Skip to Content

Last day to get grants of up to 50% on AI/quantum projects

đź’ˇ

TL;DR

  • Prompt Innov allocates $21M to collaborative AI and cybersecurity projects through the RSRI ( Prompt).
  • AI/quantum project call: Submissions due by April 15 for grants of up to 50% ( QuĂ©bec.ca).
  • France-Quebec 2025-2030 Strategy promotes open source solutions for cultural content discoverability ( PDF).
  • DĂ©fi-QuĂ©bec 2025 supports innovative startups with grants of up to $50,000 ( Ville de QuĂ©bec).
  • Migration to open source alternatives recommended in light of the end of Windows 10 ( MicroAge QuĂ©bec).

1. Key Funding for Technological Innovation 

Prompt Innov announced on April 9 an investment of $21M in collaborative artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity projects through the Regroupements sectoriels de recherche industrielle (RSRI). These funds support initiatives such as:

  • Confiance IA: Development of open source tools for ethical and transparent AI.
  • Quantum QuĂ©bec: Quantum prototypes compatible with free libraries (e.g., Qiskit).

Why does this matter? These projects strengthen Quebec's digital sovereignty while creating specialized jobs ( Prompt).

2. AI and Quantum Project Call: Last Days to Apply!

The Quebec government is urgently calling on businesses to submit innovation projects in responsible AI and quantum technologies before April 15, 2025. Grants cover up to 50% of costs and prioritize collaborations with public research centres.

Eligible examples:

  • Integration of open source frameworks like TensorFlow or PyTorch into industrial solutions.
  • Development of quantum software under the Apache 2.0 licence ( QuĂ©bec.ca).

3. France-Quebec Collaboration: Open Source at the Forefront

The France-Quebec 2025-2030 Strategy emphasizes the use of open source solutions to improve the discoverability of francophone cultural content. Key actions include:

  • Creation of a collaborative platform based on Nextcloud to share educational resources.
  • Adoption of open standards (e.g., IIIF) to digitize cultural archives ( PDF).

4. Défi-Québec 2025: Boost Your Startup with Funding

The Défi-Québec entrepreneurial competition offers up to $50,000 for innovative projects. Criteria include:

  • Use of sustainable technologies (e.g., FOSS tools).
  • Potential for local job creation.

Inspiring example: In 2024, the startup EcoCode won the prize for its energy management software built on Python and PostgreSQL ( Ville de Québec).

5. Migrating to Open Source: A Strategic Necessity

With the end of support for Windows 10 in October 2025, Quebec businesses are encouraged to migrate to free alternatives such as:

  • Linux Mint or Ubuntu for operating systems.
  • LibreOffice for office productivity.

Key benefits:

  • Reduced licensing costs (-70% on average).
  • Compliance with Bill 25 through data control ( MicroAge QuĂ©bec).

Blue Fox's Take

In this period of accelerated transformation, we support SMBs and non-profits with: âś… Access to grants and technology project calls. âś… Migration to secure and compliant open source solutions. âś… Integration of collaborative tools such as Nextcloud or Odoo Community.

#FreeSoftware #Quebec #Innovation #AI #Cybersecurity

Sources:

  1. Prompt Innov – 2025 Funding
  2. AI/Quantum Project Call
  3. France-Quebec Strategy
  4. Défi-Québec 2025
  5. MicroAge – IT Priorities 2025

đź’ˇ Did you know? Quebec now accounts for 14% of global francophone contributors to open source projects (Open Source Initiative, 2024).

Blue Fox supports organizations in this transition toward sovereign and ethical digital solutions.

Learn more: www.bluefoxconsultant.com

Stories of Big Tech abuse - Part 2