How much funding can be received?

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

Several types of projects and activities are eligible for this grant, focusing on the development, improvement, and commercialization of solutions using artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum technologies.

Realization of preliminary studies and activities necessary for the project's planning and execution.
Validation of principle.
Development or improvement of the solution, including design, engineering, and prototyping.
Testing and validation of the solution, such as prototype trials and pilot production.
Elaboration of a commercialization plan, including intellectual property protection.
Demonstration in real operation situations to complete development or improvement of the solution.
Technological showcase aimed at demonstrating the solution in real operational conditions.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$160,000

Quebec City

AI for analyzing electronic health records to improve patient outcomes in collaboration with Université Laval

$200,000

Montreal

AI-driven wearable health monitoring systems to predict chronic diseases in partnership with Université de Montréal

$180,000

Montreal

Developing AI for early detection of cardiovascular diseases in collaboration with McGill University

$180,000

Quebec City

Predicting surgical outcomes using AI in collaboration with CHU de Québec

$200,000

Montreal

AI-based mental health diagnostics in partnership with UQAM

$200,000

Sherbrooke

Automating drug discovery process using AI in collaboration with Université de Sherbrooke

grant_single_labels|admissibility

To be eligible for this grant, organizations must meet specific criteria related to their legal constitution, operational status, and collaboration requirements.

Legally constituted under federal or Quebec laws and registered with the Quebec Business Register.
Headquartered in Quebec with employees or contractors primarily working in Quebec.
For startups:
Have 250 employees or less in Quebec.
Not owned by other existing companies or organizations by 50% or more.
Not created through mergers, restructuring, or extension of pre-existing activities.
Directed by a founder or founding team with at least one full-time (35+ hours/week) member.
Possess intellectual property rights for their product, process, or service.
Supported by an eligible incubator or accelerator at the time of application.
Have an establishment in Quebec devoted to production or R&D activities.
Global assets for their fiscal year ending within the previous calendar year do not exceed $50 million.
Contribute significantly to their company's development from concept to market.
For SMEs:
Have 250 employees or less in Quebec.
Not owned by other existing companies or organizations by 50% or more.
Have an establishment in Quebec devoted to production or R&D activities.
Possess intellectual property rights for their product, process, or service.
Global assets for their fiscal year ending within the previous calendar year do not exceed $50 million.
For other partners:
Headquartered in Quebec with employees or contractors primarily working in Quebec.
Have an establishment in Quebec engaged in production, services, or internal R&D activities.
Exclusions include:
Companies listed on the Register of companies ineligible for public contracts (RENA) or failing to meet francization standards.
Entities that defaulted on previous MEIE or Investissement Québec funding obligations within two years prior to application.
State-owned enterprises, companies directly or indirectly controlled by a government, municipal entities, or those principally involved in prohibited sectors like arms production, fossil fuel exploration, gambling, and others.
Companies under protection of bankruptcy laws, holding companies, or those primarily in non-eligible new business areas.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

Yes, there are eligible types of companies for this grant. Eligible companies include startups and PMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) that meet specific criteria.

Startups that are legally constituted according to federal or Quebec laws and registered with the Quebec Enterprise Register.
Startups with their head office in Quebec and employees or subcontractors working mainly in Quebec.
Startups with 250 employees or less in Quebec.
Startups not majority-owned (50% or more) by existing companies or organizations.
Startups not created as part of a concentration, restructuring, extension of pre-existing activities, or takeover of such activities.
Startups led by at least one full-time (35 hours or more per week) founder or a founding team.
Startups that own the intellectual property rights for their product, process, or service.
Startups that receive support from an eligible incubator or accelerator at the time of application.
Startups with an establishment in operation in Quebec aimed at producing goods and services or conducting internal R&D activities.
Startups with global assets, including those of affiliated companies, of less than 50 million dollars for their fiscal year ending in the calendar year preceding the given year.
Startups primarily dedicating their resources to developing their enterprise from conception to market launch of their product.
PMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) meeting similar criteria as startups but can also have an establishment in Quebec dedicated to regular production activities.
PMEs with global assets, including those of affiliated companies, of less than 50 million dollars.
Eligible partner companies in a consortium with at least one startup or PME can also include larger enterprises if they meet specific criteria and contribute substantially to the Quebec economy and technology landscape.
Companies that are not on specific exclusion lists, such as those for public contract ineligibility or non-compliance with francization processes.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

Yes, there are specific types of companies that are not eligible for this grant. Below is a list of the ineligible companies:

Companies listed in the Register of companies not eligible for public contracts (RENA).
Companies listed on the List of non-compliant companies under the francization process.
Companies that have failed to meet obligations related to previous financial aid from MEIE or Investissement Québec in the past two years.
State-owned enterprises or those controlled by a government, municipal entity, or majority-owned by a state-owned entity.
Companies under the protection of the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act or Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act.
Holding companies.
Companies with ethical behaviors likely to tarnish the image of integrity of the Quebec government.
Companies focused on production or distribution of weapons.
Companies involved in the exploration, extraction, drilling, production, and refining of fossil fuels, except those aiming for a low-carbon economy transition.
Companies involved in gambling, violent games, combat sports involving living beings, racing, or similar activities.
Companies involved in sexual exploitation (e.g., erotic bar, escort agency, erotic massage parlor, or swingers club).
Companies involved in the production, sale, and services related to tobacco or drugs, except for interventions related to cannabis and industrial hemp.
Companies with a primary business domain protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (e.g., religion, politics, rights defense).

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

Yes, there are eligible expenses for this grant.

Eligible expenses include professional fees, direct project costs, equipment, travel expenses, and other specified costs. Below is a detailed list of eligible expenses:

Professional fees for specialized services, including subcontracting
Direct labor costs, including benefits and mandatory contributions
Travel and accommodation costs related to project execution
Direct material and inventory costs
Equipment costs based on duration, useful life, and project use
Equipment rental fees
Costs for purchasing studies or other documentation
Animal care and platform fees
Costs for developing and protecting intellectual property (IP)
Certification or homologation costs necessary for commercialization
Project setup and management fees by qualified incubators or accelerators
Costs for exhibitions and trade shows to attract potential clients
Project setup and management fees by a RSRI in collaboration with IVADO

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

The eligible geographical zone for this grant is the province of Quebec, Canada. This applies to companies and organizations that are legally incorporated under the federal or provincial laws and have their principal place of business in Quebec.

Must be legally incorporated under the laws of Quebec or Canada.
Must have their principal place of business in Quebec, Canada.

grant_single_labels|criteria

Yes, there are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The projects are evaluated by a committee of experts based on criteria of relevance, scientific quality, and potential economic, social, or technological impacts in Quebec.

Niveau d'innovation du projet (15%)
Qualité scientifique/technologique du projet, incluant les objectifs, la qualité des données et la faisabilité industrielle (15%)
Réalisation du projet, incluant les étapes, la gestion de la propriété intellectuelle et le respect des principes du développement durable (10%)
Collaboration et expertise pour la réalisation du projet, évaluant le recours aux chercheurs et organismes de recherche, ainsi que l'expertise des entrepreneurs (20%)
Retombées anticipées, incluant l'impact sur les connaissances, le positionnement de l'entreprise et le potentiel de commercialisation (40%)
Qualité du projet, objectifs, enjeux à résoudre, pertinence du budget et des offres de services (20%)
Capacité de l'entreprise à réaliser le projet, sur le plan des ressources humaines et financières, et répercussions pour l'entreprise (60%)
Adéquation des dépenses avec les objectifs du programme (10%)
Structure de financement et appui des partenaires (10%)

grant_single_labels|register

Step 1: Read the entire guide
Step 2: Complete and sign the financial aid application form
Step 3: Prepare all required documentation
Step 4: Submit the application electronically to an appropriate RSRI or directly to MEIE for Confiance IA and Quantique projects

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

This grant supports innovative projects in AI and quantum technologies in Quebec. It prioritizes collaborative projects involving at least two Quebec-based companies, benefiting primarily SMEs and startups.

Application deadlines: August 23, 2024, October 15, 2024, and April 15, 2025, by 4:00 PM.
Financial assistance: Up to $1,500,000 per project for a maximum duration of 24 months.
Priority sectors: Agriculture, fishing, forestry, energy, construction, manufacturing, aerospace, and primary healthcare.
Eligible expenses: Professional fees, direct labor costs, travel expenses, direct material costs, equipment costs, and intellectual property protection costs.
Non-eligible expenses: Regular business operating costs, debt servicing, acquisition of land, and taxes.
Projects must demonstrate economic and technological benefits for Quebec, with substantial contributions from private partners covering at least 25% of eligible expenses.

grant_single_labels|documents

PARTENAR-IA — MEDTEQ+ — Academic

grant_single_labels|contact

equipe.ia@economie.gouv.qc.ca

Apply to this program

Grant for Collaborative Innovation Projects in AI and Quantum Technologies

This grant, offered by the Ministry of Economy, Innovation, and Energy (MEIE) of Quebec, aims to enhance the competitiveness of businesses by supporting the adoption of responsible AI and quantum technologies. The grant offers up to 1.5 million CAD per project for collaborative innovation projects involving at least two Quebec-based companies, including at least one SME or startup.

Grant for Collaborative Innovation Projects in AI and Quantum Technologies

In the ever-evolving landscape of technological advancements, the province of Quebec is positioning itself at the forefront of the artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum technologies wave. The Ministry of Economy, Innovation, and Energy (MEIE) recognizes the immense potential of these technologies to drive economic growth, improve societal well-being, and maintain Quebec's competitive edge on the global stage. To this end, the MEIE has launched a grant program specifically designed to foster collaborative innovation projects in AI and quantum technologies. This comprehensive support system targets Quebec-based enterprises, with a particular focus on Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and startups that aim to develop, commercialize, or adopt advanced technological solutions.

Overview of the Grant

The grant is a strategic part of the Quebec government's broader initiative to promote technological innovation and ensure sustainable economic development. By providing financial assistance to collaborative projects, the program aims to accelerate the integration of responsible AI and quantum technologies in various sectors. The grant offers up to 1.5 million CAD per project, with selected projects receiving a funding rate of up to 35% of admissible expenses. This rate is enhanced to 50% for expenses made by startups, public research centers, or for accessing specific quantum computing platforms like PINQ², Calcul Québec, and DistriQ.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for this grant, projects must involve a collaborative effort between at least two Quebec-based companies, including at least one SME or startup. These companies must be legally incorporated under Quebec or Canadian law and registered with the Quebec Enterprise Registrar. The participating enterprises should have their headquarters in Quebec and employ individuals or subcontractors who primarily work in the province.

Startups, in particular, must meet stringent criteria, including having fewer than 250 employees in Quebec, being independently established (not a subsidiary or extension of another company), and being led by a dedicated founder. They must also hold the intellectual property rights for their products, processes, or services and be supported by a recognized incubator or accelerator.

Projects involving large enterprises are also eligible, provided that they participate alongside at least one SME or startup and contribute to the project's objectives without receiving remuneration from other partners.

Admissible Projects

The grant supports a variety of project types, provided they aim to develop or significantly improve innovative solutions utilizing AI or quantum technologies. These projects can span from initial planning and concept validation to prototyping, testing, and real-world demonstration. The key requirement is that the projects must demonstrate a robust degree of innovation, offering tangible advantages over existing market solutions, and must involve research and development efforts.

Specific themes for AI projects include ethical and responsible AI use, data governance, and sustainable development. Quantum technology projects must focus on areas like quantum communication, detection and metrology, quantum computing (hardware and software), and new quantum materials.

Project Activities and Steps

Eligible project activities include:

Initial planning and conceptual studies
Concept validation and proof-of-principle
Development and prototyping of the solution
Testing and validation in controlled environments
Developing commercial strategies, including IP protection and certifications
Real-world demonstration and showcasing through technology showcases

These steps ensure that projects are thoroughly planned, realistically budgeted, and have clear objectives and deliverables. The use of detailed project management tools, like Gantt charts, is encouraged to map out the timeline and resource allocation effectively.

Financial Provisions

The financial structure of the grant provides a crucial foundation for the successful execution of projects. The maximum funding per project is set at 1.5 million CAD, distributed over a maximum of 24 months. The funding rate stands at 35% of eligible expenses, boosted to 50% for specific expenditures, such as those made by startups or involving public research center collaborations.

Furthermore, the grant requires that cumulative government aid, including federal and municipal contributions, not exceed 75% of the project's admissible costs. This stipulation ensures that projects have a significant private investment component, fostering genuine stakeholder engagement and increasing the likelihood of sustainable outcomes.

The grant is structured to allow for up to two financial disbursements annually, based on the project's progress and adherence to budget forecasts. An initial advance of up to 50% of the grant amount may be released upon signing the funding agreement, with subsequent payments tied to the submission and approval of progress reports and expenditure statements. A residual of 15% of the overall grant is retained until the project's successful completion and the submission of a comprehensive final report.

Application Process

Interested parties must meticulously prepare their applications, emphasizing clarity and conciseness. Applications should include all necessary documentation, such as:

Completed and signed application forms
Detailed project proposals, including budget and timeline
Letters of support from all project partners
Financial statements and projections for the participating companies
Curricula vitae of key personnel involved in the project
Documentation supporting the project's relevance to Quebec's economic and technological priorities

Applications must be submitted electronically to the appropriate sectoral research industrial grouping (RSRI) or directly to MEIE for projects under the Confiance.IA initiative. The application deadlines are firmly set for August 23, 2024, October 15, 2024, and April 15, 2025, all by 4:00 PM.

Evaluation Criteria

Every project submission undergoes a rigorous evaluation process involving both technical and economic assessments. The evaluation criteria encompass:

Innovation level of the project
Scientific and technological quality of the project
Feasibility and project management
Collaboration and expertise of the project team
Potential economic, societal, and environmental impacts

Projects are reviewed by expert committees composed of professionals from relevant fields, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of each proposal's merits and alignment with Quebec's innovation goals. This dual evaluation approach balances technical feasibility with anticipated economic returns, maximizing the potential for successful implementations.

Confidentiality and Ethics

The application process respects stringent confidentiality standards as laid out in Quebec's access to information laws. All personal and confidential information is handled with utmost care, ensuring data security and privacy. Additionally, all participants in the evaluation process are required to sign confidentiality agreements, reinforcing the ethical handling of all submissions.

The grant program also adheres to the highest ethical standards, guided by the Quebec government's ethical framework for public administration. This commitment to integrity ensures transparency and fairness throughout the application and evaluation processes.

Conclusion

The MEIE’s grant for collaborative innovation projects in AI and quantum technologies represents a significant opportunity for Quebec-based enterprises to push the boundaries of technological development. By fostering collaboration, driving innovation, and ensuring robust support structures, the program aims to place Quebec at the forefront of AI and quantum technology advancements. This initiative not only seeks to enhance the province's economic competitiveness but also strives to address global challenges through innovative tech solutions.