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.

Eligibility criteria

Eligibility criteria for this grant are as follows:

Be a company legally incorporated under federal or Quebec law and registered with the Quebec Enterprise Registrar;
Have its head office in Québec and employees or subcontractors who work mainly in Québec;
Have 249 or fewer employees in Québec;
Have assets of less than $50 million.

Who is eligible

Companies eligible for this grant must be legally constituted under federal or Quebec laws and registered with the Registraire des entreprises du Québec. Projects must focus on developing a new product or process, improving an existing one, demonstrate technological or business risk, involve research and development efforts, and show commercial potential.

Legally constituted companies under federal or Quebec laws
Registered with the Registraire des entreprises du Québec
Focusing on new product/process development or improvement
Demonstrating technological or business risk
Involving research and development efforts
Showcasing commercial potential

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

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 business risk or uncertainty costs
Research and development efforts
Expenses required for projects with commercial potential

Eligible projects & activities

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 present 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.

Evaluation & 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

Step 1: Eligibility check

Check that your company meets the eligibility criteria established by the Artificial Intelligence Grant Program.

Step 2: Preparing your application

Gather all required documents, including information on the AI innovation project, company financial data, etc.

Step 3: Submitting your application

Submit your application in the manner specified by the grant program.

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.

Apply to this program

Grant Summary: Programme d'innovation en Intelligence Artificielle (PIIA)

The Programme d'innovation en Intelligence Artificielle (PIIA) is a funding initiative designed to support Quebec enterprises in developing, commercializing, or adopting cutting-edge AI technologies. This grant is available in two key streams: "Envergure" for collaborative projects involving multiple companies and "PME" for small and medium-sized enterprises undertaking individual or collaborative R&D projects.

In-Depth Explanation of the Programme d'innovation en Intelligence Artificielle (PIIA)

The Programme d'innovation en Intelligence Artificielle (PIIA) is an essential funding mechanism aimed at propelling Quebec enterprises into the forefront of innovation through the development, adoption, and commercialization of artificial intelligence technologies. With the objective of positioning Quebec as a global leader in AI, this program plays a pivotal role in fostering synergy between businesses, researchers, and industry experts. It enjoys broad participation from firms ranging from established conglomerates to innovative startups, thereby enhancing the overall competitive landscape.

The PIIA offers two main streams tailored to different types of projects and organizational structures: the "Envergure" stream and the "PME" stream. These streams have been meticulously designed to cater to specific needs, thus ensuring a comprehensive support system for AI-related innovations at varying scales and scopes.

Envergure Stream

The "Envergure" stream is specifically aimed at collaborative projects involving a minimum of two Quebec-based companies. These projects often entail substantial resource investments and have far-reaching implications. The strategic emphasis here is on fostering partnerships and leveraging collective expertise to achieve groundbreaking innovations.

Duration and Timeline: The maximum project duration is 18 months. Applications are expected to close in the spring of 2024, though this is subject to renewal confirmation.
Financial Assistance: The program offers a maximum financial assistance of CAD 1.5 million per project. The funding can cover up to 50% of the total eligible expenses, with collective governmental aid possibly reaching 75% of these expenses.
Eligibility Criteria: Eligible projects must focus on developing new products or processes or significantly improving existing ones. The projects should present a distinct advantage over current market solutions and demonstrate both technological and business risks. They must also show potential commercial viability if the product or process is intended for the market.
Collaborative Requirements: At least one small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) must be involved in the project grouping, ensuring that smaller innovators can contribute and benefit from the initiative.
Additional Details: An administrative fee constituting 5% of the total eligible expenses applies. The program also accommodates for non-subsidized expenses to be eligible for tax credits such as the Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) tax credit.

PME Stream

The "PME" stream is tailored for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) aiming to develop AI innovations internally or in collaboration with research centers. This stream supports projects that enhance the production of goods and services through AI-driven advancements.

Duration and Timeline: Projects under this stream can span up to two years. Application deadlines are anticipated for the spring of 2024, with program renewal awaiting confirmation.
Financial Assistance: A maximum funding of CAD 350,000 is available per project. For projects undertaken by SMEs alone, the financial assistance can cover up to 30% of eligible expenses and up to 50% if collaborating with a research center.
Eligibility Criteria: To qualify, SMEs must be legally incorporated under Quebec or federal laws and registered with the Quebec Business Registry. They should have their headquarters in Quebec, with a workforce primarily based in the province. Additionally, these enterprises should have less than 249 employees and assets worth under CAD 50 million.
Project Requirements: Similar to the Envergure stream, projects must deal with the creation or significant enhancement of products or processes, demonstrate a considerable degree of innovation and competitive advantage, and involve inherent technological or business risks. Projects should also exhibit potential market readiness if commercially oriented.
Additional Details: The program imposes a 5% administrative fee on eligible expenses. Non-subsidized expenses may qualify for tax credits under programs like SR&ED.

Strategic Benefits

The PIIA aims to provide multifaceted benefits, beyond mere financial aid, to participating companies:

Access to Expertise: By collaborating with top-tier researchers and industry experts, companies can leverage cutting-edge knowledge and methodologies in AI.
Enhanced Competitiveness: The focus on developing innovative solutions with significant advantages over existing market offerings bolsters the competitive edge of Quebec enterprises on both national and international stages.
Risk Mitigation: The program’s financial support helps mitigate the inherent risks associated with high-stakes R&D and innovation projects.
Networking Opportunities: Through the collaborative nature of the Envergure stream, companies can build strategic partnerships that may extend beyond the scope of the funded project.
Commercial Viability: Projects with clear commercial potential can take advantage of this structured support to expedite market entry and adoption.

Conclusion

The Programme d'innovation en Intelligence Artificielle (PIIA) serves as a cornerstone in Quebec's strategy to foster AI innovation, nurturing a vibrant ecosystem where enterprises can thrive through collaboration and innovation. Whether through large-scale collaborations in the Envergure stream or focused SME-driven projects in the PME stream, the PIIA provides a robust framework for driving technological advancements and securing Quebec’s position as a leader in the global AI landscape.

For more information and to apply, prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the program advisors who can provide tailored guidance and ensure the maximization of project success.

PIIA Program - Part 2 : SMEs

At a glance

Overview