PRIMA — Call For Projects In Artificial Intelligence And Quantum Technologies

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the PRIMA — Call For Projects In Artificial Intelligence And Quantum Technologies?

You can contact Advanced Materials Research and Innovation Hub (PRIMA) by email at michel.lefevre@prima.ca.

Q: Where is the PRIMA — Call For Projects In Artificial Intelligence And Quantum Technologies available?

The PRIMA — Call For Projects In Artificial Intelligence And Quantum Technologies program is available the province of QC.

Q: Are startups eligible for the PRIMA — Call For Projects In Artificial Intelligence And Quantum Technologies program?

Yes, startups are eligible to apply for the PRIMA — Call For Projects In Artificial Intelligence And Quantum Technologies program.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

QC, Canada

Funding for AI and quantum technology innovation projects

At a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $1,500,000
Up to 35% of project cost

Timeline

Unspecified

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Manufacturing
Transportation and warehousing
Information and cultural industries
Health care and social assistance

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Open

Overview

The PRIMA Call for Projects supports collaborative innovation projects in artificial intelligence and quantum technologies, providing up to $1,500,000 in funding per project to enhance competitiveness and develop responsible AI solutions. Eligible activities include research and development, commercialization strategies, and partnerships with Québec companies and public research centers.

Financing terms and conditions

The maximum financial aid available per project is $1,500,000 for a duration of up to 24 months.
Financial aid covers up to 35% of eligible expenses, which can increase to 50% for certain conditions, such as expenses incurred by eligible public research centers making up at least 20% of eligible expenses, costs for access to quantum computing platforms, and expenses by startups.
The cumulative government aid for projects cannot exceed 75% of the eligible expenses.
A lower financial aid ceiling of $350,000 applies for projects involving demonstrations in real operating situations and technological showcases.
Up to 80% of the total granted financial aid can be received by one company within a consortium.
Companies must ensure private funding of at least 25% of eligible project expenses to complement the government aid.
Financial aid will be made in disbursements, with up to 50% provided as an advance upon signing the financial assistance agreement. Subsequent payments depend on the submission of expenditure reports and justifying documents.
A minimum of 15% of government contributions is withheld until project delivery is complete and verified through a final report and an audit report by an external firm.
The government reserves the right to halt funding if the project faces financial issues, significant delays, or if certain project activities cannot be realized.
Funding cannot be combined with other aid from the same Ministry, including programs funded by the Economic Development Fund (FDE).

Activities funded

Research and development projects in artificial intelligence and quantum technologies with a focus on advanced materials.
Development or significant improvement of an innovative solution using AI or quantum technologies from planning to pre-commercialization.
Projects demonstrating significant short-term economic impacts and improvements in organizational processes or products for sale.
Projects that involve the demonstration of technology in a real-world operational scenario or technological showcase.
Collaborative projects including at least two Quebec companies, with at least one being an SME or startup.
Projects carried out within the initiative of Confiance AI or those promoting ethical and responsible AI usage.
Enhancement of technology solutions in targeting key economic sectors through AI adoption.
Projects linked with a public research institution in Quebec, such as through partnerships with IVADO or similar entities.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 12,000

Implementing eco-friendly waste management solutions

Eligibility

The project must be submitted by a consortium of at least two Québec companies, including at least one SME or startup.
Projects must focus on themes of artificial intelligence and quantum technologies related to advanced materials.
Projects must be supported by an RSRI, in collaboration with IVADO for AI projects, or by the AI Confidence initiative.
Priority is given to multi-partner projects and those involving collaboration with eligible public research centers in Québec.

Who is eligible?

All Québec companies
Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs)
Startups
Consortiums involving at least two Québec companies, including at least one SME or startup
Public research centers in collaboration with eligible companies
Companies engaging in projects related to artificial intelligence and quantum technologies

Who is not eligible

Companies listed in the register of non-eligible businesses for public contracts (RENA), including subcontractors on this list.
Companies on the list of non-compliant businesses with the francization process, published by the Office québécois de la langue française.
Companies failing to meet previous obligations after being notified concerning financial aid from MEIE or Investissement Québec within the past two years.
State-owned enterprises or those controlled directly or indirectly by a government entity, municipal or otherwise.
Companies under the protection of the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act or the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act.
Holding companies.
Companies exhibiting unethical behaviors that could tarnish the image and integrity of the Quebec government.
Companies whose main business activities involve the production or distribution of weapons.
Companies involved in the fossil energy sector, except activities aiming for a low-carbon economy transition.
Businesses in gambling, violent games, animal sports, or similar activities.
Companies involved in sexual exploitation, such as erotic bars or escort agencies.
Businesses in tobacco or drug-related industries, except legal cannabis and industrial hemp.
Organizations primarily focusing on activities protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, such as religion or politics.

Eligible expenses

Professional fees for specialized services, including subcontracting services.
Direct labor costs of the project, including social benefits and mandatory contributions and project management fees.
Travel and accommodation costs, including those of potential clients visiting a demonstration in real operational settings or a technology showcase.
Direct costs of materials and inventory.
Direct equipment costs, calculated based on the project's duration, the equipment's useful life, and its usage within the project.
Equipment rental fees.
Acquisition of studies or other documentation.
Animal and platform fees.
Costs for preparing an intellectual property protection strategy, obtaining intellectual property protection, acquiring intellectual property rights or licenses, including patent agent fees.
Obtaining necessary approval or certification for commercialization.
Project setup costs from the incubator or accelerator accompanying the startup, up to 2% of the startup's eligible expenses, with a maximum of $25,000.
Exhibitions and shows to present the product or process and attract potential customers to the technology showcase.
Project setup and management fees by an RSRI, in collaboration with IVADO, up to 5% of the project’s eligible expenses, with a maximum of $100,000 per project.
The eligible non-financial expenses, such as in-kind contributions, are limited to 10% of the total eligible project costs.

Eligible geographic areas

Québec, Canada

Selection criteria

Level of innovation of the project: 15%
Scientific/technological quality of the project: includes problematics, objectives, quality of preliminary or researched data, methodological approach, industrial feasibility, alignment with the program's goals, responsible development in environmental, ethical, and economic terms: 15%
Project realization: includes project execution phases, justification of financial aid request, intellectual property management (protection and commercial valorization), respect for one or more sustainable development principles: 10%
Collaboration and expertise for project realization: utilization of AI researchers/experts, involvement of research and innovation organizations, partner and user community engagement level, partner pertinence and number, entrepreneur expertise, research and innovation history, project completion capacity: 20%
Anticipated impacts: impact on knowledge advancement, business positioning improvement, economic impacts, application sector repercussions, commercialization potential, contribution to fostering new talent and broader technology adoption by user companies, demonstration of significant, quantifiable and qualifiable impacts for businesses, economic sectors, and Quebec's research and innovation network: 40%

How to apply

Prepare the Documentation

Review the guidelines provided by PRIMA and the MEIE.
Download the necessary forms and guides available in French, such as the "MEIE Guide," the "Supplementary PRIMA Guide," and the "Letter of Intent."
Gather the required documents, including the "Funding Application Form," and ensure their compliance with the PRIMA and MEIE criteria.

Formulate the Project Proposal

Develop a comprehensive project plan that includes the objectives, collaboration details with at least two Quebec companies (including a SME or a startup), and potential partnerships with eligible public research centers.
Ensure that the project aligns with the themes of artificial intelligence and quantum technologies.
Describe the expected economic benefits and alignment with the objectives set by PRIMA and the MEIE.

Contact the Advisors

Contact the PRIMA advisors for advice and to ensure that your project proposal meets all necessary criteria and requirements.
If necessary, contact individuals such as Michel Lefèvre, Director of International Programs & Collaborations, for additional assistance.

Submit the Application

Make sure your complete application is compiled into a single PDF file.
Electronically send your completed application and associated documents to the provided email address: lydie.chauvire@prima.ca.
Ensure that your communication is consistent and follows the guidelines established by PRIMA.

Wait for the Submission Deadline

Note the submission deadlines: Applications to PRIMA must be submitted before April 8, 2025, with the RSRI submitting to the MEIE before April 15, 2025.
Contact PRIMA at least one month before the deadline to ensure that everything is in order.

Additional information

Grants are prioritized for projects involving multiple partners, especially those collaborating with eligible public research centers.
The involvement of IVADO and the AI Confidence initiative is necessary for AI projects.
Consortia must include at least one small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) or a startup for eligibility.
Membership in PRIMA Québec is required for all participating organizations.
A firm specializing in audits must produce a final financial report for the funded project.
Assistance from a Regroupement sectoriel de recherche industrielle (RSRI) is required for the project's submission.
Eligible expenses incurred outside Québec must receive prior written approval.
Advance payments up to 50% of the grant can be disbursed upon signing the funding agreement.
A minimum of 15% of government contributions is retained until project completion criteria are satisfied.
Contributions from private sector partners must cover at least 25% of eligible expenses.
A firm agreement outlines the roles, contributions, and responsibilities of all involved parties for a technological showcase project.
Projects must demonstrate tangible impacts and benefits for participating companies and sectors.
Financial aid will not be given to projects exceeding the combined aid cap of 75% from governmental sources.

Contacts

michel.lefevre@prima.ca

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the PRIMA — Call For Projects In Artificial Intelligence And Quantum Technologies Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the PRIMA — Call For Projects In Artificial Intelligence And Quantum Technologies. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.

What is the PRIMA — Call For Projects In Artificial Intelligence And Quantum Technologies?

How much funding can be received?

What is the deadline to apply?

Is the PRIMA — Call For Projects In Artificial Intelligence And Quantum Technologies a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Who are the financial supporters of the PRIMA — Call For Projects In Artificial Intelligence And Quantum Technologies?

Who is eligible for the PRIMA — Call For Projects In Artificial Intelligence And Quantum Technologies program?

To be eligible for the PRIMA — Call For Projects In Artificial Intelligence And Quantum Technologies program, you must: To be eligible, companies must be legally constituted according to federal or Quebec laws and registered with the Québec Enterprise Registrar. They must have their head office in Québec with employees or subcontractors primarily based in Québec. Companies should have an operational establishment in Québec for the production of goods and services or internal R&D activities.

Who can I contact for more information about the PRIMA — Call For Projects In Artificial Intelligence And Quantum Technologies?

Where is the PRIMA — Call For Projects In Artificial Intelligence And Quantum Technologies available?

Are startups eligible for the PRIMA — Call For Projects In Artificial Intelligence And Quantum Technologies program?

Financial assistance for the demonstration of new technologies in Quebec

Quebec, Canada