PRIMA — PARTENAR-IA — Academic
grant_single|update May 10, 2025
Montreal, QC
Funding for Quebec R&D collaborations in AI for advanced materials
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDate October 1, 2024
- grant_single|closingDate October 31, 2024
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Manufacturing
grant_single|grantors
- Advanced Materials Research and Innovation Hub (PRIMA)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|archived
grant_single_labels|preview
Get a non-refundable grant up to $350,000 to cover up to 50% of eligible expenses when your SME partners with a research centre on an artificial intelligence R&D project in the field of advanced materials.
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
- Maximum non-repayable grant of $350,000 per project, including indirect research costs (FIR) and management fees.
- Financial assistance covers up to 40% of eligible project expenses.
- Total public funding (all government sources) must not exceed 60% of eligible project expenses.
- At least 40% of project eligible expenses must be contributed by industrial partners, with at least half of that contribution provided in cash.
- Eligible equipment costs are limited to 25% of the project's total eligible expenses.
grant_single_labels|projects
- Collaborative research projects in artificial intelligence involving public research centers and at least two enterprises, including one Quebec SME or startup.
- Development and integration of innovative artificial intelligence technologies that offer a substantial advantage over existing market solutions.
- Projects aimed at increasing technology transfer between research centers and companies for commercial use.
- Initiatives that reinforce partnerships between research institutions and businesses to enhance technological innovation capacity.
- Projects that foster the large-scale adoption of artificial intelligence within specific economic sectors.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 350,000
Development of AI tools for real-time monitoring of agricultural soil quality
$ 350,000
Developing AI-driven materials with McMaster University for sustainable packaging
$ 350,000
Development of AI-based predictive maintenance for industrial equipment
$ 350,000
AI integration for automated quality control in manufacturing operations
$ 300,000
AI-enhanced material design research for sustainable construction
grant_single_labels|admissibility
- The project must involve at least two companies, including a minimum of one Quebec-based SME or startup.
- Participating companies must collaborate with a public research center, such as a university, a college technology transfer center (CCTT), or a public research institution (CRP).
- Projects must focus on collaborative research and development in artificial intelligence.
- At least one company involved must be legally constituted in Quebec and carry out R&D or production activities in Quebec.
- Projects must demonstrate clear potential for business competitiveness and the integration or development of AI technologies.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) established in Quebec
- Startups legally constituted in Quebec
- Companies from any sector with an innovation project in artificial intelligence
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
- Companies or partners whose contribution comes from other MEI programs or whose industrial contribution has already been matched by the MEI for different projects.
- Companies that are not collaborating with a Quebec public research center and at least one Quebec SME or startup.
- Companies seeking funding for routine operating activities or unrelated research.
- Companies attempting to apply with expenses already incurred before submitting the funding application.
- Companies whose contribution consists of funding from the executing research center itself.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
- Salaries, wages, and employee benefits directly related to the project.
- Travel and accommodation expenses as per Ministry guidelines.
- Required materials and supplies for the project.
- Purchase or rental of equipment (up to a maximum of 25% of total eligible expenses).
- Legal expenses related to intellectual property management.
- Consulting and professional fees needed for the project.
- Communication-related expenses associated with the project.
- Subcontracting costs for specific tasks or services.
- Project management fees when managed by a nonprofit organization.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
- Quebec
grant_single_labels|criteria
- Relevance of the project in terms of innovation in artificial intelligence (AI).
- Quality of the project and alignment between the objectives pursued and the expertise involved (research center and industry).
- Potential for economic development and commercialization outcomes.
- Specific criteria determined by each Regroupement sectoriel de recherche industrielle (RSRI) and their scientific committees.
grant_single_labels|apply
1
Check eligibility and partners
- Ensure your project involves a public research centre in Quebec collaborating with at least two companies, including one SME or Quebec startup
- Verify that the academic institution is eligible (universities, CCTT, CRP, or RSSS)
- Confirm all partners meet the participation requirements
2
Prepare project documentation
- Gather all necessary documents outlining the project (project plan, partner information, budget details, objectives)
- Ensure documentation provides justification for innovative AI components and collaboration aspects
3
Submit the application to RSRI
- Submit the grant application via the appropriate Regroupement sectoriel de recherche industrielle (RSRI)
- Ensure all forms, partnership proofs, and required details are provided
4
Wait for evaluation and results
- Wait for evaluation by the RSRI’s scientific committee and funding body
- Respond promptly if additional information or clarification is requested
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
- The project duration must not exceed 36 months from the date the research agreement is signed.
- Indirect research costs (FIR) for universities are set at a rate of 27% of the grant amount from the RSRI, applicable to direct costs such as salaries, materials, and equipment.
- RSRI management fees amount to 5% of the research budget, divided between the Ministry of Economy and Innovation (40%) and industrial partners (60%) according to their financial participation.
- Expenses incurred prior to the submission of a financial assistance application are not eligible for funding.
grant_single_labels|contact
michel.lefevre@prima.ca
(514) 284-0211
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