CQRDA — PARTENAR-IA — Business

Who is eligible?

The Partenar-IA programme is designed for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Quebec, as well as startups and other legally constituted organizations looking to innovate within the field of artificial intelligence (AI). Specifically, eligible applicants include:- Quebec-based SMEs with a maximum of 250 employees and assets below $50 million globally.- Startups meeting certain criteria such as legal constitution in Quebec, Quebec headquarters, independent operation (not more than 50% owned by other entities), managed by a dedicated founder team, and active support from an eligible incubator or accelerator.- Other Quebec-based entities that employ primarily Quebec residents, have established facilities for production or R&D, and collaborate within a consortium that includes at least one Quebec SME.Furthermore, the programme encourages projects realized by consortia involving at least two Quebec companies, with collaboration from a research centre, which ensures further eligibility and support for the initiative.

Who is not eligible

This grant is not available to certain types of companies or industries based on their status or primary business activity. The restrictions are designed to focus the aid on eligible and strategic Quebec businesses.

• Companies listed on the Register of companies not eligible for public contracts (RENA) or whose subcontractors are listed on the RENA.
• Companies listed on the Register of companies not compliant with the francization process on the website of the Quebec Office of the French language.
• Companies that have failed to meet obligations for prior financial assistance from the Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Energy or Investissement Québec within the last two years.
• State-owned companies or those controlled directly or indirectly by any government, municipal entity, or majority-owned by a state enterprise.
• Companies under the protection of the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act or the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act.
• Holding companies.
• Companies involved in unethical behaviors that could tarnish the image of the Quebec government.
• Companies with main business activities in the following areas:
• Weapons production or distribution.
• Fossil fuel exploration, extraction, drilling, production, and refining (except for activities aimed at transitioning to a low-carbon economy).
• Gambling, violent games, combat sports involving living species, or racing.
• Sexual exploitation, such as erotic bars, escort agencies, erotic massage parlors, or swinger clubs.
• Production, sale, and services related to tobacco or drugs (except interventions related to cannabis and industrial hemp).
• Activities with a primary focus on political, religious, or advocacy movements protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Eligible expenses

This grant supports projects focused on advancing solutions using artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum technologies. Eligible activities include a range of developments from preliminary research to real-world demonstrations.

• Conducting preliminary activities and studies necessary for project planning and execution, such as detailed market and technical studies.
• Validation of project principles.
• Development or improvement of solutions including design, engineering, and prototyping.
• Testing and validating solutions through prototype trials and controlled environment demonstrations.
• Preparation and execution of commercialization plans, including intellectual property protection and certification acquisition.
• Real-world demonstration and utilization of solutions, crucial for mitigating client risk perceptions and showcasing to potential customers.
• Technological showcases to demonstrate solutions to potential customers.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is exclusively available to companies with operations based in the province of Quebec, Canada. Companies must have their head offices and primary working personnel located within Quebec to be eligible.

• Province of Quebec, Canada.

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

• The grant requires the engagement of at least one intern per year from each qualifying partner enterprise collaborating in the project.
• At least 20% of the eligible project expenses must originate from a public research center's service offer or through the hiring of an intern related to such a center.
• A final report and potentially a financial audit report by an external firm must be submitted upon project completion.
• Strict confidentiality measures are adhered to regarding personal and project-related information.