Program Overview
It aims to support AI innovation within Quebec businesses through the development, commercialization, or adoption of artificial intelligence technologies.
Key Information
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Maximum duration
2 years
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Program status
Open
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Target applicants
Groups of companies with collaborative AI research projects involving at least two Quebec-based businesses, including at least one SME or startup.
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Submission deadline
October 30th. Letter of intent and related documents must be submitted by October 9 at 5 p.m. in order to apply.
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Administration fees
5% of eligible expenses
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Maximum financial support
Up to $1.5M per project (including administration fees)
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Fund management
By the company
Program Objectives
- Access non-dilutive funding for your AI innovation projects in collaboration with other businesses;
- Benefit from ongoing guidance up to final submission to maximize your chances of success;
- Enhance your company’s competitiveness through the adoption of AI-driven solutions.
Eligibility
Main Eligibility Criteria for SMEs and Startups *
- Must be legally incorporated under current federal or Quebec laws and registered with the Registraire des entreprises du Québec;
- Must have their head office in Quebec, and employees or subcontractors must work primarily from Quebec;
- Must have 249 employees or fewer (SMEs);
- Must not be 50% or more owned by other companies;
- Must own or have the rights to use the intellectual property related to their product, process, or service;
- Must have assets under $50 million.
Main Eligibility Criteria for Partner Companies (not qualifying as a startup or SME) *
- Must be legally incorporated under current federal or Quebec laws and registered with the Registraire des entreprises du Québec;
- Must have their head office in Quebec, and employees or subcontractors must work primarily from Quebec;
- Must operate an active facility in Quebec dedicated to the production of goods and services or internal research and development activities.
Main Eligibility Criteria for Quantum Technology Innovation Projects *
- Projects must be carried out by a group of at least two Quebec-based companies, including at least one SME or a high-growth innovative startup;
- To qualify as collaborative, each company must demonstrate a shared commitment to project costs, benefits, and intellectual property, with or without the involvement of one or more eligible Quebec research centres;
- Each company must contribute its expertise and a portion of its financial or human resources toward the execution of the research project;
- No company within the group may be paid by the others as part of the project—otherwise, it will be considered a subcontractor or service provider.
Funding Terms
The Ministry’s contribution may not exceed $1,500,000 per project for a maximum duration of 24 months. The maximum financial assistance rate may not exceed 35% of the eligible expenses of the project incurred by an SME or a large enterprise and 50% of the eligible expenses incurred by a startup.
In addition, the rate will be increased to 50%, regardless of the size of the company incurring the following expenses required for the completion of the project:
- Expenses incurred by an eligible public research centre if they represent at least 20% of the project’s eligible expenses;
- Expenses related to access to quantum computing platforms via PINQ2, Calcul Québec, and DistriQ.
Please also note that:
- Administration fees apply based on the total project value;
- Non-subsidized expenses may be eligible for tax credits, including the Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) tax credit, according to the standard eligibility criteria of these programs.
- Only funding applications submitted in French are eligible for consideration by the Ministry.
(*) Refer to the full eligibility criteria (in French only) on the Government of Quebec’s website.
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