How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $350000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Who are the financial supporters of the PIIA Program - Part 2 : SMEs?

PIIA Program - Part 2 : SMEs is funded by Ministère de l'économie, de l'innovation et de l'énergie du Québec (MEIE), PROMPT

What are PIIA Program - Part 2 : SMEs's eligibility criterias?

Applicant must be a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME). Project must involve innovation in artificial intelligence. Company should be registered and operate primarily in Quebec.

PIIA Program - Part 2 : SMEs

Last Update: January 24, 2025

QC, Canada

AI Innovation Funding Program for Quebec Businesses

PIIA Program - Part 2 : SMEs at a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $350,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Timeline

Receipt of requests is now closed

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Information and cultural industries
Professional, scientific and technical services
Other services (except public administration)

Grant Providers

Ministère de l'économie, de l'innovation et de l'énergie du Québec (MEIE)
PROMPT

Status

Closed

Overview of the PIIA Program - Part 2 : SMEs program

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.

Eligible projects & activities

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 350,000

AI-based agricultural monitoring system for crop health

$ 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

$ 300,000

AI-enhanced customer service chatbot for telecommunications company

Eligibility criteria of the PIIA Program - Part 2 : SMEs program

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.

Who is eligible?

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.

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

This grant is designed to support innovation within the Information and Communications Technology sector in the province of Quebec. The funding aims to enhance technological advancements and economic growth in this specific region.

Businesses must be based in the province of Quebec, Canada.

Eligibility criteria of the PIIA Program - Part 2 : SMEs program

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 to the PIIA Program - Part 2 : SMEs program

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.

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.

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.

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.

Confirmation

Receive a confirmation of receipt of your request via the appropriate transmission method indicated by PROMPT.

Additional information

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.