How much funding can be received?

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.

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This grant is available to companies located in Quebec, Canada, as specified by the eligibility criteria of the funding body. The focus is on fostering business growth and AI technology integration within this region.

Companies legally constituted in Quebec.
Enterprises conducting research and development in Quebec.
Organizations operational within Quebec's territorial jurisdiction.

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$350,000

Development of AI-based predictive maintenance for industrial equipment

$350,000

Developing AI-driven materials with McMaster University for sustainable packaging

$350,000

Development of AI tools for real-time monitoring of agricultural soil quality

$350,000

AI integration for automated quality control in manufacturing operations

$300,000

AI-enhanced material design research for sustainable construction

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Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the consortium composition and the nature of the project.

The applicant must be a consortium of at least two companies, including at least one Québec-based Small or Medium Enterprise (SME).
The project must be executed in collaboration with a public research center, including universities or College Centres for the Transfer of Technologies (CCTTs).
The consortium must contribute a minimum of 25% of the eligible expenses of the project.
At least 20% of the eligible project expenses must come from a service offer from a public research center or through the hiring of an intern linked to such a center.
Each eligible partner company must provide for the hiring of a minimum of one intern per year.
The applicant must operate within sectors encouraging the adoption of AI, particularly those less developed in this area.
The project must result in significant and immediate economic benefits.

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This grant opportunity is open to consortia primarily composed of Québec-based small and medium enterprises (SMEs) focused on artificial intelligence research and development projects, specifically in collaboration with other businesses, including start-ups, and public research centers.

Consortia must include a minimum of two companies, one of which must be a Québec SME, collaborating with a research center.
Projects must aim for the development, commercialization, or adoption of AI technologies.
Eligible consortia must contribute collectively a minimum of 25% of the eligible expenses.
At least 20% of the project expenses should be linked to the services from a public research center or the hiring of an intern from a recognized institution.
Each eligible partner company should hire at least one intern for each year of the project.
The PRIMA contribution can cover up to 50% of eligible expenses, capped at $350,000 per company and $1,500,000 per project.

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This call for projects is designed to focus on the collaborative research in artificial intelligence within specific consortium frameworks. While the call outlines detailed eligibility, it lacks explicit exclusions based on specific industries or company types not allowed to apply. The restrictions seem to pertain more to the collaborative requirements rather than the industry sectors themselves.

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This grant supports the advancement and commercialization of artificial intelligence technologies through collaborative efforts. The eligible projects focus on fostering innovation and economic benefits in various sectors of Quebec's economy.

Projects that enhance business competitiveness by adopting AI in underutilized sectors.
Collaborative AI research projects involving consortia of companies and research centers.
Large-scale AI adoption initiatives in one or more sectors to deliver significant economic benefits.
Projects aiming to develop and consolidate AI innovation efforts within Quebec.
Consortium-led projects with research centers focusing on the development and commercialization of AI technologies.
Initiatives that position Quebec as a leader in AI development and integration.

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

Wages, salaries, and employee benefits related to the project.
Travel and accommodation costs, in accordance with MEI ministry directives.
Required materials and supplies.
Equipment purchase or rental (up to a maximum of 25% of allowable expenses).
Intellectual property user costs (legal support).
Fees.
Communications costs.
Costs relating to subcontracting agreements.
Costs relating to project management by a non-profit organization.

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Evaluation and selection criteria for this grant are as follows:

Relevance of the project to the themes of artificial intelligence and advanced materials
Demonstrated collaboration between consortium members, including at least one Québec SME and a research center
Sufficient funding contribution from the consortium and a public research center
Integration of interns from research centers in the project
Potential economic benefits and impact of the project
Alignment with the objectives of the call for projects and the Innovation Program

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Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:

Step 1: Contact an Advisor
- Before March 15, 2024, contact the designated advisor to express your intention to submit an application.
- Request the necessary application form and clarify any preliminary questions regarding the application process.
Step 2: Gather Required Documentation
- Review the "Guide Partenar-IA Entreprise du MEIE" and the "Guide PRIMA complémentaire au Guide du MEIE" for detailed documentation requirements.
- Prepare your organization's financial statements, project proposals, and other supporting documents as outlined in the guides.
Step 3: Formulate Project Proposal
- Develop a comprehensive project proposal highlighting the objectives, potential economic impact, and alignment with AI themes.
- Include details on partner organizations, contribution commitments, and projected outcomes.
Step 4: Finalize Consortium Agreement
- Ensure all partner companies and research centers involved have agreed on their roles, contributions, and project structure.
- Draft and sign the consortium agreement with all participating entities.
Step 5: Submit Full Application
- Complete the application form received from the advisor.
- Submit the full application, including all required documents and forms, by the deadline of April 15, 2024, at 4 p.m.
- Use the submission portal or mailing details provided by the advisor for the submission process.
Step 6: Await Confirmation
- After submission, watch for a confirmation of receipt from the funding body.
- Retain confirmation details for reference and follow any further instructions provided.

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Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

The grant can be combined with other types of public funding from municipal, provincial, or federal sources, provided the combined total does not exceed 80% of allowable project expenses.
Complementary funding from other government or public bodies cannot originate from the same MEI source or be previously committed for separate activities.
RSRI may charge management fees amounting to 5% of the research expenditures, split between MEI and industry partners according to their contribution.
Projects can have a maximum duration of 36 months from the signing of the research agreement under the academic stream.
Indirect costs of research (ICRs) at a rate of 27% can be included in the funding application for universities.
Industry partners' in-kind contributions can make up to 50% of their required contributions, provided they are verifiable.

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PARTENAR-IA — PRIMA — Academic

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michel.lefevre@prima.ca

(514) 284-0211

Apply to this program

Fostering Innovation in AI through Collaborative Projects

This grant invites Québec-based consortia to submit projects focused on the innovative application of artificial intelligence in underutilized sectors. Emphasizing collaboration between SMEs, startups, and research centers, it aims to drive the economic and social integration of AI technologies in Québec.

Deep Dive into the AI Innovation Grant and Its Significance

This AI grant program is a strategic initiative aimed at boosting the integration and development of artificial intelligence technologies in various sectors of Québec's economy, particularly those that have not yet fully capitalized on AI's potential. Targeting consortia composed of at least two companies, this funding opportunity emphasizes partnerships between SMEs, startups, and academic or research institutions, fostering a collaborative environment conducive to substantial innovation.

Projects eligible for this grant must align with themes central to artificial intelligence, showing clear pathways for technological advancement and economic benefits. This not only spurs technological adoption but also enhances competitiveness across sectors initially underutilized. By doing so, the program seeks to position Québec at the forefront of AI development on a global scale.

A critical component of the grant scheme is its dual focus on development and commercialization of AI technologies. This ensures that projects not only advance the research landscape but also demonstrate tangible, market-ready innovations that contribute directly to economic growth and societal benefits.

Financially, projects can receive up to 50% of eligible expenses, capped at $1.5 million per project. This substantial support encourages the involvement of public research centers, which are required to contribute at least 20% of eligible project expenses through service offerings or internships. This integration ensures that universities and technology transfer centers play active roles in fostering new talent and expertise within the AI field.

The grant underscores the importance of structured coordination with at least one Québec-based SME, allowing these smaller enterprises to leverage cutting-edge research and drive innovation within their sectors. Moreover, to maximize impact, the projects must ensure the contribution of in-kind services and finances from industry partners, showcasing the collaborative spirit required for successful grant execution.

Ultimately, this program is not merely about funding but is designed to weave together the strengths of academia, industry, and government. This tapestry of collaboration is intended to sustain innovation momentum in AI, underpin economic resiliency, and fortify Québec's position as a global leader in technological advancement. Picking the right projects to fund means strategically selecting those with the foresight to address current technological voids while charting new paths in AI research and development. Thus, this grant represents a pivotal opportunity for enterprises to not only secure financial backing but also make significant strides in the competitive landscape of AI innovations.