

- Track training hours for “AI talent training grants for employees” and “AI apprenticeship wage subsidy Quebec.”

Combining grants, tax credits, and export support

Many AI ventures combine domestic funding with export market development. Programs for trade missions, conferences, or pilot deployments with anchor customers can complement technical grants. Long‑tails such as “AI export market funding Quebec for SaaS” and “travel grants for AI conferences Quebec SMEs” indicate viable stacks when limits permit.

Inclusive access: SMEs, non‑profits, Indigenous and women‑led ventures

Quebec funding frameworks encourage diversity and inclusion. Dedicated pathways or scoring bonuses may apply for projects led by women, youth, newcomers, Indigenous businesses, and non‑profits adopting AI. Searches include “women‑led AI startup grants Quebec,” “Indigenous AI business funding Quebec programs,” and “nonprofit AI adoption grants Quebec.” Workforce development and internship funding help broaden participation and close skills gaps.

From pilot to scale: making grants count

Funders look for credible plans to move from proof of concept to production. Strong applications show a pipeline: discovery, PoC, pilot, limited production, scale‑up, and continuous improvement with MLOps. Align procurement of innovation tools—particularly in healthcare and municipalities—to convert pilots into enduring deployments.

Key documents and readiness checklist

- Executive summary and problem statement, with market context and competitive benchmarks.

- Technical plan, data architecture, and security model; include responsible AI safeguards.

- Budget, match‑funds evidence, and stacking plan (RS&DE, CDAE, grants).

- Partnership letters (universities, hospitals, suppliers), IP and data‑sharing terms.

- Project governance, KPIs, and risk management framework.

- Reporting plan and grant management process.

Conclusion: Navigating AI funding in Quebec with clarity

Quebec offers a broad, layered portfolio of AI grants and funding programs that can be combined strategically. Whether you are an SME in manufacturing, a hospital testing AI triage, a fintech reinforcing compliance, or a regional enterprise modernizing operations, there are pathways across research, adoption, workforce, and commercialization. Plan early, align the right program streams, and balance grants with tax credits to maximize non‑dilutive financing while maintaining compliance and responsible AI practices.