The Artificial Intelligence innovation funding program (PIIA) QC Canada

The Artificial Intelligence innovation funding program (PIIA)

QC, Canada
The Programme d'Innovation en Intelligence Artificielle (PIIA) provides grants to Quebec companies for AI innovation projects.

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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
  • Manufacturing
  • 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)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed

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The Program d’innovation en Intelligence Artificielle (PIIA) is designed for all Quebec companies looking to undertake an innovation project for the development, commercialization, or adoption of AI technologies. The program offers financial support for projects that involve the development of new products, significant improvements to existing products, and projects that demonstrate technological and commercial potential in the AI sector. It aims to foster collaboration between companies and experts in the field, positioning Quebec as a leader in artificial intelligence. This component is aimed at SMEs with artificial intelligence projects for the production of goods and services, or for in-house research and development activities.

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This grant is available to companies with a presence in specific geographical areas within Quebec. Eligibility is focused on supporting regional innovation and collaboration in AI technologies.
  • Businesses legally registered and operating within Quebec.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$350,000

AI-powered healthcare diagnostic tool for early disease detection

$350,000

AI-based predictive maintenance system for manufacturing equipment

$350,000

AI recommendation engine for personalized e-commerce experiences

$350,000

AI-based agricultural monitoring system for crop health

$300,000

AI-enhanced customer service chatbot for telecommunications company

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and proposed activities.
  • The company must be legally constituted according to federal or Quebec laws and registered with the Quebec Enterprise Registrar.
  • The company must have its headquarters in Quebec and employ staff or subcontractors primarily in Quebec.
  • The company must have 249 employees or fewer in Quebec.
  • The company must have assets less than 50 million dollars.
  • The project must focus on the development of a new product or process, or involve a significant improvement of an existing product or process.
  • The project must offer a substantial level of innovation, meaning the product or process should present a decisive advantage over existing market solutions at a national or international level.
  • The project must entail technological and/or business risk or uncertainty for the company.
  • The project should have involved or will involve R&D efforts.
  • If the product or process is intended for sale, the project must demonstrate commercial potential.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

This grant is intended for Quebec-based companies engaged in AI innovation for the development, commercialization, or adoption of AI technologies.
  • Quebec-based companies aiming at AI innovation projects.
  • Collaborations involving at least two Quebec enterprises for large-scale projects.
  • Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) engaged in AI-driven R&D or production activities independently or with research centers.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

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

grant_eligibility_criteria|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.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

The grant covers expenses that are directly linked to the development and successful realization of AI projects.
  • Personnel costs related to project execution.
  • Costs of research and development activities.
  • Purchase of equipment and technology necessary for the project.
  • External expertise or consultation fees.
  • Training and skill development linked to project requirements.

grant_single_labels|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.

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
  • Step 1: Initial Consultation
    • Contact a program advisor to discuss your project and ensure it aligns with the program's objectives.
  • Step 2: Prepare Project Proposal
    • Compile a comprehensive project proposal detailing the innovation, objectives, and significance of the project.
    • Include a budget breakdown of anticipated costs and funding requirements.
    • Ensure the proposal outlines the innovation and potential commercial impact.
  • Step 3: Submit Application
    • Complete the application form provided by the funding organization.
    • Attach all required documents, including your project proposal, financial statements, and any letters of collaboration.
    • Submit the application via the designated submission portal before the deadline.
  • Step 4: Confirmation and Follow-Up
    • Receive a confirmation email acknowledging receipt of your application.
    • Follow up with the program contact if you do not receive confirmation within a few days.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Terms and conditions
  • Maximum assistance equivalent to $350,000 per project;
  • Maximum financial assistance is 30% of total eligible expenses for a project carried out by an SME alone, and 50% of total eligible expenses for a project carried out by an SME in collaboration with a research center;
  • Cumulative government spending may total up to 50% of total eligible expenses for a project carried out by an SME alone, and 75% for projects carried out by an SME in collaboration with a research center.
  • The maximum project duration is 2 years.
Please note :
  • Management fees apply to the total value of the project;
  • Unsubsidized expenses may be eligible for tax credits, including the Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) tax credit, according to the current criteria of these programs.

Apply to this program