PRIMA — PARTENAR-IA — Academic

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

• 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.

• Step 1: Consult RSRI GuidelinesIdentify the relevant Regroupement sectoriel de recherche industrielle (RSRI) for your sector.
• Review the specific project submission conditions and scientific committee criteria of the chosen RSRI.
• Step 2: Project PreparationDevelop a collaborative research project in artificial intelligence involving a Quebec public research center and at least two industry partners (minimum one being a Quebec SME or startup).
• Prepare detailed project documentation outlining innovation objectives, economic impact, commercialization potential, and partner roles.
• Compile a proposed budget detailing eligible expenses based on program criteria.
• Step 3: Application SubmissionThe Quebec public research establishment submits the complete application to the appropriate RSRI.
• Include all supporting documents as required by the RSRI guidelines.
• Apply before the published deadline for consideration.
• Step 4: Application Review & SelectionThe RSRI reviews applications based on innovation merit, project quality, alignment with strategic objectives, and economic/commercialization potential, alongside RSRI-specific scientific committee criteria.
• Step 5: Funding AgreementIf selected, coordinate with the RSRI to finalize and sign the research funding agreement.

• 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.