PARTENAR-IA — CQDM — Industry

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.