PARTENAR-IA — PRIMA — Industry
At a glance
- Max. $150,000
- 50% of project cost
- Open Date : August 21, 2023
- Closing date : October 15, 2023
- All industries
- PRIMA Advanced Materials Research and Innovation Hub
Overview
Eligibility criteria
To be eligible for this grant, companies must form consortia of at least two Quebec-based companies, including at least one SME, collaborating with a research center. The project must relate to artificial intelligence and advanced materials. The consortium must contribute a minimum of 25% of eligible expenses with at least 20% of project expenses from a service offer or hiring interns from a public research center. Each eligible partner company must hire at least one intern per year. The PRIMA contribution can cover up to 50% of eligible expenses, with a maximum of $350,000 per company and $1,500,000 per project. The maximum project duration is 24 months, and public funding cannot exceed 75% of the project budget.
Who is eligible
- Québec companies - SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises) - Start-ups
Eligible expenses
Eligible expenses for this grant include:
- Research and development projects related to artificial intelligence themes
- Related to advanced materials
Eligible projects & activities
- Research and development projects related to artificial intelligence and advanced materials - Collaborative projects involving consortia of Québec companies (especially SMEs) with research centers - Projects aimed at development and commercialization or adoption of AI technologies - Projects focused on improving business competitiveness through AI adoption - Initiatives supporting the integration of AI technologies in various sectors of the economy - Projects resulting in immediate economic benefits - Efforts to position Québec as a leader in AI development
Evaluation & selection criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The summary is as follows:
- Relevance of the project to the AI call and advanced materials
- Quality and feasibility of the project
- Contribution to business competitiveness and economic benefits
- Collaboration between companies and research communities
- Potential for innovation and development in AI
- Alignment with the objectives of the call for projects
How to apply
- Step 1:
- Carefully read the objectives of the call for artificial intelligence projects.
- Check whether your collaborative research project meets the eligibility criteria.
- Step 2:
- Consult the relevant guides available for more information on eligible projects.
- Contact an advisor before March 15, 2024 to obtain the application form.
- Step 3:
- Prepare and submit the project in accordance with Partenar-IA Entreprise program rules.
- Make sure you form a consortium of companies including at least one Quebec SME, and collaborate with a research center.
- Plan for the hiring of trainees and respect the required contribution percentages.
- Step 4:
- Submit the project before the deadline set by the RSRI at MEIE, April 15, 2024 at 4 p.m.
- Wait for the project to be evaluated before the grant can be awarded.
Additional information
Grant Summary:
This grant aims to improve business competitiveness through the adoption of AI, encourage collaborations between companies, research, and innovation communities, and support projects leading to immediate economic benefits. It targets consortia of Quebec companies, particularly SMEs, for collaborative research projects in AI with the goal of development and commercialization or adoption of AI technologies.
Detailed Explanation of the Grant:
The call for projects focuses on enhancing business competitiveness by leveraging AI technology, especially in sectors with limited AI utilization like the primary and secondary sectors. It aims to foster partnerships among companies of all sizes, including startups, and research entities to expedite the integration of AI technologies into business operations and society at large. The primary goal is to drive structural projects that promote widespread adoption of AI in various economic sectors and generate significant immediate economic advantages.
Eligible projects under this grant must align with the AI themes and relate to advanced materials. Consortium formations involving Quebec companies, primarily SMEs, with collaborative research initiatives in AI alongside other SMEs or startups, and research centers are encouraged. The projects should be geared towards innovation, development, and commercialization or the adoption of AI technologies. A minimum collective contribution of 25% of eligible expenses is required, and at least 20% of project expenses should originate from a service agreement with a public research center or hiring interns linked to such centers. Each partner company eligible for the project must commit to hiring at least one intern annually.
The PRIMA contribution for eligible project expenses can reach a maximum of 50%, capped at $350,000 per company and $1,500,000 per project. The maximum project duration is set at 24 months, with a restriction stating that a maximum of 75% of public funds can be utilized in the project. This initiative is designed to encourage the development and consolidation of innovation efforts within the AI realm, ultimately positioning Quebec as a pivotal player in AI advancement.
For those interested in submitting a project, it is crucial to adhere to the program rules delineated for both academic and company-based consortia. The submission process varies depending on the type of consortium, with the company coordinating the project for business-oriented initiatives. Moreover, the call for projects is currently open, and interested parties are encouraged to consult with advisors before the application deadline on April 15, 2024, at 4 p.m. For additional information or clarification on eligibility criteria, individuals can reach out to designated program advisors for consultation.
