PARTENAR-IA — INNOVÉÉ — Industry
Montreal, QC, Canada
Funding for Quebec electricity innovative collaborations in AI
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|closingDateAugust 23, 2024
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Health care and social assistance
grant_single|grantors
- InnovÉÉ
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
Get a non-refundable grant up to $150,000 per partner company (to a maximum of $600,000) to cover up to 50% of the expenses when you partner with at least one other business and a research centre on an artificial intelligence project relating to the elect
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
The PARTENAR-IA INNOVÉÉ Industry grant offers structured financial support to aid companies in implementing AI-driven innovation projects. Funding is designed to encourage collaboration and integration of research efforts.
- Maximum financial assistance of $350,000 per eligible partner company, inclusive of management fees.
- Overall project funding may reach up to $1,500,000, covering up to 50% of eligible expenses.
- The total cumulative government expenditure can constitute up to 75% of the eligible project expenses.
- Private contributions must constitute at least 25% of eligible expenses.
- Project duration is capped at a maximum of two years.
- 5% of the project budget must be allocated for program management fees, collected by InnovÉÉ.
- Financing engagement is contingent on securing partner financing and adhering to budgetary plans.
- Disbursement of funds follows the signing of a financial agreement, which outlines payment schedules and conditions.
- A retainer of 15% of the financial contribution is withheld until project completion and compliance with stipulated requirements.
- Project financing aims to limit the number of approved ventures to maintain within the allocated budgetary framework.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant supports a variety of innovation projects focused on the adoption and commercialization of AI technologies across sectors. The eligible projects are collaborative in nature, involving planning through to pre-commercialization stages.
- Development of a new AI product or process.
- Significant improvement of an existing AI product or process.
- Innovation projects displaying a necessary level of technological or business risk.
- Research and development efforts in AI innovation.
- Collaborative product or process innovation projects involving AI.
- Projects that involve planning and demonstration in real environments.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 150,000
Develop an AI-based predictive maintenance system for public transport
$ 150,000
Develop AI-based diagnostic tools for healthcare providers
$ 150,000
Develop voice recognition software to enhance customer service
$ 100,000
Implement AI-driven inventory management in a retail business
$ 150,000
Implement an AI-based fraud detection system in a financial institution
$ 150,000
Create an AI-powered energy management system for industrial use
grant_single_labels|admissibility
The eligibility criteria for businesses and projects under this grant are defined clearly to ensure alignment with the grant's objectives.
- The applicant must be a legally constituted SME, large company (250 employees or more), or public research center, under applicable federal or Quebec law.
- The business must be registered in the Quebec Enterprise Register.
- The head office must be located in Quebec, and employees or subcontractors must be primarily working in Quebec.
- The SME must have 250 employees or fewer in Quebec and must hold assets of less than 50 million dollars.
- The consortiums must include at least one SME or a high-growth potential company.
- The project must be a collaborative product or process innovation involving AI and demonstrate significant innovation.
- Project phases from planning to pre-commercialization, including demonstration in a real environment, are eligible.
- There must be a reasonable technological and/or business risk.
- The project should necessitate research and development efforts.
- The potential for commercialization must be demonstrated if the product or process is for sale.
- Each partner company in the project consortium must plan to hire at least one intern per year.
- A minimum of 20% of the project's eligible expenses must come from services offered by a public research center or involve hiring a trainee linked to such a center.
- The consortium must agree to share costs, benefits, and intellectual property.
- Companies must demonstrate solid financial structures, quality management, professional and technical staff, and good organizational capabilities in production and marketing.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
This grant is available to SMEs, large companies (250 employees and more), and public research centers across all sectors of activity with establishments in Quebec. The following can apply:- Quebec companies and cooperatives, particularly SMEs and start-ups, aiming to carry out innovation projects for developing and commercializing artificial intelligence technologies.- Consortiums of Quebec companies and cooperatives consisting of at least one SME or a company with high growth potential.Criteria for SMEs in the consortium include:- Legally constituted under applicable federal or Quebec law.- Registered with the Quebec business register.- Headquartered in Quebec with employees or subcontractors working primarily in Quebec.- Having 250 or fewer employees in Quebec.- Holding assets under 50 million dollars.Additionally, eligible projects must involve collaborative product or process innovation projects involving AI, spanning from the planning stage to pre-commercialization.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant excludes certain companies and industries due to their status or main activity. The restrictions aim to ensure that funds are directed toward strategic sectors aligned with the grant's objectives.
- Companies registered in the Register of Enterprises Ineligible for Public Contracts (RENA).
- Firms listed as non-compliant with the francization process by the Office québécois de la langue française.
- Companies that have failed to meet obligations in prior financial aid from the Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Energy or Investissement Québec.
- State-owned enterprises or those controlled by a government or municipal entity.
- Companies under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act or the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act.
- Holding companies.
- Companies with ethical behavior detrimental to the Quebec government's image.
- Businesses in certain industries such as weapon production, fossil fuel-related activities, gambling, sexual exploitation, or tobacco and drug-related services (except cannabis and industrial hemp).
- Any activity principally on protected categories under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (religion, politics, etc.).
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
This grant focuses on supporting the development and commercialization of AI and quantum technologies. Eligible projects are geared towards technological advancement and market readiness for new solutions.
- Development of new AI or quantum technology products, services, or processes.
- Significant improvement of existing AI or quantum solutions.
- Projects involving technological and/or business risks with research and development efforts.
- Plans demonstrating a potential commercial benefit if the solution is intended for sale.
- Collaborative projects sharing costs, benefits, and intellectual property among partners.
- Incorporation of services from public research centers or student interns linked to such centers, comprising at least 20% of eligible expenses.
- Projects that initially engage at least one intern per year per eligible partner company.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant is exclusive to companies and cooperatives based in Quebec, ensuring that the benefits and innovation outcomes directly support and enhance the regional economy. Eligibility is specifically limited to establishments within the borders of Quebec.
- Businesses located in the province of Quebec, Canada.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria with allocated point scores to ensure alignment with the grant’s objectives.
- Niveau d’innovation du projet: 15%
- Qualité scientifique/technologique du projet: 15%
- Réalisation du projet: 10%
- Collaboration et expertise pour la réalisation du projet: 20%
- Retombées anticipées: 40%
- Qualité du projet, objectifs, enjeux à résoudre: 20%
- Capacité de l’entreprise à réaliser le projet avec succès: 60%
- Adéquation des dépenses avec les objectifs du programme: 10%
- Structure de financement et appui des partenaires: 10%
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Read Program Guide Thoroughly
- Download and carefully review the program guide from the InnovÉÉ website.
- Understand eligibility criteria, funding limits, and project requirements.
- Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
- Prepare a letter of intent and project proposal detailing the innovation project in AI.
- Gather a confirmation of registration from the enterprise register in Quebec.
- Compile financial statements for the past two years or interim statements if your startup is new.
- Include a letter of collaboration from any public research center partner.
- Draft letters of engagement from all project partners and funding confirmations where applicable.
- Create a detailed budget and timeline (e.g., Gantt chart).
- Provide curriculum vitae for key project personnel.
- Prepare a letter from an incubator or accelerator if applicable.
- Step 3: Fill Application Form
- Complete the official grant application form with all necessary information and signatures.
- Step 4: Submit Application
- Submit the complete application package electronically through an eligible RSRI or directly to the MEIE at equipe.ia@economie.gouv.qc.ca for Confiance.IA projects.
- Ensure your submission is complete and conforms to program requirements before the deadline.
- Step 5: Confirmation of Submission
- Receive confirmation of submission from the RSRI or MEIE.
- Keep a record of your application reference number.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The grant aims to ensure the development and consolidation of innovation efforts in the field of AI.
- It contributes to the positioning of Quebec as a leader in the development of AI.
- Projects must allocate 5% of the budget to InnovÉÉ for program management fees.
- The minimum private contributions must be at least 25% of the eligible expenses.
- The cumulative government expenditure must not exceed 75% of the eligible project expenses.
- The maximum project duration is set at 2 years.
- The group of companies involved in the project must share the costs, benefits, and intellectual property.
- A minimum of 20% of the project's eligible expenses must come from services offered by a public research center or from hiring a trainee linked to such a center.
grant_single_labels|contact
equipe.ia@economie.gouv.qc.ca
Apply to this program
Accelerating AI Adoption in Quebec's Business Landscape
This grant initiative by the Government of Quebec aims to advance the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies among Quebec-based businesses and cooperatives. By providing financial assistance, the program seeks to enhance competitiveness and stimulate economic growth through AI-driven innovation projects.
In-Depth Details on the AI Innovation Grant Program
The Government of Quebec, recognizing the transformative potential of artificial intelligence, has launched a comprehensive grant program designed to facilitate the integration of AI technologies into Quebec's corporate ecosystem. This initiative specifically targets small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups, which are often at the forefront of innovation yet may lack the resources to implement AI technologies effectively. By offering maximum financial assistance of $350,000 per eligible company and up to $1.5 million per project, contingent on the project meeting specific criteria, the grant aims to halve the financial burden of eligible expenses, enabling enterprises to bring their AI solutions from conception to market readiness.
A key aspect of this grant is its emphasis on collaboration. To maximize the success and scale of AI adoption, the program encourages partnerships between multiple Quebec companies and cooperatives, particularly those that have at least one rapidly growing SME. Such consortiums are positioned to share resources, risks, and rewards, fostering an ecosystem where AI innovations can be collaboratively developed and implemented across industrial and organizational spectra.
The grant sets aside a portion of resources for strategic partnerships, with 20% of eligible project expenses mandated to originate from services provided by public research centres or through the employment of interns affiliated with such institutions. This not only provides financial relief but also integrates academic and industry expertise, ensuring that projects benefit from the latest research and technological advancements. Furthermore, projects must demonstrate potential for significant improvement over existing solutions, ensuring that funded initiatives lead the market rather than replicate existing technology.
Another crucial element is the program's requirement that participating companies employ at least one intern per year. This initiative not only supports project development but also nurtures future industry talent by providing students with practical experience in AI applications. Companies must also show that their projects have substantive commercial potential, promising real market impact and economic benefits short-term while laying the groundwork for future technological leadership.
Beyond immediate financial incentives, successful applicants gain access to a network of knowledge and support services. The program facilitates connections with key industry and academic partners, promotes technological showcases in real-world settings, and provides access to necessary equipment and additional funding. These resources are designed to accelerate the transition from AI concept to tangible, market-leading application, ensuring that Quebec companies remain competitive on both national and international stages.
Ultimately, this grant is more than a financial aid program. It is an ecosystem initiative tailored to propel Quebec into a leadership position in AI innovation, supporting projects that embody technological advancement, economic competitiveness, and sustainable growth. By participating, companies not only enhance their own operational capabilities but also contribute to Quebec's broader objectives of economic prosperity and technological leadership.
