PIIA Program - Part 1: Scope
QC, Canada
The grant is entitled Programme d'Innovation en Intelligence Artificielle (Artificial Intelligence Innovation Program) and is aimed at funding artificial intelligence innovation projects for Quebec companies.
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
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- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Information and cultural industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Other services (except public administration)
grant_single|grantors
- PROMPT
- Ministère de l'économie, de l'innovation et de l'énergie du Québec (MEIE)
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grant_card_status|closed
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The Innovation in Artificial Intelligence Funding Program in Quebec supports companies looking to develop, commercialize, or adopt AI technologies. It offers financial assistance for collaborative projects with other Quebec-based firms, emphasizing innovation and technological advancements. Eligible activities include developing new products or processes with significant innovation and commercial potential. This component is aimed at business groups comprising a minimum of two Quebec companies.
grant_single_labels|projects
Eligible projects:
- the project must involve the development of a new product or process, or the significant improvement of an existing product or process;
- the project must involve the necessary level of innovation, i.e.: the product or process must offer a decisive advantage over existing solutions on the market in relation to the sector of activity at national or international level;
- the project must involve a technological and/or business risk or uncertainty for the company;
- the project must have required or will require research and development efforts;
- when the product or process is intended for sale, the project must demonstrate commercial potential.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$1,500,000
Montreal
Developing a new AI-powered cybersecurity platform for financial cooperatives.
$1,500,000
Toronto
Implementing an AI-driven recommendation system for an online retail platform.
$1,500,000
Boisbriand
Developing an AI-based predictive maintenance system for manufacturing equipment.
$1,500,000
Lévis
Creating an AI-enhanced agricultural monitoring system to optimize crop yield and reduce waste.
$1,500,000
Quebec City
Developing an AI-driven system for personalized learning in educational institutions.
$1,500,000
Sherbrooke
Upgrading an existing logistics management software with AI capabilities for optimal route planning.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility criteria for this grant:
- The company must be legally incorporated under federal or Quebec law, and registered with the Quebec Enterprise Registrar.
- The project must involve the development of a new product or process, or the significant improvement of an existing product or process.
- The project must involve a necessary level of innovation and present a decisive advantage over existing solutions on the market.
- The project must involve a technological and/or business risk or uncertainty for the company.
- The project must have required, or require, research and development efforts.
- The project must demonstrate commercial potential if the product or process is intended for sale.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Eligible types of companies for this grant include:
- Companies legally registered according to federal or Quebec laws and registered with the Quebec Business Registry.
- Projects that focus on developing new products, processes, or significant improvements to existing products or processes with a level of innovation that offers a market advantage nationally or internationally.
- Companies engaging in research and development efforts with technological and/or business risks or uncertainties.
- Companies demonstrating commercial potential for the products or processes developed through the project.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
The types of companies that are not eligible for this grant must be companies that do not meet the eligibility criteria established by the program. Certain companies may not be eligible, depending on their size, field of activity or legal structure.
- Companies not meeting eligibility criteria
- Companies that are too large
- Companies in specific sectors of activity
- Companies with a particular legal structure
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Eligible expenses for this grant include:
- Costs related to the development of a new product or process
- Expenses for significant improvement of an existing product or process
- Technological and/or business risks or uncertainties associated with the project
- Research and development efforts
- Commercial potential demonstration for the product or process
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection criteria for this grant are as follows:
- Be a company legally incorporated under federal or Quebec law and registered with the Quebec Enterprise Registrar.
- Present an AI innovation project focused on the development, commercialization or adoption of AI technologies.
- Have a project involving a significant level of innovation, technological and/or business risk or uncertainty for the company.
- Demonstrate commercial potential for the product or process developed.
grant_single_labels|register
Step 1: Check your eligibility and the specific requirements of the grant program. Make sure your project aligns with the objectives and criteria outlined in the grant guidelines.
Step 2: Prepare a detailed project proposal including a description of the project, its goals, budget, timeline, and expected outcomes. Clearly articulate how your project contributes to the advancement of artificial intelligence innovation.
Step 3: Complete the application form provided by the funding agency. Include all required documentation and information such as your company details, project plan, financial projections, and collaboration partners.
Step 4: Submit your completed application before the specified deadline. Ensure all sections are accurate, thorough, and align with the grant program's objectives to maximize your chances of success.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Terms and conditions
- Maximum assistance equivalent to $1.5M per project;
- Maximum financial assistance is 50% of total eligible project expenses;
- Cumulative government spending may total up to 75% of eligible project expenses;
- Private contributions must represent at least 25% of eligible expenses;
- The maximum project duration is 18 months.
Apply to this program
Innovation in Artificial Intelligence Grant - Envergure and PME
This grant supports Quebec-based companies in AI innovation for development, commercialization, or adoption of technologies. It provides up to $1.5 million for collaborative projects and up to $350,000 for individual SME projects.
Detailed Explanation of the Innovation in Artificial Intelligence Grant
The Innovation in Artificial Intelligence (AI) Grant, spearheaded by Quebec, aims to bolster businesses across the province in advancing AI technologies. This grant is segmented into two primary sections: "Envergure" for collaborative efforts between multiple companies and "PME" for individual small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The objectives are to drive innovation, enhance competitiveness, and position Quebec as a leader in AI on the global stage.
Envergure
The Envergure section of the AI Innovation Grant is designed for groups of companies that come together to forge groundbreaking advancements in AI. It encourages collaboration and pooling of resources, particularly between at least two Quebec-based companies, inclusive of at least one SME.
Key Information
- Duration: The maximum duration for the Envergure projects is 18 months.
- Status: Renewal of the program is pending confirmation.
- Target Group: The grant targets collaborative groups of companies, requiring a minimum of two businesses with at least one being an SME.
- Submission Deadline: The anticipated deadline is in spring 2024, which will be confirmed.
- Management Fees: 5% of the total admissible expenses of the project.
- Financial Support: The grant provides a maximum of $1.5 million per project.
Objectives and Promises
- Facilitate significant AI advancements through collaborative efforts among Quebec companies.
- Leverage expertise from Quebec’s top AI professionals, benefiting from collaborative research.
- Strengthen Quebec's positioning as a global leader in AI innovation.
Eligibility
- The company must be legally established under federal or Quebec laws and registered with the Quebec Enterprise Register.
- The project should focus on a new product or process, or significantly improve an existing product or process.
- Projects must demonstrate a notable innovation advantage over current market solutions on a national or international level.
- The project should bear technological or business risk or uncertainty.
- Efforts in research and development must be evident in the project.
- If the project involves a product or process intended for sale, it should exhibit commercial potential.
Modalities
- Maximum financial assistance of $1.5 million per project.
- Financial aid can cover up to 50% of the total admissible project expenses.
- Government contributions can sum up to 75% of the admissible project expenses.
- Private contributions should cover at least 25% of the admissible expenses.
- The project should be completed within a maximum of 18 months.
- Management fees apply, calculated as a percentage of the total project value.
- Non-subsidized expenses may qualify for tax credits, such as the Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) tax credit, under standard program criteria.
PME
The PME section caters specifically to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Quebec with AI innovation projects. This grant supports projects aimed at developing or significantly enhancing products or processes, as well as conducting internal research and development activities.
Key Information
- Duration: The maximum duration for PME projects is 2 years.
- Status: Renewal of the program is pending confirmation.
- Target Group: The grant is aimed at individual SMEs or SMEs in collaboration with research centers.
- Submission Deadline: The anticipated deadline is in spring 2024, which will be confirmed.
- Management Fees: 5% of the total admissible expenses of the project.
- Financial Support: The grant provides a maximum of $350,000 per project.
Objectives and Promises
- Promote significant AI advancements through the innovation projects of Quebec SMEs.
- Facilitate collaboration with leading AI experts and benefit from joint research efforts.
- Enhance Quebec's standing as a pioneering region in AI innovation.
Eligibility
- The company must be legally established under federal or Quebec laws and registered with the Quebec Enterprise Register.
- The company should have its headquarters in Quebec and employees or subcontractors primarily working in Quebec.
- The SME must have 249 or fewer employees in Quebec.
- The company should have assets worth less than $50 million.
- The project should focus on a new product or process, or significantly improve an existing product or process.
- Projects must show a clear innovation advantage over current market solutions on a national or international level.
- The project should bear technological or business risk or uncertainty.
- Efforts in research and development must be evident in the project.
- If the project involves a product or process intended for sale, it should exhibit commercial potential.
Modalities
- Maximum financial assistance of $350,000 per project.
- Financial aid can cover up to 30% of the total admissible project expenses for a project conducted by a solo SME and up to 50% for projects conducted in collaboration with a research center.
- Government contributions can sum up to 50% of the total admissible project expenses for solo SME projects and up to 75% for collaborative projects with research centers.
- The project must be completed within a maximum of 2 years.
- Management fees apply, calculated as a percentage of the total project value.
- Non-subsidized expenses may qualify for tax credits, such as the Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) tax credit, under standard program criteria.
Overall, the Innovation in Artificial Intelligence Grant aims to drive forward cutting-edge AI projects, ensuring Quebec remains at the forefront of technological advancements and innovation. Interested companies are encouraged to contact a program advisor as early as possible to begin preparing their project submissions and increase their chances of securing funding.
