PARTENAR-IA — PRIMA — Academic
Highlights
This program is designed for businesses like yours to enhance competitiveness through the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI). By participating, you can collaborate with other companies and research centers to integrate AI technologies, leading to significant economic benefits and positioning your business as an innovator in your field.
What You Get
- Up to $350,000 per company and a maximum of $1,500,000 per project in funding
- 50% of eligible expenses covered by the program
- Support for hiring interns and collaboration with public research centers
Key Benefits
- Boost your business competitiveness by adopting cutting-edge AI technologies
- Collaborate with other SMEs and research centers to accelerate innovation
- Immediate and significant economic benefits from project outcomes
- Position your business as a leader in AI development
The application process is straightforward, and the program is tailored to support SMEs, making it easier for you to qualify and benefit from this exceptional opportunity.
Financing Details
Type of Financing: Grant
Repayment Terms and Interest Rates:
- There are no repayment terms or interest rates, as this is a grant.
Eligible Expenses:
- Up to 50% of eligible expenses, with a maximum of $350,000 per company and $1,500,000 per project.
- Eligible expenses include:
- Service offers from public research centers.
- Hiring of interns linked to public research centers.
- Indirect research costs (IRC) collected by universities and CCTT (up to 27%).
Ineligible Expenses:
- The funds cannot be used for expenses not related to the project themes of artificial intelligence and advanced materials.
- Non-project-related operational costs.
Fees:
- No fees are associated with this grant program.
Qualifications
- Must be a consortium of companies (minimum 2), including at least one Québec SME.
- Must collaborate with a research center.
- Must have a collaborative research project in artificial intelligence.
- Must relate to advanced materials.
- Minimum group contribution of 25% of eligible expenses.
- A minimum of 20% of eligible project expenses must come from a service offer from a public research center and/or the hiring of an intern linked to such a center.
- For each eligible partner company, the project must provide for the hiring of a minimum of one intern per year.
- Maximum project duration: 24 months (2 years).
Maximum of 75% of public money in the project.
Disqualifications:
- Projects not related to artificial intelligence.
- Projects not related to advanced materials.
- Projects without collaboration with a research center.
- Projects without a consortium of at least two companies.
Description
This program offers your business a chance to receive up to $1,500,000 for projects involving artificial intelligence (AI). The funding can cover up to 50% of eligible expenses, with a maximum of $350,000 per company.
The money can be used for various purposes, such as:
- Developing and commercializing new AI technologies
- Adopting AI technologies to improve operations
- Collaborating with other businesses and research centers
To ensure the success of your project, the program requires:
- A minimum group contribution of 25% of eligible expenses
- At least 20% of expenses must come from a public research center or hiring an intern from such a center
- Each partner company must hire at least one intern per year
The program aims to boost your business's competitiveness by integrating AI, especially in sectors where AI is not widely used. It encourages collaboration with other companies and research centers to accelerate AI adoption. This can lead to significant and immediate economic benefits for your business and help position Québec as a leader in AI development.
The maximum duration for a project is 24 months. This program is a valuable opportunity to advance your business through innovation and collaboration in AI.
Program Steps
Contact an Advisor: Reach out to a program advisor before March 15, 2024, to get the application form and discuss your project.
Prepare Documentation: Gather the necessary documents for your application. These include:
- Business plan
- Financial statements
- Details of the intended use of funds
- Quotes for equipment or services
- Collaboration agreements with other SMEs or research centers
- Proof of minimum group contribution (25% of eligible expenses)
- Intern hiring plan
Form a Consortium: Ensure your project includes a consortium of at least two companies, with at least one being a Québec SME, in collaboration with a research center.
Develop the Project Proposal: Create a detailed project proposal that aligns with the themes of the artificial intelligence call and advanced materials. Include objectives, expected outcomes, and economic benefits.
Submit the Project: Submit your project proposal through the general call for projects by the company coordinating the project.
Review and Feedback: The program will review your submission. Be prepared to provide additional information or make adjustments based on feedback.
Final Application Submission: Ensure the full application is submitted to the MEIE by April 15, 2024, at 4 p.m.
Await Approval: Once submitted, await the review and approval of your application. Be ready to discuss final terms and conditions if your project is approved.