CRIAQ PARTENAR-IA (Quebec): How to Apply

If your Quebec-based business is working on an artificial intelligence R&D project in aerospace, CRIAQ’s PARTENAR-IA program can fund up to 35% of eligible project costs. The challenge is that this is not a solo-business grant. It requires a formal consortium, a research partner, and a clear research plan. Knowing how the application works — and what CRIAQ looks for — can save you months of rework.

PARTENAR-IA is delivered by the Consortium for Research and Innovation in Aerospace in Quebec (CRIAQ) and supports collaborative AI research projects with strong commercialization potential.

How the CRIAQ PARTENAR-IA Program Works

PARTENAR-IA funds applied research projects that bring together industry and academia to advance artificial intelligence in aerospace. The program is open to Quebec-based consortia and is currently open.

Funding amount and support level

Under PARTENAR-IA, your project can receive:

Up to $1.5 million per project
Maximum 35% of total eligible project costs
Funding is provided as a repayable contribution, not a non-repayable grant

This means your consortium must finance the remaining portion of the project through industry cash contributions or other eligible sources.

Project duration

Maximum project length: 24 months

Projects must be clearly structured to deliver results within this timeframe.

Eligibility Requirements You Must Meet

CRIAQ PARTENAR-IA has strict eligibility rules. Before you apply, confirm that your project structure meets all of them.

Consortium requirements

Your application must include:

A grouping of at least two Quebec-based companies
At least one SME or high-growth startup
A formal partnership with a public research centre (such as a university or college research lab)

Single-company projects are not eligible.

Financial contribution rules

Industrial partners must contribute at least 25% of eligible project expenses
Contributions can include cash and eligible in-kind expenses, subject to CRIAQ rules

CRIAQ expects clear financial commitments from each partner at the time of application.

Sector and focus

Projects must focus on artificial intelligence applications in aerospace
The work must qualify as R&D, not routine product development or deployment

How to Apply for CRIAQ PARTENAR-IA

Applying to PARTENAR-IA is a structured, multi-stage process.

1. Build your consortium early

Start by identifying:

Industry partners with aligned technical goals
A research centre with relevant AI and aerospace expertise

CRIAQ places heavy weight on the quality and balance of the partnership.

2. Define the research project

Your proposal must clearly explain:

The AI problem you are solving
The research methodology
Each partner’s role and contribution
Expected scientific and commercial outcomes

Vague innovation goals are a common reason for rejection.

3. Prepare the financial plan

You will need:

A detailed project budget
Confirmation that industry partners cover at least 25% of costs
A funding stack that respects public funding limits

When planning your broader funding mix, tools like GrantHub can show you which programs are available in your province and sector.

4. Submit through CRIAQ

Applications are submitted directly to CRIAQ through its official call for projects. Deadlines and documentation requirements are set by CRIAQ and can change between calls, so always check the active call details.

Eligible Expenses Under PARTENAR-IA

CRIAQ focuses on genuine R&D costs. Common eligible expenses include:

Research staff salaries
AI model development and testing
Collaboration and coordination costs with the research centre
Specialized equipment directly tied to the research

Marketing, sales, and routine operational costs are generally not eligible.

For a broader overview, see also:
What Business Expenses Are Eligible Across Canadian Grants and Loans?

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Applying without a confirmed research partner

Letters of intent matter. CRIAQ expects real academic involvement, not placeholders.

2. Underestimating the repayable nature of funding

PARTENAR-IA is not free money. Repayment terms should be factored into your financial planning.

3. Weak industry contribution

If your consortium cannot clearly show the 25% minimum industry contribution, your application will struggle.

4. Treating the project as product development

CRIAQ funds research. Projects that look like late-stage commercialization are often declined.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the PARTENAR-IA grant from CRIAQ?
PARTENAR-IA is a Quebec program that supports collaborative artificial intelligence R&D projects in aerospace. It requires partnerships between companies and public research centres.

Q: Who is eligible for the PARTENAR-IA program?
Eligible applicants must form a consortium of at least two Quebec-based companies, including at least one SME or high-growth startup, and partner with a public research centre.

Q: Is PARTENAR-IA funding repayable or non-repayable?
Funding under PARTENAR-IA is repayable. This is a common point of confusion for first-time applicants.

Q: How much funding can a project receive?
Projects can receive up to $1.5 million, covering a maximum of 35% of eligible project costs.

Q: Can PARTENAR-IA be combined with other funding programs?
In many cases, yes, but stacking rules apply. You must respect overall public funding limits and disclose all sources, including tax credits like SR&ED. See also: How to stack grants and loans without violating funding rules

Next Steps

CRIAQ PARTENAR-IA is a strong fit if your business is ready for collaborative AI research and can commit real resources to the project. Make sure your partners, budget, and research goals are ready before you apply.

GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant programs across Canada, including Quebec R&D and academic–industry collaborations. Checking which programs match your business profile can help you build a stronger, compliant funding plan from the start.

CRIAQ PARTENAR-IA (Quebec): How to Apply