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.
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grant_single|eligibleFinancing
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- grant_single|projectCostPercent
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- grant_single|grantStatusClosed
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
This grant is available for companies legally constituted under the federal or Quebec laws, with their head office in Quebec. Eligible locations ensure that projects contribute to the technological and economic development of the region.
- Companies registered with the Registraire des entreprises du Québec.
- Entities with their head office located within the province of Quebec.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$1,500,000
Developing an AI-based predictive maintenance system for manufacturing equipment
$1,500,000
Upgrading an existing logistics management software with AI capabilities for optimal route planning
$1,500,000
Developing a new AI-powered cybersecurity platform for financial cooperatives
$1,500,000
Developing an AI-driven system for personalized learning in educational institutions
$1,500,000
Implementing an AI-driven recommendation system for an online retail platform
$1,500,000
Creating an AI-enhanced agricultural monitoring system to optimize crop yield and reduce waste
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's business status, location, and project specifications.
- For the "Envergure" category, the applicant must be a legally constituted company under Canadian or Quebec laws, registered with the Registraire des entreprises du Québec, and part of a consortium including at least two Quebec-based companies, one of which must be an SME.
- For the "PME" category, the applicant must be a legally constituted SME under Canadian or Quebec laws, registered with the Registraire des entreprises du Québec, have its headquarters in Quebec, employ or subcontract primarily in Quebec, have 249 employees or fewer in Quebec, and have assets under 50 million dollars.
- The project must involve the development of a new product or process, or significantly improve an existing product or process.
- The project must demonstrate a necessary level of innovation, showing a clear advantage over existing market solutions nationally or internationally.
- The project should entail technological and/or business risk and uncertainty for the company.
- The project must involve or have involved research and development efforts.
- For products or processes intended for sale, the project must show commercial potential.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
This program is aimed at Quebec-based businesses interested in pursuing innovation projects for the development, commercialization, or adoption of AI technologies. There are two streams: for consortiums of at least two businesses, and for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
- Stream for consortiums ("Envergure") targets groups of at least two Quebec businesses, including at least one SME.
- Stream for SMEs targets individual SMEs engaging in AI projects for product development or R&D activities, either alone or in collaboration with a research center.
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
The grant program offers financial support for projects focusing on the development and commercialization of artificial intelligence technologies. Eligible initiatives are aimed at innovation in product and process development, with a strong emphasis on collaborative efforts and significant technological advancement.
- Development of a new product or process in AI.
- Significant improvement of an existing product or process using AI technologies.
- Projects that present a technological and/or business risk or uncertainty.
- Research and development efforts necessary for the innovation.
- Projects demonstrating commercial potential when the product or process is intended for sale.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the implementation and success of the artificial intelligence innovation project.
- Costs associated with the development or significant improvement of products or processes.
- Research and development efforts required for project execution.
- Consulting fees for business or technological advice essential to the project.
- Management fees equivalent to 5% of the total eligible expenses.
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
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Contact a Consultant
- Fill out a contact form to reach a consultant from the PROMPT team.
- Provide details about your project to receive personalized advice.
- Step 2: Gather Required Information
- Ensure your organization meets the eligibility criteria.
- Collect necessary documents such as proof of legal registration, financial statements, and a detailed project proposal.
- Step 3: Draft Application
- Prepare a comprehensive project proposal outlining the innovation, objectives, and potential impacts.
- Include a budget breakdown and funding requirements.
- Step 4: Review Proposal
- Verify all details for accuracy and completeness.
- Seek feedback from peers or advisors to refine your proposal.
- Step 5: Submit Application
- Submit your application through the designated submission portal or via email, as per instructions from the consultant.
- Ensure submission is done before the deadline.
- Include all supporting documents.
- Step 6: Confirmation of Submission
- Receive confirmation of receipt of your application.
- Keep the confirmation for future reference.
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
Exploring the Grant for Artificial Intelligence Innovation
The Artificial Intelligence Innovation Grant offers comprehensive financial backing to both large-scale collaborative endeavors and small to medium enterprises (SMEs) embarking on AI projects. This funding initiative is dedicated to supporting novel AI product development and significant process improvements while solidifying Québec's status as a global leader in AI.
Detailed Insights into the Artificial Intelligence Innovation Grant
This prestigious grant aims to propel the advancement of artificial intelligence technologies by providing critical support to projects that promise innovation and market readiness. Tailored to meet the varied needs of businesses, the grant encompasses two primary streams: the "Envergure" stream, which is particularly suited for consortiums of at least two Québec-based businesses, including a minimum of one SME, and the "PME" stream, which targets individual SMEs and their projects.
The "Envergure" stream empowers multi-company collaborations to pool their expertise and resources, thereby facilitating the development of groundbreaking AI solutions. This stream caters to initiatives that culminate in the creation or enhancement of products and methods with notable technological and business risks. Qualified projects stand to gain up to CAD 1.5 million, covering up to 50% of eligible expenses, with private investments complementing government aid to ensure a total support of up to 75% of expenses.
Meanwhile, the "PME" stream underscores the importance of independent innovation from smaller enterprises, offering up to CAD 350,000 in funding, which may cover 30% to 50% of eligible expenses, contingent on the involvement of research centers. This option is designed to empower SMEs with substantial R&D efforts or commercial ambitions, ensuring these enterprising ventures are well-equipped to meet market challenges.
With both streams, there is an indelible emphasis on fostering collaboration and accessing Québec's AI expertise, thereby amplifying the potential for international market competition. Moreover, project durations vary across streams, with 18 months for the "Envergure" stream, whereas the "PME" stream extends up to two years, offering considerable development periods to refine AI innovations.
The financial framework is structured to maximize innovation impacts while mandating a 5% management fee on total eligible expenses. The potential for further financial benefits through tax credits, such as those for scientific research and experimental development (SR&ED), also exists to enhance financial viability for applicants.
Applicants are urged to begin preparing their submissions promptly, as the sequence of project cycles aligns strategically with upcoming application deadlines set for Spring 2024, although precise renewal details remain to be finalized. By engaging with knowledgeable program advisors, applicants can gain insights necessary to elevate their proposals and navigate regulatory requirements effectively.
The Artificial Intelligence Innovation Grant thus emerges as a transformative opportunity for Québec enterprises, both large and small, to innovate aggressively, leverage cutting-edge research, and heighten their competitive edge in the global AI landscape. It invites a synergy of corporate prowess and academic excellence, nurturing projects with the potential to redefine industry standards and contribute to sustainable growth.
