)
PARTENAR-IA — CQDM — Industry
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|grantStatusClosed
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- grant_single|allIndustries
grant_single|grantors
- Quebec Consortium for Drug Discovery (CQDM)
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|terms_and_conditions
The Partenar-IA grant provides structured funding options to support eligible projects in biopharmaceutical R&D utilizing artificial intelligence. This program facilitates collaboration between Quebec-based SMEs or startups and research institutions.
- Maximum support rate of up to 35% of eligible business expenses, with the possibility of increasing to 50% for qualifying startups in selected incubators.
- Support of up to 50% of eligible expenses incurred at research institutions.
- Maximum grant amount capped at $1,500,000 per project.
grant_single_labels|projects
The Partenar-IA grant supports collaborative biopharmaceutical R&D projects that integrate artificial intelligence. These initiatives are designed to leverage AI technologies to advance pharmaceutical research and innovation.
- Collaborative biopharmaceutical R&D projects utilizing artificial intelligence.
- Projects involving partnerships between multiple Quebec SMEs or startups.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 150,000
Social enterprise to address food insecurity through urban farming
$ 150,000
Creating a social entrepreneurship venture for community recycling
$ 150,000
Support program for young entrepreneurs in the IT sector
$ 150,000
Establishing an eco-friendly packaging facility
$ 150,000
Project to develop a biodiversity conservation program
$ 150,000
Initiative to establish a community solar energy project
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
This grant is specifically available for businesses operating in Quebec. The eligible geographical scope ensures the support of local collaborative initiatives within the province.
- Businesses based in Quebec, Canada.
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