PARTENAR-IA — PRIMA — Academic
Montreal, QC, Canada
Funding for Quebec R&D collaborations in AI for advanced materials
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- grant_single|openingDateOctober 01, 2024
- grant_single|closingDateOctober 31, 2024
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Grant and Funding
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- Manufacturing
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- Advanced Materials Research and Innovation Hub (PRIMA)
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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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Activities eligible for this grant are research and development projects in artificial intelligence related to advanced materials.
- Collaborative research projects in artificial intelligence
- Innovation projects for the development and commercialization of AI technologies
- AI technology adoption projects in companies
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$350,000
Hamilton
Developing AI-driven materials with McMaster University for sustainable packaging
$350,000
Vancouver
Development of AI tools for real-time monitoring of agricultural soil quality
$350,000
Montreal
Development of AI-based predictive maintenance for industrial equipment
$350,000
Calgary
AI integration for automated quality control in manufacturing operations
$300,000
Toronto
AI-enhanced material design research for sustainable construction
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Eligibility criteria for this grant:
- Consortia of companies (minimum 2), including at least one Quebec SME with the collaboration of a research center
- Minimum group contribution of 25% of eligible expenses
- A minimum of 20% of eligible project expenses must come from a service offer from a public research center and/or the hiring of an intern linked to such a centre
- For each eligible partner company, the project must provide for the hiring of a minimum of one intern per year
- PRIMA contribution: max. 50% of eligible expenses, max. $350,000 per company and max $1,500,000 per project
- Maximum project duration: 24 months (2 years)
- Maximum of 75% of public money in the project
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Eligible types of companies for this grant are:
- Quebec companies, preferably SMEs
- Consortia of companies with at least one Quebec SME
- Start-ups collaborating with a research center
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Eligible expenses for this grant include:
- Collaborative research projects in artificial intelligence with other SMEs
- Development and commercialization of AI technologies
- Hiring of an intern linked to a research center
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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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- Step 1: Contact an advisor before March 15, 2024
- Step 2: Obtain the application form
- Step 3: Submit the full application by April 15, 2024
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- Applicants should ensure that their research and development project aligns with the themes of the artificial intelligence call and is related to advanced materials.
- Prior to submission, applicants must review both the "Guide Partenar-IA Entreprise du MEIE" and the "Guide PRIMA complémentaire au Guide du MEIE" for detailed information.
- The deadline for full application submission by the RSRI to the MEIE is April 15, 2024, at 4 p.m. - For any inquiries regarding eligibility criteria or innovation project discussions, applicants can contact Michel Lefèvre, Director of Programs & International Collaborations, at 514-284-0211 ext. 227.
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michel.lefevre@prima.ca
514
Apply to this program
AI Innovation Grant in Quebec: A Catalyst for Economic Growth
Introduction to the AI Innovation Grant
The Quebec government, through its Ministère de l’Économie et de l’Innovation (MEI), has initiated a comprehensive grant program aimed at fostering artificial intelligence (AI) projects that enhance business competitiveness and reinforce Quebec's status as a leader in AI development. This grant is specifically tailored to support collaborative R&D projects involving Quebec's SMEs, startups, and public research centers.
Objectives of the AI Innovation Grant
The primary objectives of the AI Innovation Grant are multifaceted:
- Improve business competitiveness by integrating AI technologies in sectors with low AI adoption, such as the primary and secondary sectors of the economy.
- Encourage collaboration between companies of all sizes, including startups, and the research and innovation communities to accelerate AI integration.
- Support large-scale projects that promote the widespread adoption of AI in various economic sectors.
- Facilitate projects that yield significant and immediate economic benefits.
- Promote the development and consolidation of innovation efforts in the AI domain.
- Position Quebec as a leading figure in AI development and innovation.
Eligibility Criteria for the AI Innovation Grant
To qualify for the AI Innovation Grant, projects must adhere to specific eligibility criteria:
- The project must be a collaborative R&D initiative involving public research centers and at least one Quebec-based SME or startup.
- The research project should focus on themes related to artificial intelligence and advanced materials.
- Submissions must be made through one of Quebec's nine Industrial Research Sectoral Groups (RSRI).
Eligible public research centers include universities, College Centers for the Transfer of Technologies (CCTTs), and establishments within Quebec's health and social services network (RSSS).
Funding Details
The AI Innovation Grant offers substantial financial support to eligible projects:
- Maximum grant amount: $500,000 per project.
- Financial assistance covers up to 40% of allowable project expenses.
- Industry partners (SMEs or startups) must contribute at least 40% of the allowable expenses, with a minimum of 20% in cash contributions.
- Total government assistance, including complementary funding sources, cannot exceed 80% of the allowable project expenses.
Allowable expenses include wages, travel costs, materials and supplies, equipment purchase or rental (up to 25% of allowable expenses), intellectual property user costs, fees, communication costs, subcontracting agreements, and project management costs by a non-profit organization.
Key Program Rules and Conditions
The AI Innovation Grant program has laid down specific rules and conditions to ensure the proper utilization of funds and successful project execution:
- Projects must involve a consortium of companies, with at least one Quebec SME collaborating with a public research center.
- At least 20% of eligible project expenses must be related to services offered by a public research center or the hiring of interns linked to such centers.
- The PRIMA contribution covers up to 50% of eligible expenses, with a maximum of $1,500,000 per project.
- Each eligible partner company must hire a minimum of one intern per year.
- Projects should be completed within a maximum duration of 24 months.
- Indirect Research Costs (IRC) capped at 27% collected by universities and CCTTs will be recognized as an eligible expense.
Non-allowable expenses include regular operating costs, capital and depreciation costs, debt servicing, and costs related to the maintenance of intellectual property, among others.
Application Process
The application process for the AI Innovation Grant involves several critical steps:
- Contact an advisor before the specified deadline to get the application form.
- Ensure the project aligns with the themes of the AI call and advanced materials.
- Submit the project through one of the designated RSRIs before the full application deadline.
Deadlines and Timetables
Key deadlines to keep in mind for the AI Innovation Grant:
- Contact an advisor before March 15, 2024, if you intend to submit a project.
- Full application deadline by the RSRI to the MEIE: April 15, 2024, at 4 p.m.
- The next call deadline: October 2024.
Conclusion
The AI Innovation Grant by Quebec’s Ministère de l’Économie et de l’Innovation represents a significant opportunity for SMEs, startups, and research institutions to collaborate on groundbreaking AI projects. By providing substantial financial support and encouraging large-scale adoption of AI technologies, this grant aims to enhance business competitiveness, foster economic growth, and consolidate Quebec's leadership in AI innovation. The structured and detailed application process ensures that only the most promising and impactful projects receive funding, ultimately contributing to Quebec’s economic and technological advancement. For more information or to discuss your eligibility, you can contact Michel Lefèvre, Director of Programs & International Collaborations.