PIIA Program - Part 2 : SMEs
QC, Canada
AI Innovation Funding Program for Quebec Businesses
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|grantStatusClosed
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)
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grant_card_status|closed
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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.
grant_single_labels|projects
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 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
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
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.
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.
