archived
PIIA Program - Part 2 : SMEs
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Quebec, Canada
AI Innovation Funding Program for Quebec Businesses
Grant and Funding
Overview
The funding program supports innovation projects in artificial intelligence for Quebec-based companies, with a focus on development, commercialization, or adoption of AI technologies. The program provides a maximum funding of $1.5 million for projects involving a consortium of at least two companies and $350,000 for projects led by a single SME, covering activities that include the development of new or significantly improved products or processes.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Integrate new technologies
- Develop a new product
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 350,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Archived
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
- Information and cultural industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Other services (except public administration)
Location
- Quebec
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- $ 50,000,000 maximum revenue
Organisation size
- 249 employees maximum
Audience
- All groups
Activities funded
- Innovative technology projects in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector in Quebec.
- Research and development initiatives led by entrepreneurs or researchers aimed at advancing innovation.
- Projects fostering the implementation and development of artificial intelligence solutions.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 350,000
AI-based predictive maintenance system for manufacturing equipment
$ 350,000
AI-based agricultural monitoring system for crop health
$ 350,000
AI recommendation engine for personalized e-commerce experiences
$ 300,000
AI-enhanced customer service chatbot for telecommunications company
$ 350,000
AI-powered healthcare diagnostic tool for early disease detection
Eligibility
- The applicant must be an entrepreneur, researcher, or academic actor involved in innovation.
- The project must focus on innovation within the information and communications technology (ICT) sector in Quebec.
- The applicant must seek funding and personalized support for the realization of a technological innovation project.
Who is eligible?
- Entrepreneurs in innovation
- Researchers in innovation
- Companies in the Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) sector in Quebec
Who is not eligible
There are certain types of companies that are not eligible for this grant. The following companies are not eligible:
- Companies not legally incorporated under federal or Quebec law
- Companies not registered with the Registraire des entreprises du Québec
- Organizations not based in Quebec
- Companies with more than 249 employees in Quebec
Eligible expenses
The eligible projects for this grant focus on developing innovative products or processes in the field of artificial intelligence, enhancing existing technologies, and fostering collaborations for technological advancement and commercialization.
- Development of a new product or process in artificial intelligence.
- Significant improvement of an existing product or process in artificial intelligence.
- Collaboration projects involving research and development efforts.
- Projects that introduce a substantial technological or business advantage over existing market solutions.
Eligible geographic areas
- Quebec
Selection criteria
Selection criteria for the Program in Artificial Intelligence Innovation include the following:
- Relevance of the project to the development, marketing, or adoption of AI technologies.
- Demonstration of collaboration with other companies and leveraging expertise in AI.
- Potential contribution to positioning Quebec as a leader in artificial intelligence.
- Legal constitution and registration status of the applying company according to federal or Quebec laws.
- Innovation level and advantage over existing market solutions.
- Technical and/or business risk or uncertainty in the project.
- Evidence of research and development efforts.
- Commercial potential of the product or process.
How to apply
1
Contact a consultant
- Fill out the contact form so that PROMPT can connect you with the right resource.
- Ask questions or request any necessary clarifications about the program.
2
Preparation of the request
- Write a project proposal specifying the objectives, the innovation brought, and the commercial potential.
- Compile the required documents such as the budget, letters of introduction from partner companies in the case of large-scale projects.
3
Respect the terms and conditions
- Ensure that private contributions represent at least 25% of eligible expenses.
- Plan the project duration within the limits set by the program according to the chosen component.
4
Submission of the request
- Check all information and documents to ensure compliance with the program's requirements.
- Submit the application before the announced deadline, scheduled for spring 2024 subject to confirmation.
5
Confirmation
Receive a confirmation of receipt of your request via the appropriate transmission method indicated by PROMPT.
Additional information
- PROMPT provides both funding and personalized support for technology innovation projects.
- Programs are derived from provincial funding and may be combined with federal funding opportunities.
- A diverse range of events and networking opportunities are offered to members and applicants.
- Applicants may consult examples of previously funded projects to better understand program scope.
