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PROMPT — Artificial intelligence

Collaborative AI research for Quebec business consortia

Source change captured

Funding available
$ 1,500,000
Up to 50% of project cost
Deadline
Unspecified
Location
Quebec, Canada
Who can apply
Quebec SMEs
See full eligibility

Overview

PARTENAR-IA supports Quebec business consortia conducting collaborative artificial intelligence research projects among Quebec companies to develop and commercialize AI technologies. It focuses on collaborative work to build AI solutions and advance their commercialization with participating companies.

At a glance

Funding available

Maximum funding
$1,500,000
Maximum share of project costs
50%
Financing goals
  • Increase performance through digital transformation
  • Develop strategic partnerships
  • Develop a new product or service
  • Conduct research and development activities
  • Optimize production processes
  • Obtain certifications or accreditations
  • Reduce environmental footprint
  • Start a business
  • Conduct research or evaluation activities

Eligible candidates

Location
  • Quebec
Eligible Industries
All industries
Annual revenue
All revenue ranges
Organisation size
250 employees maximum
Audience
  • Startups
Legal structures
For-profit business

Receipt of requests is now closed

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Availability timeline

2026
Periods: 2

Latest changes

Artificial Intelligence program content replaced

The Artificial Intelligence source page now shows only high-level program navigation and advisor contact links instead of the detailed eligibility, funding, and application information previously visible.

See more

The Artificial Intelligence source page no longer shows the detailed program content that was previously visible, including the overview, key information, eligibility, funding terms, and application guidance. It now mainly displays navigation content, a brief presentation, and advisor contact links for the AI collaboration program. The visible program description still refers to Quebec-based business consortia working on collaborative AI research projects, but the former details on duration, deadline, maximum support, eligible expenses, and applicant rules are no longer present on the page.

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Quebec SMEs
  • Quebec startups
  • Groups of Quebec companies collaborating on AI projects
  • Large enterprises with an operational establishment in Quebec

Who is not eligible

  • Companies listed in the Register of enterprises ineligible for public contracts
  • State-owned companies or companies controlled by a government or municipal entity
  • Companies under bankruptcy or insolvency protection
  • Holding companies
  • Companies whose main business activity is weapons, fossil fuels, gambling, violent games, sexual exploitation, tobacco or drugs, or protected political or religious activities

Eligible expenses

  • Professional fees for specialized services, including subcontracting
  • Direct labour costs linked to the project, including benefits and project management fees
  • Travel and lodging expenses related to the project
  • Direct material, inventory, and equipment costs
  • IP protection, certification, commercialization, and technology showcase costs

Ineligible Costs and Activities

  • Expenses incurred before a complete and receivable application is submitted
  • Debt service, loan repayment, capital loss, and capital replacement costs
  • Routine operating expenses, recurring software subscriptions, and software updates
  • Property maintenance, land, building acquisition, and building expansion costs
  • Sales taxes and expenses paid to related companies or partners

Eligible geographic areas

  • Quebec

Activities funded

  • Collaborative artificial intelligence research projects
  • Projects to develop AI technologies
  • Projects to commercialize AI technologies

How to apply

  • Step 1: Read the guide and prepare the application
    • Review the program guide in full.
    • Complete the letter of intent and the funding application form.
  • Step 2: Gather required documents
    • Prepare the documents required for the submission.
    • Have the application and supporting materials ready in French.
  • Step 3: Submit the letter of intent
    • Send the letter of intent to the accompanying organization before the deadline.
  • Step 4: Submit the application
    • Submit the electronic application to the appropriate body depending on the project type.
  • Step 5: Await acknowledgment and review
    • The Ministry sends an electronic acknowledgment after submission.
    • Applications are then reviewed by the evaluation committee.

Documents Needed

  • Letter of intent
  • Signed funding application form
  • Signed project submission letter for each company
  • Financial statements and cash flow forecasts
  • Signed partner commitment letters and service offers

Selection criteria

  • Quality of the application, including clarity and completeness
  • Scientific and technological quality of the project
  • Innovation level and collaborative strength of the project
  • Economic and strategic benefits for Quebec
  • Business capacity to successfully carry out the project

Processing and Agreement

  • The Ministry first reviews applications for administrative admissibility.
  • Eligible applications are then assessed for scientific, technological, and economic merit.
  • Projects are also subject to eliminatory criteria and a national security risk review.
  • Shortlisted projects are ranked and selected based on the available budget.
  • Approved projects require a funding agreement signed by the parties.

Additional information

  • The grant program is currently on pause; new application deadlines will be announced at a later date.
  • A 5% management fee is applied to eligible project expenditures.
  • Unsubsidized project expenses may qualify for tax credits such as the Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) tax credit, subject to standard program criteria.
  • Applicants may benefit from guidance and support throughout the preparation and final submission of their funding application.

Contacts

Official sources

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Frequently Asked Questions about the PROMPT — Artificial intelligence Program

What is the PROMPT — Artificial intelligence?

PARTENAR-IA supports Quebec business consortia conducting collaborative artificial intelligence research projects among Quebec companies to develop and commercialize AI technologies. It focuses on collaborative work to build AI solutions and advance their commercialization with participating companies.

How much funding can be received?

PROMPT — Artificial intelligence Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $1,500,000 per project.

Who is eligible for the PROMPT — Artificial intelligence program?

To be eligible for the PROMPT — Artificial intelligence program, you must: Legally incorporated and registered in Quebec Head office in Quebec Collaborative project with at least two Quebec companies

What expenses are eligible under PROMPT — Artificial intelligence?

Professional fees for specialized services, including subcontracting Direct labour costs linked to the project, including benefits and project management fees Travel and lodging expenses related to the project Direct material, inventory, and equipment costs IP protection, certification, commercialization, and technology showcase costs

Who can I contact for more information about the PROMPT — Artificial intelligence?

You can contact PROMPT by email at equipe.ia@economie.gouv.qc.ca.

Where is the PROMPT — Artificial intelligence available?

The PROMPT — Artificial intelligence program is available the province of Quebec.

Is the PROMPT — Artificial intelligence a grant, loan, or tax credit?

PROMPT — Artificial intelligence is a Grant and Funding