NUMERIA program

This grant initiative is designed to support SMEs in Quebec in implementing proprietary data strategies to launch their initial AI projects with the goal of enhancing competitiveness and productivity. The NUMERIA program effectively addresses various challenges related to data, financial resources, and essential skills required to successfully integrate AI within enterprises.

The NUMERIA program, an initiative by CRIM, is tailored specifically to propel artificial intelligence initiatives among Quebec's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In a world where AI holds the potential to transform businesses, many organizations find themselves at a crossroads—unsure of how to begin or which AI applications could truly benefit their operations. NUMERIA steps in to fill this gap by offering a structured three-step approach to guide these companies towards realizing their first AI projects.

The first step, "Explore/Structure Your Use Case," caters to SMEs that either have vague ideas about potential AI applications or need assistance structuring a well-defined AI project. NUMERIA's team of experts, with extensive experience in data science and AI, works closely with businesses to help identify various use cases, analyze their added values, and prioritize them effectively. This provides a solid foundation, enabling businesses to focus their resources on high-potential AI applications.

In the second phase, "Develop AI Expertise," NUMERIA addresses the critical challenge of talent scarcity in the AI field by offering bespoke mentoring paths. These paths are meticulously designed to align with the business goals of the enterprise and the skill level of the participants. Over a span of 17 weeks, mentor-mentees engage in intensive two-hour weekly sessions focused on building competencies in data science, AI, and software development. This not only enhances the skill set within the company but also ensures that the AI projects are developed with the utmost expertise, reflecting the enterprise’s aspirations and strategic objectives.

The third step involves "Pre-Evaluating Data" to ensure that the structured AI project is backed by the requisite data quality and quantity. Here, the goal is to alleviate risks associated with inadequate data by engaging experts who can guide the company through this preparatory phase. This might involve identifying relevant data sources, addressing data operability issues, and ensuring that the data will be actionable for the AI project. This step is crucial in cementing a project's feasibility and potential success.

Clients like Emmanuel Piffo of Groupe Sorintellis Inc. and Louis-Armand Bombardier of L-A be Let artists be have lauded the significant impact of the NUMERIA program on their early-stage technological development projects. Their endorsements highlight the program's role in demystifying AI integration and enabling companies to sidestep challenges that might impede their progress.

This overwhelmingly positive feedback is echoed by other participants, such as Ananda Devices and Jean-François Tremblay, who acknowledge the pivotal role that NUMERIA's expertise in creating comprehensive project strategies has played in their organizational growth and project acceptance by management. These testimonials underscore the program’s effectiveness in not only facilitating AI adoption but also fostering a transformative approach that aligns with contemporary digital advancements.

The NUMERIA program thus stands out as an invaluable resource for Quebec SMEs eager to make an impactful foray into the realm of AI. By providing a robust roadmap and the necessary support structure, the program empowers businesses to innovate, grow, and enhance productivity through strategic AI projects that are both practical and forward-thinking. This grant initiative not only promises to bolster the competitive edge of these enterprises but also contributes significantly to the broader economic fabric by fostering advanced technological capabilities.