PARTENAR-IA — CQDM — Industry
Montréal, QC, Canada
Funding for Quebec innovative biopharmaceutical collaborations in AI
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grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateApril 15, 2025
- grant_single|closingDateOctober 15, 2025
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Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- grant_single|allIndustries
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- Quebec Consortium for Drug Discovery (CQDM)
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grant_card_status|closed
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Get a non-refundable grant up to $150,000 per partner company (to a maximum of $600,000) to cover up to 50% of the expenses when you partner with at least one other business and a research centre on an artificial intelligence project that accelerates drug
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant is available to companies that are legally constituted under federal or Quebec laws and have their headquarters in Quebec. Eligible companies must be primarily operating in Quebec.
- Companies legally constituted under federal laws of Canada and located in Quebec.
- Enterprises legally constituted under Quebec laws and located in Quebec.
- Organizations with a head office established in the province of Quebec.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$150,000
Establishing an eco-friendly packaging facility
$150,000
Creating a social entrepreneurship venture for community recycling
$150,000
Support program for young entrepreneurs in the IT sector
$150,000
Initiative to establish a community solar energy project
$150,000
Project to develop a biodiversity conservation program
$150,000
Social enterprise to address food insecurity through urban farming
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and proposed activities.
- Must be legally constituted according to federal or Quebec laws and registered with the Quebec Enterprise Registrar.
- Must have their head office and employees or subcontractors primarily based in Quebec.
- Should have 250 or fewer employees in Quebec.
- Must not be over 50% owned by other existing companies or entities.
- Startups must not have been formed through a merger, restructuring, expansion of pre-existing activities, or takeover.
- Must be led by a founder or a founding team, with at least one member working full-time (35 hours or more per week).
- Must possess intellectual property rights for their product, process, or service.
- Must be supported by an eligible incubator or accelerator at the time of application.
- Should have an operating establishment in Quebec intended for producing goods and services or conducting internal R&D activities.
- Must have global assets, including associated companies, less than $50 million for their fiscal year ending in the calendar year preceding the given year.
- Must dedicate a significant portion of their resources to enterprise development from design to market introduction.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
This grant is aimed at supporting companies and organizations operating in the burgeoning fields of artificial intelligence and quantum technologies. It particularly targets startups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Quebec that are engaged in innovative projects.
- Startups legally constituted according to the federal or Quebec laws, with a head office in Quebec and employing 250 people or less in Quebec.
- Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) with similar legal and operational criteria as startups.
- Enterprises not primarily owned (50% or more) by other existing companies or entities.
- Organizations not involved in industries excluded by the program, such as the production/distribution of weapons, fossil fuel activities, gambling, or businesses with unethical practices.
- Entities not under the protection of insolvency or bankruptcy laws.
- Companies that are neither state-controlled nor primarily owned by state entities.
- Organizations not on the list for non-fulfillment of francization obligations.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant excludes certain companies and industries primarily based on their registration status, ethical considerations, and main business activities that are not aligned with the grant's objectives. The restrictions ensure that the funds are applied appropriately to industries contributing positively to the Quebec economy and innovation goals.
- Companies registered on the Registre des entreprises non admissibles aux contrats publics (RENA).
- Companies on the List of enterprises not conforming to the francization process.
- Companies that have previously defaulted on financial aid obligations to the Ministry or Investissement Québec.
- State-owned enterprises, or companies controlled by municipal, provincial, or federal governments.
- Companies under the protection of the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act or the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act.
- Holding companies.
- Companies engaging in unethical practices or that could damage the public image of the Quebec government.
- Companies with prohibited principal business activities like weapons production, fossil energy exploitation, gambling, sexual services, or tobacco-related services.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The grant supports projects focused on developing innovative solutions using artificial intelligence (AI) or quantum technologies from planning to pre-commercial demonstration. Eligible projects should demonstrate significant short-term impact potential. These solutions can be aimed at organizational improvement or sales.
- Development of a new solution or significant improvement of an existing one using AI or quantum technologies.
- Projects must display a competitive advantage over existing market solutions.
- The project must involve technological and/or business risk and require research and development efforts.
- Projects should have commercial potential if the solution is intended for sale.
- Must comply with one or more principles of the Sustainable Development Act (RLRQ, chapitre D-8.1.1).
- Projects in AI must focus on ethical use, responsible AI development, and data governance.
- Projects could include sectors like agriculture, forestry, aerospace, healthcare, and more.
- Collaborative projects involving multiple Quebec companies, including at least one SME or startup, sharing costs and benefits.
- Partnership work with Quebec public research centers.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the implementation and success of the project.
- Professional fees for specialized services, including subcontracting.
- Direct labor costs related to the project, including benefits and mandatory contributions.
- Travel and accommodation expenses related to project activities, including visits from potential clients to real-operation demonstrations or technology showcases.
- Direct material and inventory costs.
- Direct equipment costs, calculated based on project duration, equipment useful life, and project usage.
- Equipment rental fees.
- Costs for acquiring studies or other documentation.
- Animal facility and platform fees.
- Expenses for intellectual property (IP) strategy preparation and IP protection, including acquisition of rights or licenses and patent application fees.
- Costs for obtaining necessary commercialization certifications or approvals.
- Project setup fees from the incubator or accelerator supporting the startup, up to 2% of the startup's eligible expenses, not exceeding $25,000.
- Costs for exhibitions and fairs to promote the product or process and attract potential clients to the technology showcase.
- Project planning and management fees by an RSRI, in collaboration with IVADO, up to a maximum of 5% of the project's eligible expenses, or $100,000 per project.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria with allocated point scores to ensure alignment with the grant’s objectives.
- Niveau d’innovation du projet - 15%
- Qualité scientifique/technologique du projet - problématique, objectifs, qualité des données préliminaires ou recherchées, approche méthodologique, faisabilité industrielle, adéquation avec les objectifs du programme, développement ou déploiement responsable sur le plan environnemental, éthique, économique - 15%
- Réalisation du projet - étapes de réalisation, bien-fondé et justification de la demande d’aide financière, gestion de la propriété intellectuelle (protection et valorisation commerciale), respect d’un ou plusieurs principes du développement durable - 10%
- Collaboration et expertise pour la réalisation du projet - recours à des chercheurs/experts en IA, recours à des organismes de recherche et d’innovation, niveau d’engagement des partenaires et du milieu preneur, nombre et pertinence des partenaires, expertise des entrepreneurs, historique en matière de recherche et d’innovation, capacité de l’équipe et de l’entreprise de mener à terme le projet - 20%
- Retombées anticipées - impact sur l’avancement des connaissances, amélioration du positionnement de l’entreprise, retombées économiques, répercussions sur le secteur d’application, potentiel de commercialisation, contribution au développement de la relève et à l’adoption plus large de la technologie pour entreprise utilisatrice - 40%
Additionally, economic evaluation criteria are considered:
- Qualité du projet, objectifs, enjeux à résoudre, situation à améliorer et livrables attendus, pertinence du budget et des offres de services - 20%
- Capacité de l’entreprise à réaliser le projet avec succès sur le plan des ressources humaines et financières, et répercussions pour l’entreprise - 60%
- Adéquation des dépenses avec les objectifs du programme - 10%
- Structure de financement et, plus particulièrement, appui des partenaires - 10%
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Read Application Guide
- Review the complete guide to understand requirements, criteria, and eligibility.
- Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
- Collect all necessary documents including letters of intent, financial statements, and endorsements from partners.
- Prepare detailed project plans and budgets
- Step 3: Complete Application Form
- Fill in the application form available from the grant provider.
- Ensure all fields are completed accurately.
- Step 4: Submit Application
- Submit the application electronically via the designated channels provided.
- For specific projects: send via a relevant RSRI or directly to the MEIE as directed.
- Step 5: Await Confirmation
- Receive electronic acknowledgment within two business days.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- This grant requires collaboration involving at least two Quebec-based businesses, one of which must be an SME or startup.
- Projects must include collaboration with public research centers where applicable.
- All projects must be submitted in French, per the requirements outlined.
- The grant may not be combined with other programs from the Ministry.
- The Ministry reserves the right to limit the number and value of projects approved to comply with budgetary allocations.
- The funding agreement entails an obligation for a final report from an external auditing firm.
- A minimum residual amount of 15% of the government's contribution is withheld until project obligations are met.
grant_single_labels|contact
equipe.ia@economie.gouv.qc.ca
514 840-1234
Apply to this program
Innovation Grant for AI and Quantum Technologies: Industrial Research and Entrepreneurship Support
Detailed Explanation of the Innovation Grant for AI and Quantum Technologies
In a bid to foster industrial research and drive forward entrepreneurship in the realms of artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum technologies, the Ministry of Economy, Innovation, and Energy in Quebec has unveiled a grant program. This initiative is designed to enhance the competitiveness of Quebec's enterprises by promoting the adoption and development of innovative solutions in these burgeoning fields. The call for projects caters primarily to startups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) aiming to develop, commercialize, or integrate AI and quantum-based technologies, offering substantial funding to aid their efforts.
Background and Objectives
Quebec's position in the global technological landscape is burgeoning with promising potential, particularly in the sectors of AI and quantum technologies. The ecosystem thrives due to the concerted efforts of various innovation centers, research institutes, universities, and industry collaborations. These centers provide invaluable expertise and state-of-the-art infrastructure, facilitating groundbreaking research and innovation. The overarching goals of the grant are multi-faceted: - Bolster the competitiveness of businesses through the adoption of responsible AI and quantum technologies, especially in sectors where these are underutilized. - Support and consolidate innovation efforts in these hi-tech domains. - Foster collaboration among enterprises, research entities, and innovative platforms to accelerate the integration of these technologies within society. - Promote the execution of high-impact projects with immediate economic benefits. - Position Quebec as a leader in responsible AI development and quantum technology advancements.
Eligible Applicants and Projects
Primarily, the grant targets Quebec-based startups and SMEs. Eligible startups are those legally constituted under federal or provincial laws, having their headquarters and primary operations in Quebec. Likewise, SMEs qualifying for the grant should be independently owned, employing no more than 250 workers in the province, and actively engaged in the production of goods or services or research and development activities. The projects deemed eligible are those focusing on the development or significant enhancement of innovative solutions leveraging AI or quantum technologies. These projects should involve at least two Quebec-based companies (including one SME or startup), which could work in tandem with research centers or institutes. The scope of these projects encompasses not only product or service innovation but also improvements in business processes and organizational efficiencies facilitated by these technologies.
Funding Structure and Limits
The grant program offers a funding ceiling of CAD 1,500,000 per project, covering up to 35% of eligible project expenses for SMEs or large enterprises and 50% for startups. Moreover, expenditures involving at least 20% of costs incurred through public research centers or specific quantum computing platforms can also avail 50% funding. The projects must be completed within a span of 24 months from the commencement date. Eligible expenses include: - Professional fees for specialized services, including subcontracting. - Labor costs directly associated with the project. - Travel and accommodation expenses pertinent to the project. - Costs of materials and inventories directly used. - Equipment costs prorated based on the project duration. - Rental costs of necessary equipment. - Documentation and study acquisition costs. - Fees for intellectual property protection and strategy development. - Certification or homologation fees essential for commercialization. - Costs associated with mounting a project with the support of an incubator or accelerator, capped at 2% of the startup’s eligible expenses or CAD 25,000. - Exhibition and demonstration-related expenses.
Application and Evaluation Process
Applicants need to furnish a detailed proposal package including a signed application form, project description, financial statements or projections, a detailed budget, partnership letters confirming contributions, and credentials of key team members. Proposals are to be submitted electronically to the relevant sector-specific Regroupement sectoriels de recherche industrielle (RSRI) or directly to the Ministry for projects under the Confiance IA initiative. An expert panel comprising technologists and economists will evaluate the applications based on the project’s innovation level, scientific and technological merit, implementation feasibility, collaborative efforts, and anticipated economic impact. Only complete and timely submitted applications will be considered.
Conclusion
The Innovation Grant for AI and Quantum Technologies is a robust initiative designed to propel Quebec's enterprises into the forefront of these advanced technological fields. By providing substantial funding and fostering collaborative partnerships, this program aims to drive forward significant developments in AI and quantum technology, ensuring Quebec's position as a competitive and innovative leader on the global stage.