Call for Artificial Intelligence Innovation Projects: Collaborative Industrial Research and Entrepreneurship Support
This call for projects is aimed at groups of companies that wish to carry out an innovation project as well as research and development in artificial intelligence (AI)with the possibility of collaboration with a public research center.
The opportunity:
This call for projects is aimed at SMEs and start-ups looking to undertake an innovation project for the development and commercialization of artificial intelligence technologies.
- Maximum support of $1,500,000
- The financial assistance rate is up to 35% of eligible expenses incurred by an SME or a large company and 50% of eligible expenses incurred by a start-up. Additionally, the rate will be increased to 50%, regardless of the size of the company, for the following expenses necessary for the project's completion:
- Expenses incurred by an eligible public research center if they represent at least 20% of the project's eligible expenses.
- Expenses for access to quantum computing from PINQ2, Calcul Québec, and DistriQ.
As part of this call for projects, the InnovÉÉ team will support companies in collaboration with research centers in the various stages of setting up and carrying out their projects in artificial intelligence (AI), pursuing the following objectives:
- Enhancing the competitiveness of businesses through the adoption of responsible AI and quantum technologies, particularly in sectors where they are still underutilized, such as the primary and secondary sectors of the economy.
- Ensuring the development and consolidation of innovation efforts in the field of responsible AI and quantum technologies.
- Encouraging collaborations between businesses of all sizes, including high-growth innovative startups, as well as with research and innovation sectors to accelerate the integration of responsible AI and quantum technologies into the business environment and society.
- To support structural projects aimed at the structural adoption of responsible AI solutions and quantum technologies in one or more sectors of the economy.
- To support projects leading to significant and immediate economic returns.
- To contribute to positioning Quebec as a leader in the development of responsible AI and quantum technologies.
- Consortiums of Quebec companies and cooperatives made up of at least one SME or start-up are eligible.
- Eligible projects are those that aim to develop an innovative solution (products, services or processes) using AI or quantum technologies, from the planning stage through to pre-commercialization (real-world demonstration), and that demonstrate the potential for significant short-term benefits. The solution developed may be intended for organizational improvement or for sale. Nevertheless, the innovation project must meet all the following criteria:
- Involve the development of a new solution or the significant improvement of an existing one.
- Demonstrate the required degree of innovation, i.e. the solution must offer a decisive advantage over existing solutions on the market and in the target sector, on a national or international scale.
- Involve a technological and/or business risk or uncertainty for the company.
- Have required research and development efforts.
- Demonstrate commercial potential (if the solution is intended for sale).
- Respect one or more principles of the Sustainable Development Act (RLRQ, chapter D-8.1.1).
- To be eligible, artificial intelligence projects must address the following topics or themes:
- Projects carried out as part of the AI Confidence initiative.
- Projects focusing on the ethical and responsible use of artificial intelligence, sustainable development and data governance.
- Structuring projects aimed at the adoption of AI solutions by an economic sector (priority given to the following sectors: agriculture and fisheries including the food processing sector; forestry and hunting; energy, natural resources, mining and quarrying; construction and infrastructure; manufacturing and fabrication; aerospace; primary healthcare).
For more details, please contact us or consult ce lien.
This program is offered in collaboration with IVADO, a catalyst for the AI of today and tomorrow.
IVADO is the largest artificial intelligence consortium in Canada and a major player internationally, whose main mission is to build and promote robust, reasoning and responsible artificial intelligence: the IAR3 project. With nearly 120 industrial members, and more than 600 collaborative research projects carried out since its creation, IVADO has developed unique skills in supporting AI projects and is building links with the academic community in order to advance digital innovation within organizations.
Program Guide
Questions?
For questions regarding the funding program, please register for the call or contactez Nabila El Khadir.