PRIMA — Call For Projects In Artificial Intelligence And Quantum Technologies

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

• 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.