PARTENAR-IA — CQDM — Industry
Montréal, QC, Canada
Funding for Quebec innovative biopharmaceutical collaborations in AI
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateApril 15, 2025
- grant_single|closingDateOctober 15, 2025
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- grant_single|allIndustries
grant_single|grantors
- CQDM - Biopharmaceutical Research Consortium
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
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
There are indeed eligible projects and activities for this grant. The eligible projects involve the development of innovative solutions using AI or quantum technologies, from planning to pre-commercialization, showing considerable potential for short-term impacts.
- Realization of preliminary necessary activities and studies for project planning and execution.
- Validation of principle.
- Development or improvement of the solution: design, engineering, prototyping.
- Testing and validation of the solution: prototype trials, production pilot tests, and controlled situation demonstrations.
- Development of a commercialization plan, including IP protection strategies and certification or homologation verification.
- Demonstration in real operational situations or use, essential to mitigate perceived technological or financial risks.
- Showcase technology in real operational situations to potential customers.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$150,000
Ottawa
Establishing an eco-friendly packaging facility
$150,000
Calgary
Creating a social entrepreneurship venture for community recycling
$150,000
Halifax
Support program for young entrepreneurs in the IT sector
$150,000
Vancouver
Initiative to establish a community solar energy project
$150,000
Toronto
Project to develop a biodiversity conservation program
$150,000
Montreal
Social enterprise to address food insecurity through urban farming
grant_single_labels|admissibility
This grant is eligible for startups, SMEs, and partner enterprises with specific criteria related to legal constitution, location, employee count, and business activities. Additionally, special conditions apply to each type of enterprise, including startups having support from an incubator or accelerator.
- Startups must be legally constituted according to federal or Quebec laws and registered with the Quebec Enterprise Registrar.
- They should have their headquarters in Quebec, employing people primarily based in Quebec.
- Startups must have 250 or fewer employees in Quebec and should not be majority-owned (50% or more) by existing enterprises or entities.
- The startup should not have been created through mergers, restructuring, expansion, or acquisition of pre-existing activities.
- The startup must be led by a founder, or a founding team, with at least one member dedicated full-time (35 hours or more per week).
- The startup must possess usage rights for the intellectual property of their product, process, or service.
- At the time of application, the startup must be supported by an eligible incubator or accelerator, including ACET, Centech, Creative Destruction Lab (CDL), District 3, Next AI, Quantino, or QV Studio.
- Both startups and SMEs must have an operational establishment in Quebec for the production of goods and services or conducting internal R&D activities.
- SMEs must also be legally constituted per federal or Quebec laws and registered with the Quebec Enterprise Registrar.
- SMEs must have their headquarters in Quebec, with employees or subcontractors working mainly from Quebec.
- SMEs must have 250 or fewer employees and should not be majority-owned by other existing enterprises or entities.
- SMEs should have assets (worldwide) valued below $50 million for the tax year ending in the calendar year preceding the given year.
- SMEs should commit a substantial portion of their resources to the development from conception to marketing of their product.
- Partner enterprises not qualifying as startups or SMEs should also meet similar operational and legal requirements in Quebec.
- Enterprises listed in the Quebec Register of Enterprises Ineligible for Public Contracts (RENA) or non-compliant with the Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF) francisation process are not eligible.
- Enterprises under bankruptcy protection, holding companies, companies involved in unethical activities, or having activities primarily related to certain listed sectors (e.g., arms production, fossil energy extraction, gambling, etc.) are not eligible.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Yes, there are eligible types of companies for this grant. The grant is targeted towards startups and small to medium-sized enterprises (PMEs) of specific characteristics, including their conditions for eligibility.
- Legally constituted according to federal or Quebec laws and registered with the Quebec Enterprise Registrar.
- Headquartered in Quebec and having employees or contractors working primarily in Quebec.
- For startups: fewer than 250 employees in Quebec, not owned 50% or more by existing companies or organizations, not created through a merger or restructuring, managed by founders with at least one working full-time, possessing intellectual property rights for their product/service, and supported by an eligible incubator or accelerator.
- For PMEs: fewer than 250 employees, with assets under $50 million worldwide for the previous fiscal year.
- Specific larger companies may also qualify if they fulfill similar conditions tailored for their size and structure.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
The grant has specific exclusion criteria regarding the types of companies that can apply. Companies involved in certain activities or falling under particular categories are not eligible.
- Companies registered on the Register of Non-Eligible Firms for Public Contracts (RENA).
- Companies listed on the Non-Compliant Companies List for the Francisation Process.
- Companies that failed to meet obligations from previous financial aid agreements with the Ministry or Investissement Québec in the past two years.
- State-owned enterprises or those controlled directly or indirectly by a government, municipal entity, or majority-owned by a state-owned entity.
- Companies under protection of the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act or the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act.
- Holding companies.
- Companies engaging in activities that could tarnish the integrity and probity of the Quebec government.
- Companies with primary business activities in the production or distribution of weapons.
- Companies involved in exploration, extraction, drilling, production, and refining related to fossil fuels, unless it involves a transition to a low-carbon economy.
- Companies engaged in gambling, violent games, combat sports involving any living beings, or similar activities.
- Companies exploiting sexuality, such as erotic bars, escort agencies, erotic massage parlors, or swingers' clubs.
- Companies involved in the production, sale, and services related to tobacco or drugs, except for cannabis and industrial hemp-related interventions.
- Companies focused mainly on activities protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms such as religion, politics, or advocacy.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Eligible expenses for this grant include various costs directly related to the realization of the project. These must be necessary, reasonable, and justifiable by proper documentation.
- Honoraries for professional services, including subcontractors
- Direct labor costs assigned to the project, including benefits
- Travel and accommodation expenses
- Direct material and inventory costs
- Direct equipment costs, calculated based on project duration and equipment usage
- Rental equipment costs
- Acquisition costs for studies or documentation
- Animal and platform service fees
- Costs for intellectual property protection and acquisition of rights or licenses
- Certification or homologation costs for commercialization
- Incubator or accelerator project assembly and management fees for startups
- Costs for exhibitions and trade shows
- Project assembly and management expenses by an RSRI
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
Eligible projects for this grant must be proposed by companies that have their headquarters and employees primarily working in the province of Quebec. Additionally, companies must be legally constituted according to federal or Quebec laws and registered with the Quebec Enterprise Registrar.
- Headquarters in Quebec
- Employees or subcontractors primarily working in Quebec
- Legally constituted according to federal or Quebec laws
- Registered with the Quebec Enterprise Registrar
grant_single_labels|criteria
Yes, there are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The projects are assessed based on their scientific and technological quality, economic impact, and alignment with the program objectives.
- Level of innovation of the project
- Scientific/technological quality of the project: problematics, objectives, quality of preliminary data, approach methodology, industrial feasibility, alignment with program objectives, responsible development (environmental, ethical, economic)
- Project implementation: stages of implementation, justification for financial aid request, intellectual property management, compliance with sustainable development principles
- Collaboration and expertise: use of AI researchers/experts, involvement of research and innovation organizations, level of engagement of partners, number and relevance of partners, expertise of entrepreneurs, historical research and innovation capacity
- Anticipated impacts: advancement of knowledge, improvement of company positioning, economic benefits, impact on the application sector, commercialization potential, contribution to training and technology adoption for user companies
- Quality of the project, objectives, issues to be resolved, expected deliverables, budget relevance, and service proposals
- Company's capacity to successfully carry out the project in terms of human and financial resources and potential repercussions
- Alignment of expenses with program objectives
- Funding structure, particularly support from partners
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Ensure a complete reading of the grant guide to understand requirements and eligibility.
- Step 2: Fill and sign the financial aid application form.
- Step 3: Prepare all required documents in French, which include:
- For each company, a project submission letter signed by the authorized person.
- A support letter from the incubator or accelerator (if applicable).
- The service offer from the public research center (if applicable).
- Detailed service offers from suppliers or specialists.
- Financial statements of the last two years (or projected financials for startups).
- Financial forecasts and cash flow movements for two years.
- A finely detailed budget table and a Gantt chart.
- Letters of commitment from project partner companies.
- Letters from financial partners confirming their contribution (if applicable).
- CVs of the resource persons participating in the project.
- A copy of the francization certificate or relevant documents from OQLF (if applicable).
- Any other necessary documents for project analysis, if required.
- Additional documents for showcase technology projects including partnership agreements, intellectual property validation, and detailed implementation plan.
- Step 4: Submit the application electronically to a Regroupement sectoriel de recherche industrielle (RSRI) of Quebec or relevant entities for quantum technology projects.
- Step 5: Ensure receipt of the application before the deadlines: August 23, 2024, October 15, 2024, and April 15, 2025, at 4:00 PM.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
The grant seeks to support collaborative industrial research and entrepreneurship projects in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Quantum Technologies in Quebec.
- Eligible projects must include a minimum of two Quebec enterprises, with at least one being a Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) or startup.
- The maximum duration for project funding is 24 months, with an aid ceiling of $1,500,000 per project.
- Eligible expenses include professional fees, direct labor costs, travel expenses, equipment costs, and the protection of intellectual property.
- Projects must demonstrate significant innovation, potential economic impacts, and collaboration involving researchers and industry.
- Submissions must be made in French and include various required documents such as financial statements and letters of support.
- The application deadlines are August 23, 2024, October 15, 2024, and April 15, 2025, at 4:00 PM.
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.
