innovÉÉ — PARTENAR-IA — Industry

Who is eligible?

Who is not eligible

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.).

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.

Eligible geographic areas

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.

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.