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.

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%

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.

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.