How much funding can be received?

Get a non-refundable grant up to $1.5 million to cover up to 40% of eligible expenses when your SME partners with a research centre on an artificial intelligence R&D project relating to the electricity industry, smart grids, transportation electrification

Financing terms and conditions

This grant offers significant financial support aimed at fostering collaborative AI R&D projects in Quebec. It is structured to encourage innovation and the development of competitive production methods in artificial intelligence.

Maximum financial assistance from InnovÉÉ of $1.5 million per project.
Funding covers up to 40% of eligible expenses per project.
The overall cumulative rate of government expenses can reach 80% of eligible expenses.
The maximum project duration is set at 3 years.

Eligible projects & activities

This grant supports collaborative research and development initiatives in artificial intelligence, aimed at boosting innovation and productivity among Quebec-based companies. The program encourages the active participation of public research centers and SMEs or startups to foster AI-driven advancements.

Collaborative R&D projects in artificial intelligence involving public research centers and Quebec SMEs or startups.
Innovation projects related to products, processes, or services utilizing AI technologies.
Programs integrating interns to enhance workplace learning and knowledge dissemination in AI.
Training emerging professionals in alignment with the AI needs of various industrial sectors.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 600,000

Integrating AI for transportation electrification

$ 360,000

AI-based predictive maintenance system for electric vehicles

$ 480,000

Developing AI algorithms for smart grid optimization

$ 440,000

AI-driven power distribution management

$ 400,000

AI solution for renewable energy forecasting

$ 380,000

Development of AI-based energy management systems

Eligibility criteria of the innovÉÉ — PARTENAR-IA — Academic program

Eligibility for this grant requires adherence to specific collaborative research and membership criteria.

The project must involve collaborative research in artificial intelligence.
The project must be conducted by an eligible public research center.
The project must include at least one company with R&D and/or production activities in Quebec.
All project stakeholders, both industrial and academic, must be InnovÉÉ members in good standing.

Who is eligible?

This grant program targets public research centers collaborating with Quebec-based Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) or startups in the field of artificial intelligence (AI).

Eligible expenses

This grant aims to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence in Quebec companies through collaborative research and development projects. The focus is on projects that improve productivity, competitiveness, and foster educational opportunities in the AI sector.

Collaborative R&D projects in AI involving public research centers and Quebec SMEs.
Projects that aim to improve productivity and competitiveness of SMEs through AI.
Innovation projects related to AI-driven products, processes, or services.
Projects integrating the training of interns and emerging professionals in AI-related fields.
Demonstrations of AI applications in real-world environments.

Eligible geographic areas

The grant is designed specifically for projects involving Quebec-based companies in partnership with eligible public research centers. It focuses on initiatives and collaborations within the region to enhance regional economic competitiveness.

Quebec, Canada

Eligibility criteria of the innovÉÉ — PARTENAR-IA — Academic program

There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The criteria include:

Collaborative research in artificial intelligence
Conducted by an eligible public research center
At least one company with R&D and/or production activities in Quebec
Project stakeholders must be InnovÉÉ members in good standing
Two categories of eligible projects: SME project and Large Enterprise Project

How to apply to the innovÉÉ — PARTENAR-IA — Academic program

Initial preparation

Make sure that all project stakeholders are in good standing as members of InnovÉÉ.
Check the project's eligibility according to the defined criteria (related to collaborative R&D in AI).

Identification of partners

Select an eligible public research center as the main collaborator.
Identify at least one Quebec SME or startup as a partner for the project.

Preparation of the project

Develop a collaborative research and development project in AI.
Define the objectives, expected outcomes, and impact on productivity and competitiveness.
Include measures to promote training and learning in the workplace.

File preparation for the application

Prepare all necessary documents, including the detailed project description, the provisional budget, and the timeline.
Obtain letters of commitment from all involved partners.

Submission of the request

Access the InnovÉÉ submission portal to download the required documents.
Complete the online application form ensuring that all information is correct.
Submit the application before the deadline specified in the program guide.

Confirmation of the submission

Wait to receive a submission confirmation via email from InnovÉÉ.
Keep the confirmation number for tracking the file.

Additional information

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

Although one company must conduct the project, partnering with multiple enterprises can enhance the application strength.
Support services are available to assist with project preparation and networking.
Access to specialized equipment might be available through the program.
Additional consultations and communities of interest may provide strategic insights into AI adoption.
Participation in program webinars and networking activities can offer valuable information and connections.

Documents and links

innovÉÉ — PARTENAR-IA — Academic

Apply to this program

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