How to Apply for PARTENAR-IA Grants in Quebec

Quebec businesses working on artificial intelligence (AI) projects often face high R&D costs and limited research capacity. The PARTENAR‑IA program was designed to help by funding collaborative AI projects between companies and research centres. Through sector‑specific streams, eligible Quebec SMEs and start‑ups can receive up to $1.5 million per project to support applied AI research.

What Is PARTENAR‑IA and Its Role in PARESAU – Volet 1

PARTENAR‑IA is part of Quebec’s PARESAU – Volet 1: Appui aux entreprises stratégiques dans leurs recherches de solutions, which helps strategic businesses develop solutions through structured R&D partnerships. Unlike programs run by a single ministry, PARTENAR‑IA is delivered through sector‑specific innovation consortia, each focusing on AI adoption in key industries.

The main structure across streams includes:

Your business leads an AI R&D project
You must partner with a recognized research centre
In many cases, one or more additional companies are required
Funding covers a portion of eligible project costs, not the full amount

GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you quickly find which PARTENAR‑IA stream fits your industry and company size.

PARTENAR‑IA Streams You Can Apply To

Here are the main PARTENAR‑IA programs, each managed by a different consortium.

PARTENAR‑IA — CQRDA (Aluminum and AI)

Maximum funding: Up to $1.5 million
Coverage: Up to 35% of eligible project costs
Who it’s for: Quebec SMEs or start‑ups (250 employees or fewer) developing AI solutions that promote or optimize aluminum use
Key requirement: Partnership with a research centre

PARTENAR‑IA — InnovÉÉ (Electricity and Smart Energy)

Maximum funding: Up to $1.5 million per project
Coverage: Up to 50% of eligible expenses
Focus areas:
- Electricity industry
- Smart grids
- Transportation electrification
- Intelligent vehicles
Partnership model: At least two businesses plus a research centre

PARTENAR‑IA — CRITM (Metal Transformation)

Maximum funding: Up to $1.5 million
Coverage: Up to 35% of eligible costs
Target projects: AI‑driven R&D in metal transformation and advanced manufacturing

PARTENAR‑IA — MEDTEQ+ (Health Technologies)

Maximum funding: Up to $1.5 million per project
Coverage: Up to 50% of eligible expenses
Eligibility highlights:
- At least two Quebec companies, including one SME or start‑up
- Project carried out in Quebec
- AI applied to medical or health technologies

PARTENAR‑IA — CRIBIQ (Industrial Bioprocesses)

Maximum funding: Up to $500,000
Coverage: Up to 40% of eligible costs
Who it’s for: SMEs working with research centres on AI projects tied to industrial processes and bioprocessing

Step‑by‑Step: How to Apply for PARTENAR‑IA Grants

Each consortium has its own intake calendar, but the application process usually follows these steps:

Choose the right consortium
Your industry and project scope decide which PARTENAR‑IA stream you should apply to.
Secure your research partner early
Collaboration with a recognized research centre is mandatory for all streams.
Define a clear AI R&D project
Your proposal must show applied AI development with measurable economic or productivity benefits.
Build the project budget
Only eligible R&D‑related costs count toward funding percentages.
Submit through the consortium
Applications are reviewed by the consortium and funding partners, not directly by the province.

GrantHub tracks active PARTENAR‑IA intakes across Quebec, making it easier to see which streams are currently open and which deadlines are coming up.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applying without a confirmed research partner
PARTENAR‑IA does not fund projects without collaboration.
Expecting full funding
All streams limit public funding to between 35% and 50% of eligible costs.
Choosing the wrong consortium
Submitting to the wrong sector body can delay or invalidate your application.
Underestimating timelines
Consortium‑led reviews can take several months, especially for larger projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much funding can I receive from PARTENAR‑IA?
Depending on the stream, funding ranges from up to $500,000 (CRIBIQ) to up to $1.5 million per project (CQRDA, InnovÉÉ, CRITM, MEDTEQ+), covering 35%–50% of eligible costs.

Q: Is PARTENAR‑IA funding repayable?
No. PARTENAR‑IA provides non‑refundable (non‑repayable) grant funding, as long as project conditions are met.

Q: Do I need more than one business partner?
Some streams, such as InnovÉÉ and MEDTEQ+, require multiple companies, while others focus on a single SME plus a research centre. Always check the specific consortium rules.

Q: Can I stack PARTENAR‑IA with other grants?
Yes, in many cases. However, total public funding cannot exceed program limits, so stacking must respect maximum aid thresholds.

Q: Are start‑ups eligible?
Yes. Most streams accept start‑ups with 250 employees or fewer, provided they are Quebec‑based and not majority‑owned by another organization.

Next Steps

PARTENAR‑IA is a generous AI funding option for Quebec businesses, but choosing the right stream and partners is essential. GrantHub tracks hundreds of active Quebec and federal grant programs, including all PARTENAR‑IA streams, so you can quickly find options that match your business profile.

See also:

Impulsion PME vs Other Quebec Startup Funding Programs
How University Spin‑Offs Can Get Funding in Quebec
Eligible Expenses Under Regional Economic Development Grants in Quebec (CED)

How to Apply for PARTENAR-IA Grants in Quebec