PARTENAR-IA — CQRDA — Industry
At a glance
- Max. $150,000
- 50% of project cost
- Open Date : April 14, 2023
- Closing date : October 15, 2023
- All industries
- CQRDA Centre québécois de recherche et de développement de l’aluminium
Overview
Eligibility criteria
The eligibility criteria for this grant include:
- Companies must be legally registered in Quebec and have their headquarters in Quebec with employees primarily working in Quebec.
- Companies must have 250 employees or less in Quebec and have assets under $50 million on a worldwide basis.
- The project must be led by a consortium of companies, including at least one Quebec SME collaborating with a research center.
- The project must have a duration of up to 24 months and involve hiring at least one intern per year per eligible partner company.
- Minimum of 20% of project expenses must be from a service offer from a public research center or hiring an intern associated with such a center.
Who is eligible
Eligible types of companies for this grant must be small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) based in Quebec:
- Legally constituted under federal or Quebec laws and registered with the Registraire des entreprises du Québec
- Headquartered in Quebec with employees mainly working in Quebec
- Employing 250 people or fewer in Quebec
- Having an asset value of less than $50 million globally for the previous tax year
Eligible expenses
The grant supports eligible expenses that contribute to projects involving the adoption of AI in various sectors. Eligible expenses include, but are not limited to:
- Costs associated with AI technology implementation
- Research and development expenses
- Salaries for employees directly involved in the project
- Training and education related to AI integration
- Consulting fees for AI experts
- Equipment and software necessary for AI deployment
Eligible projects & activities
Based on the grant details provided, here are some eligible projects or activities for the Partenar-IA – Entreprise grant:
- Projects aiming to improve competitiveness through the adoption of AI, especially in sectors where it is underutilized.
- Collaborative initiatives between companies of all sizes, including startups, and research environments to accelerate the integration of AI technologies.
- Structural projects focusing on widespread AI adoption in one or more economic sectors.
- Projects with significant and immediate economic impacts.
- Innovative efforts in the field of AI development and consolidation.
Evaluation & selection criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant.
- Project must be led by a consortium of companies with at least one Quebec SME and involve collaboration with a research center.
- Minimum of one intern must be hired per year for each eligible partner company.
- 20% of project expenses must come from a public research center's service offer or the hiring of an intern from such a center.
- Private contributions must account for at least 25% of eligible expenses.
- Maximum funding per project is $1,500,000 with a maximum of $350,000 per company.
- Duration of the project should not exceed 24 months.
How to apply
- Step 1: Review the eligibility criteria and program details
- Content: Understand the requirements for participating in the grant program, including eligibility criteria, funding limits, duration, and collaboration expectations.
- Implications: Ensures alignment with the program objectives and confirms the potential fit for the project.
- Step 2: Form a consortium with at least one Quebec SME
- Content: Identify and establish partnerships with Quebec SMEs to form a consortium for the project.
- Implications: Collaboration with SMEs is essential to meet the program requirements and leverage the strengths of different partners.
- Step 3: Develop a project proposal with a research center collaboration
- Content: Create a detailed project proposal outlining the objectives, activities, timelines, budget, and anticipated outcomes, including collaboration with a research center.
- Implications: Demonstrates the innovative aspects of the project and the potential for driving AI adoption and economic impact.
- Step 4: Submit the project proposal with required supporting documents
- Content: Complete the application form with all necessary details and provide any additional requested documentation.
- Implications: Ensures compliance with the application process and enhances the evaluation of the project for funding consideration.
Additional information
- The program is designed to support structuring projects aimed at the mass adoption of AI in one or more sectors of the economy.
- Government assistance can total up to 75% of eligible expenses, with a maximum of $350,000 per company and $1,500,000 per project.
Partenar-IA – Enterprise Grant Summary
The Partenar-IA - Enterprise grant aims to support innovation in artificial intelligence by providing financial assistance to Quebec-based small and medium enterprises (SMEs) collaborating with research centers. The funding supports projects that accelerate the integration of AI technologies in various sectors, thereby enhancing competitiveness, fostering economic growth, and positioning Quebec as a leader in AI development.
Partenar-IA – Enterprise Grant Details
The Partenar-IA - Enterprise grant program is designed to boost the adoption of AI technologies in Quebec businesses, particularly in sectors where AI is underutilized. By encouraging collaboration between companies and research institutions, the grant aims to drive innovation, develop disruptive technologies, and enable dynamic business models. Projects must be undertaken by a consortium of at least two companies, including a Quebec-based SME partnering with a research center.
The maximum funding available per enterprise is $350,000, with a limit of $1,500,000 per project. The grant covers up to 50% of eligible expenses, with a cumulative government funding cap of 75%. Private contributions must constitute at least 25% of eligible expenses, and projects should have a duration of up to 24 months. To qualify, companies must meet specific criteria, including being legally registered in Quebec, having fewer than 250 employees, and showcasing a commitment to innovation in AI.
The Partenar-IA - Enterprise grant prioritizes projects with significant economic impact and immediate outcomes. By supporting the development and consolidation of AI innovation efforts, the program aims to strengthen Quebec's economy, drive competitiveness, and position the province as a frontrunner in AI technology. Companies interested in applying for the grant should consider forming a consortium with a Quebec-based SME and leveraging the expertise of research centers to harness the full potential of AI in their respective industries.
