How much funding can be received?

Receive up to $1.5 million in funding to cover up to 50% of eligible expenses for structuring projects that highlight collaborative research in AI by a cluster of companies that share project costs, benefits and intellectual property.

grant_single_labels|projects

Projects eligible for this grant involve the development or significant improvement of products or processes using artificial intelligence, demonstrating a competitive advantage, technological or business risk, R&D efforts, and commercial potential.

New product development or significant process improvement
Demonstrating competitive advantage in the market
Involving technological or business risk
Requiring research and development efforts
Showcasing commercial potential

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$1,250,000

Ottawa

Developing an AI-driven personalized healthcare system for clinics

$1,500,000

Toronto

Developing an AI-driven predictive maintenance system for manufacturing companies

$500,000

Vancouver

Creating an AI-based customer service chatbot for retail businesses

grant_single_labels|admissibility

The grant is aimed at supporting collaborative innovation projects in artificial intelligence involving Quebec-based companies. Eligible projects must focus on developing new products or processes or significantly improving existing ones using AI technology. They should present a commercial potential, involve technological or business risks, and require R&D efforts.

Minimum of two Quebec-based companies in partnership
Projects must demonstrate significant potential benefits in the short term
Shared costs, benefits, and intellectual property among partners
Must hire at least one intern per year for each partner company
Projects can be related to product or process innovation using AI
Duration of up to 18 months
Maximum grant amount of $1,500,000 per project
Maximum funding rate of 50% of eligible expenses
Maximum cumulative government funding rate of 75% of total project expenses

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

Eligible types of companies for this grant include regroupments of at least two Quebec-based businesses. The projects should demonstrate significant potential for short-term impact and involve the development of innovative products or processes leveraging artificial intelligence.

Regroupments of at least two Quebec-based businesses
Projects demonstrating potential for short-term impact
Development of innovative products or processes leveraging artificial intelligence

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

Based on the grant information provided, there is no mention of specific types of companies that are not eligible for the grant.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

There are eligible expenses for this grant. Eligible expenses include:

Costs related to the development of a new product or process
Expenses for significant improvement of an existing product or process
Research and development efforts
Costs associated with demonstrating the commercial potential of the product or process

grant_single_labels|criteria

Yes, there are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. Below is a summary followed by the detailed criteria.

The evaluation and selection criteria for the grant focus on the project's relevance to innovation, technological risk, and potential commercial benefits. The project must demonstrate significant improvements, collaboration, and alignment with the objectives of the grant program.

Project relevance to innovation in product or process.
Demonstrate a significant improvement over existing solutions.
Involve two or more Quebec-based companies in the collaboration.
Each participating company must employ at least one intern annually.
Share costs, benefits, and intellectual property among participating companies.
Demonstrate potential for significant short-term benefits.
Display technological or business risk and uncertainty.
Necessitate efforts in research and development.
Show potential for commercial success if the product/process is intended for sale.
Adhere to a maximum project duration of 18 months.
Maximize government aid at 50% of eligible expenses, up to a maximum of $1,500,000 per project.
Ensure total government aid does not exceed 75% of total project expenses.

grant_single_labels|register

Prepare a project proposal detailing the innovation and its potential impact:
Include information on the new or improved product/process, competitive advantages, technological/business risks, R&D efforts, and commercial potential.
Demonstrate the need for AI integration and the expected outcomes.
Form a consortium with at least two Quebec-based companies:
Ensure each partner is willing to share costs, benefits, and intellectual property.
Commit to hiring at least one intern per year per eligible partner.
Complete and submit the electronic application by the specified deadline:
Ensure all required documentation is provided in PDF or Word format.
Email the signed application to equipe.ia@economie.gouv.qc.ca.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

This grant targets significant innovation projects involving AI for Québec-based business collectives, emphasizing innovation, market advantage, and commercial potential.

The application submission deadline was October 15, 2023, at 16:00.
Eligible projects include developing new or significantly improved products or processes using AI, from planning to pre-commercialization.
The project must involve at least two Québec-based firms sharing costs, benefits, and intellectual property.
Each partner company must hire at least one intern annually for the project duration.
Maximum project duration: 18 months.
Maximum financial aid per project: $1,500,000.
Maximum aid rate: 50% of eligible expenses.
Maximum cumulative government aid rate: 75% of total project expenses.
Application documents must be sent electronically in PDF or Word format to equipe.ia@economie.gouv.qc.ca.
Dynamic PDF forms require Adobe Reader version 10 or later.
Difficulty downloading forms on particular web browsers may arise; downloading directly to a computer is recommended.
Contact for the Direction des transferts de technologies: equipe.ia@economie.gouv.qc.ca.

grant_single_labels|documents

Collaborative Industrial Research and Support to Innovative Entrepreneurship — Stream 3

Apply to this program

Summary of the Grant

The Volet 3 of the Innovation Call for Projects in Artificial Intelligence supports collaborative industrial research and innovative entrepreneurship among Quebec-based companies. Eligible projects must demonstrate significant short-term benefits and involve at least two Quebec enterprises sharing costs, benefits, and intellectual property, with a maximum support of $1,500,000 per project over 18 months.

Detailed Guide to the Innovation Call for Projects in Artificial Intelligence – Volet 3

Introduction

The Volet 3 of the Innovation Call for Projects in Artificial Intelligence, aimed at fostering industrial research and supporting innovative entrepreneurship, is an initiative designed to drive technological advancements and commercial opportunities within Quebec. Emphasizing collaboration, this grant targets projects that leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to develop new products or processes or significantly improve existing ones, ensuring a competitive edge in the market. This detailed guide aims to help applicants navigate the grant's requirements, eligibility criteria, application process, and other essential details.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Volet 3 of the Innovation Call for Projects in Artificial Intelligence, applicants must meet specific criteria: 1. **Consortium Requirements:** - The project must involve a consortium of at least two Quebec-based enterprises. - These enterprises must collaboratively share the costs, benefits, and intellectual property resulting from the project. 2. **Project Scope:** - The project must focus on developing a new product/process or significantly enhancing an existing one through AI technologies. - The initiative should span from the planning phase to pre-commercialization, including real-world demonstrations. 3. **Employment Impact:** - Each participating enterprise should commit to hiring at least one intern annually for the project's duration.

Project Requirements

Eligible projects must adhere to several critical requirements: 1. **Innovation and Competitive Edge:** - The new or improved product/process must present a unique advantage compared to current market solutions. 2. **Technological and Business Risks:** - The project should involve technological uncertainties or business risks, indicating significant R&D efforts. 3. **Commercial Potential:** - If the product/process is destined for sale, it must show clear commercial potential.

Funding Details

The grant details are as follows: 1. **Duration:** - The maximum project duration is 18 months. 2. **Funding Amount:** - Up to $1,500,000 per project. 3. **Financial Coverage:** - The grant can cover up to 50% of eligible expenses. - The cumulative government aid should not exceed 75% of the total project expenses.

Application Process

To apply, applicants must follow these steps: 1. **Preparation:** - Thoroughly read the Guide for the Innovation Call for Projects in Artificial Intelligence. - Ensure all consortium partners are on board and understand their roles and commitments. 2. **Documentation:** - Complete the financial assistance application form, specific to Volet 2 and 3. - Provide detailed project plans, including timelines, budget breakdowns, and expected outcomes. 3. **Submission:** - The electronic version of the signed application, in PDF or Word format, must be submitted to equipe.ia@economie.gouv.qc.ca before the deadline.

Technical Instructions for Form Submission

When dealing with the PDF forms, follow these guidelines: 1. **Downloading:** - Use the right-click menu to select "Save target as" or "Save link as" for PC users, and "Download linked file as" for Mac users. - Save the file to a desired folder on your computer. 2. **Opening:** - Open the saved form using Adobe Reader (version 10 or later) to ensure all form functionalities work correctly. 3. **Troubleshooting:** - If unable to open the form, check for updates to Adobe Reader or consult your browser's help guide for additional instructions.

Evaluation and Selection

Submitted proposals will undergo a rigorous evaluation process: 1. **Initial Screening:** - Applications are initially screened for completeness and adherence to eligibility criteria. 2. **Detailed Review:** - A panel of experts will assess the innovation potential, technical feasibility, commercial prospects, and the collaborative nature of the project. 3. **Final Decision:** - Successful projects will be those demonstrating significant potential for technological advancement and market impact, along with a clear, collaborative approach.

Conclusion

The Volet 3 of the Innovation Call for Projects in Artificial Intelligence provides a remarkable opportunity for Quebec-based enterprises to collaborate on groundbreaking AI projects. By meeting the specified criteria and following the outlined application process, companies can secure substantial financial support to bring their innovative ideas to fruition, driving both technological progress and economic growth within the region. For any further inquiries or assistance with the application process, applicants can contact the Ministry of Economy, Innovation, and Energy at equipe.ia@economie.gouv.qc.ca. Embrace this opportunity to propel your enterprise to new heights through the power of collaborative innovation in artificial intelligence.