PARTENAR-IA — CQRDA — Academic
Chicoutimi, QC, Canada
Funding for Quebec R&D collaborations in AI, using aluminium
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
Partnering and Collaboration
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Manufacturing
- Professional, scientific and technical services
grant_single|grantors
- Centre québécois de recherche et de développement de l’aluminium (CQRDA)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
Get a non-refundable grant up to $500,000 to cover up to 40% of eligible expenses when your SME partners with a research centre on an artificial intelligence project in the field of aluminum.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant is specifically targeted at companies operating in Quebec, requiring them to have business premises and activities within the province to be eligible. The eligible locations support Quebec’s position as a leader in the artificial intelligence sector.
- Companies with a place of business in Quebec.
- Entities with production or R&D activities in Quebec.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$360,000
Deploying an AI-driven energy management system in aluminum manufacturing plants
$380,000
Implementing a machine learning platform for supply chain optimization in aluminum industries
$440,000
Training AI models to automate alloy composition analysis in aluminum foundries
$480,000
Developing a predictive maintenance AI system for aluminum production machinery
$340,000
Creating an AI-based quality control system for aluminum casting processes
$400,000
Developing AI algorithms to optimize recycling processes in aluminum smelting
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific criteria related to the company's location, activities, and legal standing.
- The company must be a Quebec-based small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) or large enterprise (LE) with a place of business in Quebec and engage in production and/or research and development activities.
- The company must be legally established under the federal or Quebec laws and registered with the Quebec Business Register.
- SMEs must have significant participation in the project and have 249 employees or less.
- Enterprises must contribute a minimum of 20% of the project's eligible costs in the case of PME projects and 40% for GE projects, with a stipulation for in-kind contributions in GE projects.
- Participating organizations must maintain collaboration with at least one recognized research institution, such as a university, CCTT, or CRP.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
This grant is targeted at fostering collaboration between businesses and research institutions in Quebec, particularly focusing on AI technology projects that contribute to economic development. It supports SMEs, large enterprises, and a range of public research entities.
- Public research centers, universities, and technological transfer centers (CCTTs) in Quebec.
- Quebec-based SMEs and large enterprises legally constituted under federal or Quebec laws and registered with Quebec's enterprise registrar.
- Projects encouraging collaboration between Quebec SMEs, large enterprises, and public research institutions.
- Initiatives focusing on the development, commercialization, or adoption of AI technologies.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
The "Partenar-IA – Académique" grant program aims to support academic and industrial projects in artificial intelligence, specifically targeting collaborations between public research centers and Quebec enterprises. To ensure clarity, here is a list of companies and industries that are not eligible for this grant based on the provided guidelines.
- Companies or entities not legally incorporated according to federal or Quebec laws.
- Organizations not registered with the Quebec Enterprise Registrar.
- Enterprises without an operational business location within Quebec.
- Companies lacking production or research and development (R&D) activities in Quebec.
- Large enterprises wishing to apply alone without involving a public research center or PME partner.
- Entities with more than 249 employees classified as PMEs.
- Projects not contributing to the advancement or integration of artificial intelligence technologies.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
This grant supports projects aimed at integrating and advancing artificial intelligence technologies to enhance competitiveness, collaboration, and economic growth in Québec's industries. The eligible activities focus on technological development, research collaborations, and sector-wide adoption of AI innovations.
- Development and commercialization of new AI technologies.
- Adoption of AI technologies to improve business competitiveness.
- Collaborative research projects between businesses and public research centers.
- Projects promoting the large-scale adoption of AI in economic sectors.
- Efforts leading to significant and immediate economic impacts through AI.
- Development and consolidation of AI innovation initiatives.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The grant covers eligible expenses directly related to the execution and support of the project.
- Salaries, wages, and social benefits.
- Scholarships for students.
- Materials, consumables, and supplies.
- Purchase or rental of equipment (with specific conditions).
- CQRDA management fees.
- Intellectual property management operations fees.
- Professional fees.
- Travel and accommodation costs associated with project completion, following governmental standards.
- Monetary compensations for project participation.
- Knowledge dissemination fees.
- Subcontracting costs.
- Additional indirect operating costs for research institutions, subject to a fixed rate of 27% applied on specified direct project costs.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection criteria for projects applying under the PARTENAR-IA | Académique grant program focus on strategic collaboration between qualified research institutions and Quebec-based enterprises, with a strong emphasis on innovation in artificial intelligence.
- Relevance and Impact: Evaluates the project's potential to contribute significantly to the competitiveness of Quebec's economy through AI innovation. (30 points)
- Collaboration and Partnership: Assesses the effectiveness of partnerships between research institutions and the private sector, focusing on the breadth and depth of collaboration. (25 points)
- Implementation Strategy: Considers the project timeline, milestones, and overall feasibility pertaining to the successful deployment of AI solutions. (20 points)
- Resource Allocation and Financial Planning: Measures the clarity and adequacy of financial planning and resource allocation, ensuring alignment with the project's goals. (15 points)
- Innovation and Technical Merit: Scores the degree of innovation, technical soundness, and advancement beyond current AI capabilities or applications. (10 points)
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Determine Eligibility
- Confirm your organization is eligible: Universities, CCTTs, public research centers from Quebec, or Quebec-based SMEs and large enterprises.
- Ensure your project aligns with the program objectives and required collaborations.
- Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
- Gather details of your project, including objectives, expected outcomes, financial contributions, and funding requirements.
- Prepare financial statements, proof of legal constitution, and registration at Registraire des entreprises du Québec.
- Ensure all documents are in compliance with the funding guidelines.
- Step 3: Complete Application Form
- Fill out the application form available on the funding body’s website or portal.
- Include all necessary information about the project, partners, and financial details.
- Step 4: Submit Application
- Email the completed application and required documents to projetsRD@cqrda.ca.
- Confirm receipt of your application submission.
- Step 5: Application Review and Follow-up
- Wait for confirmation of receipt and any follow-up communications regarding additional information or next steps.
- Prepare for potential interviews or presentations if required during the application review process.
- Step 6: Notification of Decision
- Receive notification of approval or rejection of the grant application.
- If approved, follow instructions for agreement signing and project commencement.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- Projects must begin within nine months of approval by the MEI.
- Indirect research costs are capped at 27% and require MEI approval for amounts payable to universities.
- Projects may receive non-refundable grants depending on involvement of SMEs or large enterprises.
- CQRDA management fees apply at 5% of project cost, up to $50,000, shared between the MEI and industry partners.
- International project travel expenses for Quebec researchers may not exceed 15% of total eligible expenses.
grant_single_labels|contact
projetsRD@cqrda.ca
418
Apply to this program
Advancing Artificial Intelligence Innovation in Quebec
The PARTENAR-IA | ACADÉMIQUE program is dedicated to supporting public research centers and Quebec-based companies, notably SMEs and startups, in their efforts to develop, commercialize, or adopt AI technologies. Its main goals are to enhance business competitiveness through AI adoption, foster collaborations across businesses and research entities, and position Quebec as a leader in AI innovation.
Detailed Overview of the PARTENAR-IA | ACADÉMIQUE Grant
The PARTENAR-IA | ACADÉMIQUE program offers a strategic opportunity for Quebec-based small and medium enterprises (SMEs), large companies, and public research institutions to engage in innovative projects focused on the development and adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. The initiative is designed to accelerate the integration of AI into business and societal contexts, thereby bolstering the province’s economic landscape and reinforcing its competitive edge in the global AI arena.
Eligible projects should align with the program's objectives: improving business competitiveness through AI, promoting widespread AI adoption in key economic sectors, and fostering collaborations that lead to significant economic impacts. The program offers detailed funding structures, providing up to CAD 1.5 million per project over a maximum duration of 36 months. This financial support covers 40% of eligible project costs for SMEs, or 20% for large enterprises, assuming the remaining budget is supplemented by private contributions and other public funds. Such structured financial aid ensures that projects not only receive sufficient funding but also maintain a collaborative effort between private and public entities.
For SMEs, the scope of financial aid is particularly beneficial as it allows them to undertake ambitious projects without the burden of covering entire costs. Given the dynamic nature of startups, this support can be crucial in navigating the initial phases of technology development and commercialization. Notably, the program mandates private contributions to cover at least 20% of total project costs, encouraging a balanced investment from both public funds and private stakeholders.
Engagement with PARTENAR-IA expects substantial collaboration between research institutions and businesses, especially universities, colleges, and centers of research recognized by Quebec's Ministry of Economy and Innovation. By facilitating such partnerships, the program nurtures a rich ecosystem of knowledge exchange, resource sharing, and skill enhancement, which are pivotal for driving technological advancements. Additionally, the program underscores the importance of training highly qualified personnel, equipping the workforce with the necessary skills to thrive in AI-driven industries.
This grant not only provides capital but also catalyzes strategic growth initiatives, boosting the adoption of cutting-edge AI technologies across various sectors. Its emphasis on securing significant and immediate economic returns ensures that funded projects contribute markedly to Quebec’s economic fabric, promoting both innovation and sustainable development.
Furthermore, the focus on large-scale adoption of AI reflects a commitment to solving larger societal challenges, as AI technologies often enable groundbreaking solutions in numerous fields, from healthcare to environmental services. This broader impact is an explicit goal of the PARTENAR-IA, aligning with Quebec’s vision of becoming a frontrunner in AI innovation worldwide.
Markets and sectors that stand to benefit include those involved in AI system development and deployment within industrial operations, healthcare improvements through AI-driven diagnostics, and environmental sustainability through intelligent resource management. All these drive forth economic breakthroughs, enhancing productivity, and addressing complex global challenges.
The intentional structure and generous funding opportunities within this program are instrumental in creating synergies across sectors, fortifying Quebec’s position in the AI space. By aligning financial resources, expert knowledge, and strategic objectives, the PARTENAR-IA | ACADÉMIQUE program is a crucial component of Quebec’s arsenal in the quest for robust economic development based on advanced intellectual and technological innovation.