PARTENAR-IA — CRITM — Industry

For Quebec-based companies working at the intersection of advanced manufacturing and artificial intelligence, moving an R&D idea from concept to reality often requires both technical expertise and significant capital. The PARTENAR-IA — CRITM — Industry initiative is designed to help bridge that gap by encouraging small and growing businesses to collaborate with research centres on AI-driven innovation projects in the metal transformation space.

Delivered by the CRITM Metal Transformation Research and Innovation Consortium, this program supports applied research projects that push productivity, automation, and digital intelligence in metal-related activities. Eligible SMEs and start-ups can receive non-repayable funding that helps offset a meaningful share of project costs, with support reaching up to around $1.5 million for larger, high-impact collaborations. Funding is intended to reduce the financial risk of R&D by covering a portion of eligible expenses tied to research, development, and experimentation, making ambitious AI projects more achievable.

PARTENAR-IA is particularly relevant for businesses looking to commercialize new technologies, improve industrial processes, or strengthen ties with Quebec’s research ecosystem. The program is currently open to businesses meeting certain requirements and willing to partner with an approved research organization. For companies exploring AI as a lever for innovation in metal transformation, reviewing the full program details can help determine whether this opportunity fits your growth and technology roadmap.