PARTENAR-IA — MEDTEQ+ — Academic
Montréal, QC, Canada
Funding for Quebec R&D collaborations in AI for health technologies
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateAugust 23, 2024
- grant_single|closingDateApril 15, 2025
- grant_single|grantStatusClosed
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Transportation and warehousing
- Health care and social assistance
grant_single|grantors
- Consortium de recherche et d’innovation en technologies médicales du Québec
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
Get a non-refundable grant up to $500,000 to cover up to 40% of eligible expenses when your SME partners with a research centre on an artificial intelligence R&D project in the field of health technologies.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant program is specifically designed for companies located in the province of Quebec, Canada. Eligible geographical areas are determined based on the company's presence and registration within Quebec.
- Companies with their headquarters in Quebec, Canada.
- Organizations with primary employees or subcontractors working in Quebec.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$160,000
AI for analyzing electronic health records to improve patient outcomes in collaboration with Université Laval
$200,000
AI-driven wearable health monitoring systems to predict chronic diseases in partnership with Université de Montréal
$180,000
Developing AI for early detection of cardiovascular diseases in collaboration with McGill University
$180,000
Predicting surgical outcomes using AI in collaboration with CHU de Québec
$200,000
AI-based mental health diagnostics in partnership with UQAM
$200,000
Automating drug discovery process using AI in collaboration with Université de Sherbrooke
grant_single_labels|admissibility
To be eligible for this grant, startups, SMEs, and partner enterprises must meet the following criteria:
- The company must be legally incorporated under applicable federal or Quebec law and registered with the Quebec Enterprise Registrar.
- The company must have its head office in Quebec and employees or subcontractors who work primarily in Quebec.
- The company must have, in Quebec, 250 employees or less.
- The company must not be owned in a 50% or greater proportion by other existing companies or organizations.
- The company must have an establishment in operation in Quebec dedicated to the production of goods and services or internal R&D activities.
- The company must possess the usage rights to the intellectual property of its product, process, or service.
- The company must have global assets (including those of associated companies) of less than $50 million CAD as of the end of the fiscal year preceding the current calendar year.
- The company must not be registered on the Register of companies ineligible for public contracts (RENA).
- The company must not be on the list of non-compliant companies under the francization process, published by the Quebec Office of the French Language.
- For startups specifically: must not have been created as part of a consolidation, restructuring, extension, or continuation of pre-existing activities.
- For startups specifically: must be led by a founder or a founding team, with at least one founder dedicated full-time (35 hours or more per week).
- For startups specifically: must be supported by an eligible incubator or accelerator at the time of application.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
This grant program is primarily aimed at supporting Quebec-based startups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) interested in initiating innovative projects using artificial intelligence and quantum technologies. Eligible organizations must form a consortium of at least two Quebec businesses, including at least one SME or startup, and demonstrate collaborative efforts with public research centers.
- Startups legally constituted under federal or Quebec laws, with their headquarters in Quebec, 250 employees or less, and not owned by other existing companies or organizations (50% or more).
- Startups must be directed by founders actively involved full-time and possess the intellectual property rights for their product, process, or service.
- Startups need the support of an eligible incubator or accelerator.
- SMEs have similar legal and operational requirements as startups, such as a maximum of 250 employees and headquarters based in Quebec.
- Other Quebec-based companies, larger than SMEs or startups, that participate as partners, provided they have operations focused on goods or service production or research and development in Quebec.
- Consortium must include at least one Quebec SME or startup.
- Non-eligible parties include companies under public contract bans, those with past compliance issues, corporations under bankruptcy protection, and other exceptions outlined in provincial policies.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant excludes certain companies and industries due to specific eligibility restrictions based on their status or main activity. The restrictions ensure that funds are allocated to sectors that align with the grant's objectives and ethical standards.
- Companies registered on the RENA (Register of Ineligible Enterprises for Public Contracts).
- Companies listed as non-compliant with the francization process by the Office québécois de la langue française.
- Companies that failed to meet obligations on previous financial aid from MEIE or Investissement Québec.
- State-owned enterprises or those controlled by government entities.
- Companies under protection of the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act or Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act.
- Holding companies.
- Companies engaged in activities deemed ethically questionable by the Quebec government.
- Businesses primarily involved in prohibited domains, such as:
- Weapons production or distribution.
- Fossil fuels extraction, exploration, and refinement, except for low-carbon transition activities.
- Gambling, violent games, animal combat sports, and similar activities.
- Sexual exploitation, such as escort agencies or erotic clubs.
- Production or sale of tobacco or drugs, excluding cannabis or industrial hemp.
- Activities primarily subject to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (e.g., religious, political).
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The eligible projects for this grant focus on the development and commercialization of innovative solutions leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) or quantum technologies. They must demonstrate a significant improvement over existing solutions and potential for substantial short-term impacts. The projects should also involve collaborative efforts and respect principles of sustainable development.
- Development of new solutions or significant improvement of existing ones using AI or quantum technologies.
- Projects under the Confiance IA initiative, focusing on responsible and ethical AI use.
- Initiatives targeting sectors like agriculture, mining, energy, construction, manufacturing, aerospace, and frontline healthcare for adopting AI solutions.
- Collaborative projects involving at least two non-affiliated Quebec-based enterprises, including one SME or startup.
- Projects that involve research and development efforts to achieve commercial potential.
- Innovation projects that show potential for significant economic impacts in the short term.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the implementation and success of the project.
- Professional fees for specialized services, including subcontracting services.
- Direct labor costs dedicated to the project, including social benefits and mandatory contributions, and project management fees.
- Travel and subsistence expenses, including for potential clients visiting a real-world operation demonstration or technology showcase, related to the project.
- Direct material and inventory costs.
- Direct equipment costs, calculated based on the project duration, equipment's useful life, and utilization within the project.
- Equipment rental fees.
- Expenses for acquisition of studies or other documentation.
- Animal facility and platform fees.
- Expenses for preparing an intellectual property protection strategy, obtaining intellectual property protection, acquiring intellectual property rights or licenses, including patent application fees.
- Obtaining necessary certification or homologation for commercialization.
- Project setup fees by the incubator or accelerator supporting the startup, up to 2% of the startup's eligible expenses, with a maximum of $25,000.
- Participation in exhibitions and trade shows to present the product or process and thereby attract potential clients to the technology showcase.
- Project setup and management fees by an RSRI, in collaboration with IVADO, up to a maximum of 5% of the project's eligible expenses, for 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 to ensure projects align with the objectives of advancing scientific, technological, and economic outcomes in the sectors of artificial intelligence and quantum technologies.
- Niveau d’innovation du projet (Level of innovation of the project) - 15%
- Qualité scientifique/technologique du projet (Scientific/technological quality of the project) - 15%
- Réalisation du projet (Project execution) - 10%
- Collaboration et expertise pour la réalisation du projet (Collaboration and expertise for the execution of the project) - 20%
- Retombées anticipées (Anticipated outcomes) - 40%
- Qualité du projet, objectifs, enjeux à résoudre (Quality of the project, objectives, issues to resolve) - 20%
- Capacité de l’entreprise à réaliser le projet (Company's capacity to successfully complete the project) - 60%
- Adéquation des dépenses avec les objectifs du programme (Adequacy of expenses with program objectives) - 10%
- Structure de financement et appui des partenaires (Funding structure and partner support) - 10%
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to apply for this grant:
- Step 1: Read the Guide
- Thoroughly read the provided guide to understand the requirements and criteria.
- Step 2: Complete Form
- Fill out the official application form for financial aid.
- Ensure it is signed by the authorized signing officer of your company.
- Step 3: Gather Documents
- Prepare all required documents, including financial statements, CVs, commitment letters from company partners, and partnership agreements if applicable.
- Gather letters of support from incubators or accelerators if relevant.
- Step 4: Submission
- Submit your application electronically through the appropriate channel depending on the nature of your project.
- For AI projects, send applications to the specified RSRI of Quebec or directly to the MEIE for Confiance.IA.
- For quantum technologies projects, send applications to PRIMA Québec or PROMPT.
- Step 5: Confirmation
- Wait to receive electronic confirmation acknowledging the receipt of your application from the relevant body.
- Step 6: Deadline Awareness
- Ensure the application is submitted before the specified deadlines (23 August 2024, 15 October 2024, or 15 April 2025 by 16:00).
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- Projects must begin within six months of grant approval.
- Investissement Québec reserves the right to discontinue financial aid if project milestones are not met or financing issues arise.
- A minimum residual amount of 15% of the financial contribution is withheld until project completion and final report approval.
- The aid is confirmed by a financial assistance agreement which outlines payment conditions and obligations.
- Progress monitoring includes interim reports and a complete final audit report upon project completion.
- Any transfer of intellectual property or prototype developed from the project to entities outside Quebec requires prior approval from Investissement Québec.
grant_single_labels|contact
equipe.ia@economie.gouv.qc.ca
Apply to this program
Advance Your Business with AI and Quantum Technologies
This grant supports innovative projects in artificial intelligence and quantum technologies, aiming to advance industrial research and entrepreneurial collaboration in Quebec. It focuses on enhancing competitiveness, fostering responsible AI solutions, and positioning Quebec as a leader in these transformative fields.
Detailed Overview of the AI and Quantum Technologies Grant
This grant, offered by the ministère de l'Économie, de l'Innovation et de l'Énergie, is a strategic initiative targeting the industrial deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum technologies within Quebec. It seeks to turbocharge innovation through collaborative projects, particularly emphasizing the involvement of SMEs and startups. With a generous financial support framework, the grant allows Quebec-based enterprises to enhance their research, foster groundbreaking developments, and achieve commercialization success with cutting-edge technologies.
Eligible projects are set to receive up to $1,500,000, underlining the program's commitment to nurturing high-impact innovations. Project configurations require collaboration between at least two Quebec-based enterprises, ensuring an inclusive approach that spans various sectors. Priority is given to projects with multiple partners and those aligning with public research centers, further strengthening Quebec's research ecosystem and its capability to embrace technological advancements.
The grant is strategically designed to facilitate crucial collaborations between businesses and academic institutions, promoting a cross-sectoral exchange of knowledge that accelerates technological adoption. While fostering economic benefits, these collaborations also focus on compliance with crucial ethical standards, ensuring projects adhere to principles of responsible AI and sustainable tech practices.
With the potential to make tangible economic impacts quickly, the projects backed by this grant are expected to not only revolutionize specific sectors but also to bolster Quebec’s standing in the global tech landscape. From agriculture to aerospace, these innovations can be game-changers in their respective fields, leading to enhanced productivity and sustainable growth.
As the spearhead of responsible technological advancements, this initiative not only supports current economic demands but also equips the province’s industries to tackle global challenges. By prioritizing sectors less penetrated by AI and quantum technologies, the program encourages a more diversified economic portfolio that is both resilient and future-ready.
Moreover, the rigorous criteria applied during the evaluation process ensure that funded projects possess genuine potential for success and sustainability. These criteria include an assessment of the project's innovative character, commercial viability, and scalability, ensuring that only the most promising ventures are enabled.
The program also underscores the importance of startups, providing them with a platform to showcase their flexibility and innovative capabilities. By doing so, it helps emerging businesses secure the resources necessary for scaling their operations and increasing their market reach.
In conclusion, the AI and quantum technologies grant reflects Quebec’s commitment to fostering an innovative and inclusive technological ecosystem. It not only provides financial backing but also creates an environment conducive for creative collaboration and technological breakthroughs that promise to shape the future of the region's economy.