How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $1500000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Who are the financial supporters of the CQRDA — PARTENAR-IA — Business?

CQRDA — PARTENAR-IA — Business is funded by Centre québécois de recherche et de développement de l’aluminium (CQRDA)

What are CQRDA — PARTENAR-IA — Business's eligibility criterias?

Must be a consortium comprising at least two companies, including a Quebec-based SME. Companies must be legally constituted under federal or Quebec laws and registered in the Quebec enterprise register. Quebec-based companies must have their head office and majority of employees or subcontractors working primarily in Quebec.

CQRDA — PARTENAR-IA — Business

Last Update: July 22, 2025

QC, Canada

Funding for Quebec innovative collaborations in AI, using aluminium

CQRDA — PARTENAR-IA — Business at a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $1,500,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Timeline

Open Date : October 15, 2024

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
Construction
Manufacturing
Health care and social assistance

Grant Providers

Centre québécois de recherche et de développement de l’aluminium (CQRDA)

Program status

Closed

Overview of the CQRDA — PARTENAR-IA — Business program

The grant offers a maximum funding of up to $1,500,000 per project for supporting collaborative and large-scale innovation projects in artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum technologies, aiming to enhance competitiveness and accelerate technology integration in business and society. Eligible activities include project planning, development or improvement of a solution, testing and validation, and preparation of commercialization strategies.

Financing terms and conditions

This grant provides structured financial assistance to encourage widespread adoption of AI technologies among Quebec-based companies. The financing modalities are designed to maximize the impact and sustainability of innovation projects.

Maximum financial aid of $350,000 per enterprise, with an overall cap of $1,500,000 per project.
Financial aid can cover up to 50% of eligible expenses.
The total government assistance can reach up to 75% of eligible expenses.
Private contributions must constitute a minimum of 25% of eligible expenses.
The project duration is capped at 24 months.
Consortium projects require partnerships between at least two companies, including at least one Quebec-based SME, in collaboration with a research center.
For each participating eligible enterprise, the project must include hiring at least one intern annually.
A minimum of 20% of the project's eligible expenses must originate from services offered by a public research center and/or the hiring of an intern associated with such a center.

Eligible projects & activities

The PARTENAR-IA grant supports projects that focus on enhancing innovation through the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum technologies. These initiatives must demonstrate potential for significant economic impacts and involve cooperation between multiple entities.

Development of new or significantly improved AI solutions, from planning to pre-commercialization.
Innovative projects advancing responsible and ethical AI usage, data governance, and sustainable development.
Collaborative projects improving AI integration in economic sectors such as agriculture, construction, manufacturing, and healthcare.
Demonstration and validation of AI technologies in real-world scenarios to mitigate technological and financial risks.
Projects under the Confiance IA initiative focusing on fostering reliable AI within critical systems.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 75,000

AI-based personalized learning systems for schools

$ 75,000

AI-driven supply chain optimization for local retailers

$ 70,000

AI-enabled optimization of renewable energy grids

$ 75,000

AI system for monitoring and improving agricultural yields

$ 62,500

Developing an AI-based predictive maintenance system for industrial machinery

$ 75,000

Implementing AI for personalized customer service

Eligibility criteria of the CQRDA — PARTENAR-IA — Business program

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's business structure and operational scope.

The enterprise must be legally constituted under federal or Quebec laws and registered with the Quebec Business Register.
The enterprise must have its head office in Quebec and employ staff or have subcontractors primarily working in Quebec.
The enterprise must have 250 employees or less in Quebec.
The enterprise's worldwide assets, including those of associated companies, must be less than $50 million for the fiscal year ending in the previous calendar year.
The enterprise must not be owned, directly or indirectly, in a proportion of 50% or more by existing companies or organizations.
A startup must possess the rights to use the intellectual property of its product, process, or service.
A startup must be directed by a founder or a team of founders, with at least one fully dedicated full-time (35 hours or more per week).
A startup must be supported by an eligible incubator or accelerator at the time of application.
The enterprise must operate an establishment in Quebec intended for the production of goods and services or internal R&D activities.
The enterprise must not be listed in the Register of Ineligible Businesses for Public Contracts (RENA) or on the list of businesses non-compliant with French language procedures published by the Office québécois de la langue française.

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.

Eligibility criteria of the CQRDA — PARTENAR-IA — Business program

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on technoscientific and economic criteria, with specific point scores allocated to ensure projects align with the program's objectives and can demonstrate significant impact.

Technoscientific Evaluation:
Level of Innovation of the Project: 15%
Scientific/Technological Quality of the Project: 15%
Project Realization: 10%
Collaboration and Expertise for Project Execution: 20%
Anticipated Outcomes: 40%
Economic Evaluation:
Quality of the Project: 20%
Company's Capacity to Successfully Execute the Project: 60%
Alignment of Expenses with Program Objectives: 10%
Financing Structure and Partner Support: 10%

How to apply to the CQRDA — PARTENAR-IA — Business program

Reading the guide

Read the application presentation guide carefully.

Fill out the form

Fill out and sign the financial assistance application form.

Prepare the required documents

Prepare all required documents such as project submission letters, financial statements, and any other necessary documentation.
Ensure that all documents are written in French.

Transmission of the request

Submit the application electronically to an appropriate Sectoral Industrial Research Consortium (RSRI) or directly to the MEIE for Trust.IA projects.

Acknowledgment of receipt

Receive an electronic acknowledgment of receipt within two working days following the submission of the application.

Additional information

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.