PARTENAR-IA — PROMPT — Industry
QC, Canada
Funding for Quebec innovative collaborations in AI for ICT
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|fromMinToMax
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateAugust 13, 2023
- grant_single|closingDateApril 15, 2025
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Information and cultural industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
grant_single|grantors
- PROMPT
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
Get a non-refundable grant up to $350,000 per partner company to cover up to 50% of the expenses when you partner with at least one other business and a research centre on an artificial intelligence project.
grant_single_labels|projects
- Projects eligible for the PARTENAR-IA grant must involve collaborative research in artificial intelligence with a public research center and at least two Quebecois SMEs or startups. Each eligible partner company must hire at least one intern per year.
- The project must include a minimum of 20% of eligible expenses from a public research center's service offering or intern hiring related to such a center. The companies involved must demonstrate a concrete contribution to resolving technological uncertainty and tangible impacts at the project's conclusion.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$175,000
Montreal
AI-driven supply chain optimization involving two SMEs and Concordia University
$175,000
Sherbrooke
AI-based energy management in smart grids with Université de Sherbrooke and energy tech SMEs
$175,000
Guelph
AI-based agricultural management system with University of Guelph and two agri-tech startups
$175,000
Montreal
AI-enhanced healthcare diagnostics with McGill University and two tech startups
$175,000
Quebec City
Smart urban planning using AI technology in collaboration with Laval University and local SMEs
$175,000
Ottawa
AI-driven retail optimization with University of Ottawa and local e-commerce SMEs
grant_single_labels|admissibility
For the PARTENAR-IA grant, the eligibility criteria focus on legally constituted SMEs or startups based in Québec, collaborating with public research centers on AI projects.
- Be legally constituted according to federal or Quebec laws and registered with the Quebec Enterprise Register.
- Have their headquarters in Quebec and their employees or subcontractors must primarily work from Quebec.
- Have 249 employees or less.
- Not be owned 50% or more by other enterprises.
- Projects must involve a minimum of two Quebec SMEs or startups and a maximum of four companies.
- Each participating company must hire at least one intern per year.
- A minimum of 20% of the project’s eligible expenses must come from a public research center's service offer and/or the hiring of an intern related to such a center.
- Each participating company must demonstrate a tangible contribution to resolving technological uncertainty.
- Each participating company must demonstrate concrete benefits at the end of the project.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Eligible types of companies for this grant are:
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
- Startups
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Eligible expenses for this grant include:
- Collaborative research projects in artificial intelligence
- Hiring of interns associated with public research centers
- Contributions to resolving technological uncertainties
- Demonstrating concrete outcomes at the end of the project
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The eligible geographic zone for this grant is Quebec.
- Must be legally constituted according to federal or Quebec laws
- Registered with the Quebec Enterprise Registrar
- Headquartered in Quebec
- Employees or subcontractors must work primarily from Quebec
grant_single_labels|criteria
The grant program has specific evaluation and selection criteria for applicants:
- Companies must be legally constituted and registered in Quebec, have their headquarters in Quebec, and their employees or subcontractors must mainly work from Quebec.
- Projects must involve a minimum of two Quebec companies and a maximum of four companies, with the project aiming to hire at least one intern per year for each partner company, among other requirements.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Compose a consortium of a minimum of two Quebec-based SMEs or startups and a maximum of four companies.
- Step 2: Ensure the involvement of at least one public research center in the project by allocating a minimum of 20% of project expenses to its services and/or hiring interns associated with it.
- Step 3: Prepare a project proposal that addresses technological uncertainty and demonstrates concrete contributions and outcomes from each eligible partner company.
- Step 4: Contact a Prompt advisor to discuss the project and receive guidance on the application process.
- Step 5: Submit the project proposal along with required documentation through the designated application form provided by Prompt.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
- Projects funded by the PARTENAR-IA program include areas such as healthcare and social services in Montreal.
- One of the projects supported aims to contribute to the evolution of organizations through the valorization of data and artificial intelligence, in partnership with HEC Montréal.
- Eduplan Solutions was also supported to develop intelligent planning and management software using AI.
Apply to this program
Grant Summary
The PARTENAR-IA grant supports collaborative research projects in artificial intelligence involving Quebec-based businesses and public research centers. The program aims to promote innovation in AI, provide continuous support throughout the project, and position Quebec as a leader in artificial intelligence.
Explaining the PARTENAR-IA Grant
The PARTENAR-IA grant is designed to assist consortiums of Quebecois companies working on collaborative research projects in artificial intelligence. The funding supports partnerships between SMEs, startups, and research institutions to drive innovation in AI. Eligible businesses can receive up to $350,000 per partner, totaling a maximum of $1.5 million per project, including management fees.
By participating in the PARTENAR-IA program, companies can leverage the expertise of top AI professionals in Quebec, engage in collaborative research, and enhance their chances of project success. The grant aims to foster entrepreneurship and contribute to Quebec's prominence as a hub for artificial intelligence innovation.
To qualify for the grant, businesses must be legally registered in Quebec, have fewer than 250 employees, and not be majority-owned by other companies. Projects must involve a minimum of two Quebec-based SMEs or startups, with each partner expected to hire at least one intern annually. Additionally, a portion of project expenses must come from public research centers, and companies must demonstrate tangible technological advancements and outcomes.
The PARTENAR-IA grant offers a maximum financial aid of 50% of eligible expenses, with private contributions required to cover at least 25% of project costs. The project duration can extend up to two years, during which companies receive support to optimize project outcomes and contributions towards positioning Quebec as a leader in AI innovation.
Businesses interested in the PARTENAR-IA grant are encouraged to contact program advisors to discuss project details, eligibility criteria, and funding opportunities. The grant not only provides financial support for AI projects but also encourages collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the growth of Quebec's AI ecosystem.
