PARTENAR-IA financing program

Under the aegis of the MEIE and in collaboration with the nine SIRGs and IVADO, the PARTENAR-IA program aims to propel Québec organizations’ performance and innovation.

Primary objective:

Improve competitiveness and foster widespread adoption of AI via transformative cross-sector collaborations that advantageously position Québec while generating significant and immediate economic benefits.

Benefits of PARTENAR-IA for your company:

• Flexible, substantial financing program (up to $350 K per company and $1.5 M in total assistance);
• Reimbursement of expenses (e.g., salaries, equipment, academic resources, certifications) up to 50%;
• Multiple opportunities for collaboration between private-sector organizations and support structures (e.g., universities, CCTTs, private institutions);
• Activities financed: development/improvement of products/processes, proof of concept, testing, technology showcases, etc.

*Cumulative government spending can total up to 75% of eligible project expenses.

PARTENAR-IA offers financial support to companies looking to co-create innovative solutions involving AI.

Each project involves:

• A small to medium-sized business (1–250 employees*)
• At least one other business, company or corporation (small to very large*)
• One or more research organizations*

IVADO advisers can help you identify partners in the private sector and research community.

Type of financing:

• Standard expenses-reimbursement formula;
• Shareable total subsidy: up to $350 K per company; $1.5 M total;
• Maximum period: 24 months;
• Research component of total budget: 20%–40%;

Activities typically targeted:

• Development and improvement of products or processes;
• Proof of concept;
• Testing;
• Technology showcase.

Final status expected:

For a portion of the project: pre-commercialization and/or industrialization (TRL 7 +)

50% reimbursement of a wide range of expenses including:

• Direct costs for personnel involved;
• Cost of research-related resources (e.g., students, research professionals, laboratory, materials);
• Equipment;
• Certification;
• Protection and definition of intellectual property;
• Studies, documentation, SotA review
• Equipment rental
• Etc.

*Cumulative government spending can total up to 75% of eligible project expenses.

• Partnership must consist of a minimum of two Québec-based companies including one with less than 250 employees (startup–VSB–SMB)*;
• Must have operations and R&D capacity in Québec;
• Must collaborate with the research community with an expected total involvement in the project of 20% to 40%;
• End product: a portion of the project must mature to industrialization or pre-commercialization (TRL 7+)
• Involvement of university intern(s) is an asset for project evaluation.

*IVADO advisers can assist you with partner company identification and matching.