Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative
Ongoing Program
Accepting Applications
The Program
Overview
Part of the REGI
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming businesses and can strengthen their global competitiveness. Already a leader in this field, Canada is making strategic investments to equip businesses with the tools they need to develop AI and accelerate its adoption and integration into their operations.
The Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) is a temporary initiative under Canada’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy. The RAII supports transformative projects by advancing the development, commercialization, and adoption of AI by SMEs. It pays particular attention to key sectors of the Canadian economy—such as agriculture, clean technologies, life sciences, and manufacturing—and supports structuring projects that generate spin-offs across regions. The RAII is in effect until March 31, 2031.
Eligible Clients
- SMEs that commercialize or develop AI technologies or solutions, including start-ups
- SMEs that are ready to adopt AI technologies or solutions
- NPOs that support SMEs in developing, commercializing or adopting AI technologies
- Indigenous-led businesses and NPOs, including individual businesses
Ineligible Clients
- Municipalities
- Public agencies, including health and social services agencies, schools and school boards
Eligible activities
Eligible projects must contribute to one of the two pillars targeted by this initiative:
- To support the development of products and the commercialization of AI by start-ups and growing
businesses, for example:
- Projects that make it possible to demonstrate and/or commercialize AI technologies and solutions (meaning a technology readiness level of 6 or higher)
- Projects that make it possible to develop business activity and strengthen the capacity for AI
- To accelerate the adoption or integration of AI by SMEs, including in critical sectors, for
example:
- Projects to adopt or strategically integrate AI
- Projects that support the AI ecosystem aimed at AI adoption and integration by SMEs
Other activities may be eligible. Contact us to share your project.
Financial support
For SMEs
- • Interest-free repayable financial support up to 50% of authorized costs
For NPOs
- • Generally non-repayable financial support up to 90% of authorized costs
Costs are eligible from the date the application is submitted.
Funding application
Would you like to submit a project? Here are the steps:
Additional Information
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Responsible AI
Responsible AI is a priority of the Government of Canada. In this regard, CED aims to raise awareness among its potential clients and encourage them to adopt AI responsibly, making it possible to use AI while respecting human rights and democratic values, in addition to fostering inclusive economic growth.
To learn more about responsible AI, check out these tools:
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Prioritization criteria
Depending on available funding, priority may be given to the following projects:
- Projects submitted by SMEs
- Projects that include the implementation of cybersecurity measures
- Projects that encourage the participation of underrepresented socio-economic groups
- Projects that encourage the transition to environmentally sustainable activities and practices