How much funding can be received?

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

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This grant is available to companies located in specific geographical areas within Quebec, Canada. The eligible locations are determined to promote local economic development in the region.

Companies with a head office in Quebec.
Entities with employees or subcontractors working primarily in Quebec.
Startup companies supported by eligible incubators or accelerators located in Quebec.
Organizations with an operating establishment in Quebec for production or R&D activities.

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

The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the implementation and success of the AI innovation project.

Professional fees for specialized services, including subcontracting services.
Direct labor costs associated with the project, including benefits and mandatory contributions.
Travel and accommodation expenses related to project execution, including those for potential clients visiting a demonstration or technology showcase.
Direct material and inventory costs.
Direct costs of equipment, calculated based on project duration, equipment's useful life, and usage in the project.
Equipment rental costs.
Costs for acquiring studies or other documentation.
Animal facility and platform fees.
Costs for intellectual property protection strategies, obtaining intellectual property rights or licenses, and patent application-related fees.
Costs for obtaining necessary certifications for commercialization.
Project preparation fees by the incubator or accelerator assisting the startup, up to 2% of the startup's eligible expenses, with a maximum of $25,000.
Exhibition and trade show costs for product or process presentation to attract potential clients to the technology showcase.
Project management and monitoring fees by a sectoral group and IVADO, up to 5% of the project's eligible expenses, with a maximum of $100,000 per project.

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|documents

PARTENAR-IA — INNOVÉÉ — Industry

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.