Closed
Source verified July 23, 2026
CQRDA — PARTENAR-IA — Academic
Collaborative AI innovation support for Quebec businesses
Funding available
$ 1,500,000
Deadline
Closed
Location
Saguenay, Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, Quebec, Canada
Overview
This program supports collaborative AI innovation projects with Quebec research institutions and businesses. It offers up to $1.5M per project to advance development, commercialization, and adoption of artificial intelligence technologies.
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At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop a new product or service
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 1,500,000 $
- Up to 40% of project cost
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Saguenay
- Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean
- Quebec
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- 249 employees maximum
Audience
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- AI innovation projects for development, commercialization, or adoption of technologies.
- Collaborative projects between businesses and Quebec research institutions.
- Projects aimed at improving competitiveness through AI adoption.
- Projects supporting large-scale integration of AI in economic sectors.
Documents Needed
- Application form
- Program guide
- Financial structure template for SME projects
- Financial structure template for large enterprise projects
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Quebec universities
- Colleges
- Public research centres
- Technology transfer centres (CCTTs)
- Quebec SMEs and large enterprises
Eligible expenses
- Salaries, wages, and employee benefits
- Student scholarships
- Materials, consumables, and supplies
- Equipment purchase or rental, including software licenses
- Professional fees, subcontracting, travel, knowledge dissemination, and project management fees
Eligible geographic areas
- Quebec
Selection criteria
- Collaboration between industry and research partners.
- Potential to improve business competitiveness through AI.
- Expected economic impact and immediate results.
- Contribution to innovation in artificial intelligence in Quebec.
How to apply
- Step 1: Prepare the application
- Complete the application form.
- Choose the appropriate financial structure template for the project type.
- Review the program guide before filing.
- Step 2: Submit the project file
- Send the application package through the program’s project submission process.
- Ensure the application is filed by the announced deadline.
- Step 3: Await review and confirmation
- The project is assessed for complete eligibility after submission.
- If confirmed, the project can begin only after eligibility is validated.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed after submission for complete eligibility.
- Funding can only begin after the project is confirmed eligible.
- The project may start after eligibility confirmation and within 9 months of MEI approval.
- Approval is required before the project can proceed.
Additional information
- Projects can start only after full eligibility is confirmed.
- The project must begin no later than 9 months after MEI funding approval.
- The program supports non-repayable funding through two streams: SME projects and large enterprise projects.
- Questions about partner eligibility can be directed to the CQRDA project team.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the CQRDA — PARTENAR-IA — Academic Program
What is the CQRDA — PARTENAR-IA — Academic?
This program supports collaborative AI innovation projects with Quebec research institutions and businesses. It offers up to $1.5M per project to advance development, commercialization, and adoption of artificial intelligence technologies.
How much funding can be received?
CQRDA — PARTENAR-IA — Academic Funds up to 40% of admissible expenses, capped at $1,500,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the CQRDA — PARTENAR-IA — Academic program?
To be eligible for the CQRDA — PARTENAR-IA — Academic program, you must:
Quebec-registered company
Project with research partner
SME or large enterprise involvement
What expenses are eligible under CQRDA — PARTENAR-IA — Academic?
AI innovation projects for development, commercialization, or adoption of technologies.
Collaborative projects between businesses and Quebec research institutions.
Projects aimed at improving competitiveness through AI adoption.
Projects supporting large-scale integration of AI in economic sectors.
Who can I contact for more information about the CQRDA — PARTENAR-IA — Academic?
You can contact Centre québécois de recherche et de développement de l’aluminium (CQRDA) by email at projetsRD@cqrda.ca or by phone at 418 545-5520.
Where is the CQRDA — PARTENAR-IA — Academic available?
The CQRDA — PARTENAR-IA — Academic program is available Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, Quebec.
Is the CQRDA — PARTENAR-IA — Academic a grant, loan, or tax credit?
CQRDA — PARTENAR-IA — Academic is a Partnering and Collaboration