How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $500000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Who are the financial supporters of the PRIMA — PARTENAR-IA — Academic?

PRIMA — PARTENAR-IA — Academic is funded by Advanced Materials Research and Innovation Hub (PRIMA)

What are PRIMA — PARTENAR-IA — Academic's eligibility criterias?

Must be a for-profit company legally incorporated in Quebec. Must participate in a collaborative AI project with a Quebec public research center and at least one other company (including at least one Quebec SME or startup). Must contribute a minimum of 40% of eligible project expenses (with at least 20% as a cash contribution).

PRIMA — PARTENAR-IA — Academic

Last Update: May 10, 2025

Montreal, QC

Funding for Quebec R&D collaborations in AI for advanced materials

PRIMA — PARTENAR-IA — Academic at a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $500,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Timeline

Open Date : October 1, 2024
Closing date : October 31, 2024

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing

Grant Providers

Advanced Materials Research and Innovation Hub (PRIMA)

Status

Archived

Overview of the PRIMA — PARTENAR-IA — Academic program

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.

Financing 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.

Eligible projects & activities

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.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 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

Eligibility criteria of the PRIMA — PARTENAR-IA — Academic program

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.

Who is eligible?

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

Who is not eligible

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.

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.

Eligible geographic areas

Quebec

Eligibility criteria of the PRIMA — PARTENAR-IA — Academic program

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.

How to apply to the PRIMA — PARTENAR-IA — Academic program

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

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

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

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

Additional information

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.