Entry to the programme is by decision of Inria directorate, following the application and assessment process operated by PIQ Management described here. Funding is set up between Inria and the project leader’s employing institution via a payment agreement containing the following contractual elements:

• the PIQ programme regulations outlining the commitments made by the project leader, the funded institution and Inria;
• the project application document as assessed by the PIQ Expert Committee;
• the project roadmap as assessed by the PIQ Expert Committee.

The payment agreement gives access to the funding requested for the first phase of the project as described in the roadmap.