Grants and Funding in Artificial Intelligence in Canada

Q: Who are the primary grant administrators offering artificial intelligence programs in Canada?

The three main grant administrators providing programs in artificial intelligence are the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR), and the Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED).

Q: What government programs are available to support AI adoption by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Canada?

The Canadian government has launched the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII), providing $200 million over five years to help SMEs bring new AI technologies to market and accelerate AI adoption across various sectors.

Q: Are there specific initiatives to enhance Canada's AI infrastructure?

Yes, the Canadian government is investing $2 billion to build and provide access to computing capabilities and technological infrastructure for AI researchers and businesses through the AI Compute Access Fund and the Canadian AI Sovereign Compute Strategy.

Q: What support is available for AI startups in Canada?

Canada's regional development agencies are delivering $200 million through the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) to help bring new AI technologies to market and speed up AI adoption in sectors across the country.

Q: How is Canada ensuring the responsible development and use of AI?

The Canadian government has introduced the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act (AIDA) to regulate AI systems, ensuring they are developed and used responsibly, aligning with Canadian values and protecting human rights.

Optimize your processes, increase your efficiency with access to Canadian AI grants.

AI grants and funding in Canada have significantly increased, supporting research and innovation across various sectors. These programs aim to foster the growth of AI talent and development nationwide as well as implementing the technology in businesses.

Overview of AI Grants in Canada

AI grants in Canada have become a significant source of funding for projects and programs focused on the development and adoption of new technologies. The Canadian government, along with provincial governments in Alberta and Ontario, has initiated various funding streams to support innovation and growth in the AI sector. These grants aim to help businesses, researchers, and organizations access the capital needed to drive technological advancements and remain competitive in the global market. Programs targeting AI research and development provide substantial support, enabling Canadian projects to flourish and contribute to industry growth.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for AI grants in Canada, applicants must meet specific criteria set by the funding program. Eligible projects typically include those focused on the development, adoption, and commercialization of AI technologies. Canadian businesses, non-profit organizations, and research institutions are among the primary applicants considered for funding. Projects must demonstrate potential for innovation, economic impact, and alignment with national or provincial priorities. Additionally, applicants are required to provide a detailed project proposal outlining the objectives, methodologies, and anticipated outcomes.

Canadian Organizations

Canadian organizations play a crucial role in the AI landscape, benefiting from various funding programs that support technological innovation and development. These organizations, spanning different sectors such as health, energy, and manufacturing, receive grants to implement AI-driven solutions that enhance their operations and services. The funding helps cover project costs, enabling organizations to invest in cutting-edge technologies and foster growth. Collaboration between government and industry ensures that Canadian organizations remain at the forefront of AI advancements.

Profit Organizations

Profit organizations in Canada, including businesses in the tech and manufacturing industries, are eligible for AI grants that support the development and adoption of innovative technologies. These grants aim to stimulate economic growth by providing capital for projects that have the potential to enhance productivity and competitiveness. Funding programs often require profit organizations to demonstrate how their projects will contribute to industry advancements and economic development. By accessing these grants, businesses can offset costs and invest in AI solutions that drive profitability and innovation.

Funding Support

Funding support for AI projects in Canada comes from various sources, including federal and provincial governments. This support is crucial for the development and commercialization of AI technologies. Grants and funding programs provide the necessary financial resources to help businesses and organizations undertake ambitious projects that might otherwise be cost-prohibitive. The support includes covering research and development costs, facilitating access to advanced technologies, and providing training and development opportunities for Canadian talent.

Federal Government Funding

The federal government of Canada offers substantial funding support for AI research and development projects. Through various grants and programs, the government aims to foster innovation and maintain Canada’s competitive edge in the global tech industry. Federal funding initiatives focus on areas such as clean technology, health, and manufacturing, supporting projects that align with national priorities. These programs provide significant financial resources, enabling businesses and researchers to pursue groundbreaking AI projects.

Provincial Governments Support

Provincial governments in Canada, including those in Alberta and Ontario, offer targeted funding programs to support AI development and innovation. These programs are designed to address regional priorities and leverage local strengths. Provincial funding helps businesses and organizations within the province access capital for AI projects, driving economic growth and technological advancements. By investing in AI, provincial governments aim to create job opportunities, enhance productivity, and improve the quality of life for their residents.

Application Process

The application process for AI grants in Canada involves several steps, starting with the submission of a detailed project proposal. Applicants must outline the objectives, methodologies, and expected outcomes of their project. The proposal should also include a budget and a timeline for implementation. Once submitted, applications undergo a rigorous evaluation process to assess their eligibility and potential impact. Successful applicants are then awarded grants to support their AI projects.

Project Proposal Guidelines

When preparing a project proposal for AI grants in Canada, applicants must ensure that their proposal is comprehensive and aligns with the funding program’s objectives. The proposal should clearly articulate the project’s goals, the innovative aspects of the technology being developed or adopted, and the anticipated economic and social benefits. Additionally, a detailed budget and project timeline are essential components of a successful proposal. Applicants should also highlight any collaborations or partnerships that will enhance the project's success.

95 opportunities available

ESSOR – Component 1B: Support for investment projects (digital diagnostics)

Grant and FundingOpen

Quebec, Canada

ESSOR – Component 1B: Support for investment projects (digital diagnostics)

Investissement Québec (IQ)

Support for investment projects through digital transformation

Eligible Funding

Max. ${{count}}
Up to 50% of project cost

Eligible Industries

All industries

Types of eligible projects

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)INNOVATIONDIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Quebec, Canada

Development of E-Business Tax Credit (CDAE)

Tax CreditsOpen

Quebec, Canada

Development of E-Business Tax Credit (CDAE)

Investissement Québec (IQ)

Tax credit for development of a Quebec e-business

Eligible Funding

Up to 30% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Information and cultural industries
Finance and insurance
Professional, scientific and technical services

Types of eligible projects

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)TECHNOLOGYHUMAN RESOURCESINNOVATIONDIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Quebec, Canada

Grant and FundingExpert AdviceOpen

Canada

Funding for customized AI training

Scale AI Cluster

Digital Intelligence Training Grants for Canadian Businesses

Eligible Funding

Min. ${{count}}

Eligible Industries

Professional, scientific and technical services

Types of eligible projects

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)

Canada

NGen — AI For Manufacturing Challenge (AI4M)

Partnering and CollaborationGrant and FundingOpen

Canada

NGen — AI For Manufacturing Challenge (AI4M)

Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen)

Funding for collaborative AI-driven advanced manufacturing projects in Canada

Eligible Funding

From $1,500,000 to $3,200,000
Up to 40% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing

Types of eligible projects

COMMERCIALIZATIONARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)TECHNOLOGYINNOVATIONDIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Canada

Grant and FundingOpen

Canada

AI Compute Access Fund

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)

Supports Canadian SMEs in accessing advanced AI compute resources

Eligible Funding

From $67,000 to $3,350,000
Up to 67% of project cost

Eligible Industries

All industries

Types of eligible projects

COMMERCIALIZATIONARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)TECHNOLOGYINNOVATION

Canada

Find the right AI grant for your business

Finance an increase in productivity with funding in machine learning

AI grants support the development and adoption of advanced technologies, fostering innovation across various sectors. These grants provide essential funding for businesses, researchers, and organizations to drive technological progress.

Intellectual Property Rights

Intellectual property (IP) rights are an important consideration for AI projects receiving funding in Canada. Applicants must clearly outline how IP will be managed and protected throughout the project. Funding programs may have specific requirements regarding the ownership and sharing of IP generated from funded projects. Ensuring proper IP management helps protect the interests of both the funding agency and the project participants, fostering an environment of innovation and collaboration.

Tax Credits and Incentives

In addition to grants, Canadian businesses can benefit from various tax credits and incentives designed to support AI development and innovation. These financial incentives reduce the overall cost of research and development, making it more feasible for businesses to invest in new technologies. Tax credits and incentives play a crucial role in encouraging businesses to undertake AI projects, contributing to the growth of the tech industry in Canada.

Federal Tax Credits

Federal tax credits are available to Canadian businesses engaging in AI research and development. These credits reduce the tax liability of businesses, providing a financial boost that supports innovation. By offering federal tax credits, the Canadian government aims to incentivize businesses to invest in AI technologies, fostering a competitive and dynamic tech industry.

Provincial Tax Benefits

Provincial tax benefits complement federal tax credits, providing additional financial support for businesses undertaking AI projects. These benefits vary by province, with each region offering specific incentives aligned with their economic priorities. Provincial tax benefits help reduce the cost of AI development, making it more accessible for businesses to pursue innovative projects and drive regional economic growth.

Support for Business Development

AI grants and funding programs in Canada are designed to support business development across various industries. By providing financial resources, these programs enable businesses to adopt new technologies, improve their operations, and remain competitive. The support for business development includes covering research and development costs, facilitating access to advanced technologies, and offering training programs to develop skilled talent.

Economic Growth Initiatives

Economic growth initiatives in Canada aim to foster innovation and drive the adoption of AI technologies across various sectors. These initiatives include funding programs, tax incentives, and support services designed to help businesses and organizations thrive. By investing in AI, Canada aims to boost productivity, create jobs, and enhance its global competitiveness.

Tech Clusters Funding

Funding for tech clusters is a key component of Canada’s strategy to promote AI development and innovation. Tech clusters bring together businesses, researchers, and organizations to collaborate on AI projects, driving regional economic growth. Funding for tech clusters supports the development of shared resources, infrastructure, and talent, creating an ecosystem that fosters innovation and competitiveness.

Innovation in Technology

Innovation in technology is a primary focus of AI grants and funding programs in Canada. These programs aim to support the development of cutting-edge AI solutions that address industry challenges and drive economic growth. By investing in innovation, Canada aims to position itself as a global leader in AI technologies, attracting investment and talent from around the world.

Small to Medium-Sized Enterprises

Small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Canada are significant beneficiaries of AI grants and funding programs. These businesses often face challenges in accessing the capital needed for innovation. By providing financial support, funding programs help SMEs undertake AI projects that enhance their productivity, competitiveness, and growth. The support for SMEs includes grants, tax incentives, and access to training and development resources.

Online Development Platforms

Online development platforms play a crucial role in the AI landscape, providing businesses and researchers with the tools and resources needed to develop and deploy AI solutions. Funding programs in Canada support the creation and enhancement of these platforms, facilitating access to cutting-edge technologies and fostering collaboration. Online development platforms help democratize AI, making it accessible to a wider range of businesses and organizations.

Collaboration and Partnerships

Collaboration and partnerships are essential components of successful AI projects in Canada. Funding programs encourage partnerships between businesses, research institutions, and government agencies, fostering an environment of innovation and knowledge sharing. By working together, partners can leverage their strengths, share resources, and achieve common goals, driving the development and adoption of AI technologies.

Government-Industry Cooperation

Government-industry cooperation is a cornerstone of AI development in Canada. Funding programs and initiatives are designed to promote collaboration between government and industry, ensuring that projects align with national and regional priorities. This cooperation helps create a supportive environment for innovation, facilitating the development and commercialization of AI technologies that drive economic growth and improve quality of life.

Support for AI Research

Support for AI research is a critical aspect of Canada’s funding landscape. Research institutions and universities receive grants to conduct cutting-edge research that advances AI technologies and applications. This support includes funding for research projects, access to advanced technologies, and collaboration opportunities with industry partners. By investing in AI research, Canada aims to foster innovation and develop new solutions that address global challenges.

AI-Powered Supply Chains Cluster (Scale AI)

Grant and FundingOpen

Canada

AI-Powered Supply Chains Cluster (Scale AI)

Global Innovation Clusters (GIC)

Funding to enhance supply chains with AI

Eligible Funding

Max. ${{count}}
Up to 50% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Construction
Manufacturing
Retail trade
Transportation and warehousing

Types of eligible projects

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)TECHNOLOGYINNOVATION

Canada

Grant and FundingOpen

Canada

Global Innovation Clusters

Innovation Canada

Financial assistance to work in collaboration on innovation projects

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Information and cultural industries
Professional, scientific and technical services

Types of eligible projects

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)TECHNOLOGYINNOVATION

Canada

NovaScience Program - Support for projects in scientific culture and innovation

Grant and FundingClosed

Quebec, Canada

NovaScience Program - Support for projects in scientific culture and innovation

Gouvernement du Québec

NovaScience promotes scientific culture and innovation development

Eligible Funding

Max. ${{count}}
Up to 80% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Information and cultural industries
Professional, scientific and technical services
Educational services

Types of eligible projects

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)TECHNOLOGYINNOVATION

Quebec, Canada

Partnering and CollaborationGrant and FundingClosed

Quebec, Canada

PROMPT — PARTENAR-IA

PROMPT

Funding for Quebec innovative collaborations in AI for ICT

Eligible Funding

Max. ${{count}}
Up to 50% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Professional, scientific and technical services
Educational services
Health care and social assistance

Types of eligible projects

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)

Quebec, Canada

Grant and FundingClosed

Quebec, Canada

PRIMA — PARTENAR-IA — Industry

Advanced Materials Research and Innovation Hub (PRIMA)

Funding for Quebec innovative collaborations in AI for advanced materials

Eligible Funding

Max. ${{count}}
Up to 50% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Manufacturing

Types of eligible projects

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)TECHNOLOGYINNOVATION

Quebec, Canada

Discover how much grant funding is available for your business

Subsidize your projects with government financial aid

Use our free grant estimator to quickly identify the available grant amounts for which your company may be eligible.

Unlock Your Business’s Full Potential with Government Grants and Financial Aid

Are you looking for ways to secure funding for your business and reduce costs? Government grants, subsidies, and financial aid programs offer valuable opportunities for companies across various industries. Whether you’re a startup, an established small business, or a growing enterprise, you may be eligible for non-repayable grants, tax credits, and financial assistance to support your projects.

Discover How Much Grant Funding Your Business Can Access

Many businesses miss out on free funding opportunities simply because they don’t know they exist. That’s why we’ve created a free grant estimator—a powerful tool designed to help you identify available grant amounts based on your company’s profile, sector, and project type. In just a few clicks, you can gain insights into the financial aid programs that match your business needs.Our estimator scans a wide range of government grants, including:

Innovation and R&D grants for companies developing new products, services, or technologies.
Export and international expansion subsidies to help businesses enter new markets.
Workforce development funding for training, hiring, and upskilling employees.
Green energy and sustainability grants for eco-friendly initiatives and energy-efficient projects.
Startup and entrepreneur support programs for new businesses seeking capital and resources.

Maximize Your Business Growth with Non-Repayable Financial Assistance

Unlike traditional loans, many government grants and subsidies do not require repayment, making them a valuable way to boost your company’s financial health. By securing business funding, you can invest in key areas such as technology, infrastructure, hiring, and research without straining your cash flow.Here’s how our free grant estimator can help you: ✅ Quickly assess your eligibility for various funding programs. ✅ Save time by filtering out programs that don’t apply to your business. ✅ Unlock hidden financial opportunities that you might not be aware of. ✅ Reduce financial risks by accessing non-repayable funding sources. ✅ Increase your chances of approval with up-to-date funding information.

Take Advantage of Government Funding Opportunities Today

Don’t let your business miss out on grant funding that could propel your success. Whether you need support for a new project, expansion, hiring, or innovation, government financial aid programs are available to help. Start using our free grant estimator now and discover how much grant money your company can access today!

Expert AdviceOpen

Canada

Accelerated Growth Program

ventureLAB

Support for technology startups

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Information and cultural industries
Professional, scientific and technical services

Types of eligible projects

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)TECHNOLOGY

Canada

JACOBB Center for Applied Artificial Intelligence

Expert AdviceOpen

Canada

JACOBB Center for Applied Artificial Intelligence

Assistance and solutions in applied artificial intelligence

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Eligible Industries

Professional, scientific and technical services

Types of eligible projects

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)TECHNOLOGYINNOVATION

Canada

CED — Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative

Grant and FundingOpen

Quebec, Canada

CED — Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

Supports AI technology development and adoption by Canadian SMEs

Eligible Funding

Up to 50% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Manufacturing
Information and cultural industries

Types of eligible projects

COMMERCIALIZATIONARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)

Quebec, Canada

Collaborative Industrial Research and Support to Innovative Entrepreneurship — Stream 3

Grant and FundingClosed

Quebec, Canada

Collaborative Industrial Research and Support to Innovative Entrepreneurship — Stream 3

Ministère de l'économie, de l'innovation et de l'énergie du Québec (MEIE)

Support for business clusters to develop large-scale innovation projects

Eligible Funding

Max. ${{count}}
Up to 50% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Information and cultural industries
Professional, scientific and technical services

Types of eligible projects

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)INNOVATION

Quebec, Canada

Collaborative Industrial Research and Support to Innovative Entrepreneurship — Stream 1

Grant and FundingClosed

Quebec, Canada

Collaborative Industrial Research and Support to Innovative Entrepreneurship — Stream 1

Ministère de l'économie, de l'innovation et de l'énergie du Québec (MEIE)

Funding for collaborative projects in AI

Eligible Funding

Max. ${{count}}
Up to 50% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Information and cultural industries
Professional, scientific and technical services

Types of eligible projects

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)TECHNOLOGYINNOVATION

Quebec, Canada

Access over 3000 different funding opportunities

Try the helloDarwin platform today and find programs that fit your needs

The helloDarwin application makes it easy to unlock grants so your business can grow faster—with less hassle and more impact.

Across the Canadian entrepreneurial landscape, one paradox persists: billions of dollars are available every year in public funding and government grants, yet a large percentage of those funds remain unclaimed. Why? Because accessing them feels like trying to crack a bureaucratic code written in a foreign language.

Public funding is real—but it hides behind administrative red tape, eligibility mazes, fluctuating deadlines, and cryptic forms. The result? Thousands of businesses miss out on critical financial support, not because they’re unworthy, but because the system wasn’t built for speed, clarity, or accessibility.

That’s the problem helloDarwin set out to solve with its grant platform—a tool designed not only to uncover hidden opportunities but to turn them into engines for business growth.

The Reality: Entrepreneurs Don’t Have Time to Chase 28 Government Websites

What the team at helloDarwin realized early on is this: business owners have no shortage of vision, ideas, or ambition. What they lack is time, administrative capacity, and a clear path to funding.

Rather than throwing another data-heavy directory into the mix, helloDarwin built a smart, intuitive interface, backed by a high-impact support system, designed to translate public funding into real action.

No guesswork. No 100-page PDFs. No copy-pasting into spreadsheets at 10 p.m. Just a straight line from idea to opportunity—and from opportunity to execution.

Not a Promise. A Proven Process.

While it may look like a platform, helloDarwin is better described as a methodology. One that has been purpose-built for overworked founders, lean teams, and agile businesses. It follows three clear steps:

Explore — Use a dynamic tool to identify relevant programs based on your business profile, project goals, and sector.
Estimate — Get a personalized forecast of potential funding amounts.
Act — Access expert support to write, file, and manage your grant application all the way through approval.

What used to take companies three to six months (or was abandoned altogether) can now be launched in under a week. And unlike many do-it-yourself systems, helloDarwin’s method is reinforced by actual human support.

On the Ground: “We Thought It Wasn’t for Us”

Sophie, a co-founder of a sustainable design firm in Québec, had always assumed government grants were “for the big guys” or “tech companies with labs.” One afternoon, on a colleague’s recommendation, she logged into helloDarwin.

Within 15 minutes, she found she was eligible for:

80% funding for upskilling her team
Up to $50,000 for a digital process transformation
Export assistance for her eco-certified furniture line

With expert help from the platform’s network, two applications were submitted within six weeks. Three months later, the funds were flowing.

Her team kept working. She didn’t miss a single client meeting. The paperwork? Someone else handled it.

The Secret Weapon: Human Expertise + Automated Insight

The real strength of helloDarwin lies in the seamless handoff between technology and human expertise. Where most platforms offer tools and leave users to figure it out, helloDarwin provides real, qualified experts to walk alongside your business.

Once a relevant program is identified, users can activate support from:

Grant application specialists
Financial and tax consultants
Industry-specific advisors (tech, manufacturing, sustainability…)

These professionals know how to speak the language of funding agencies, avoid technical pitfalls, and build credible, compelling submissions that align with government priorities.

Grants as Strategy, Not Serendipity

One of the key cultural shifts that helloDarwin enables is this: stop seeing grants as a bonus. Start using them as a core business strategy.

By integrating public funding into your business roadmap, you can plan projects more effectively, make smarter investments, and time your initiatives with upcoming funding windows.

Take, for instance, a company that plans to hire three engineers in Q2 of next year. With helloDarwin, they can:

See which programs will be active
Prepare their documentation in advance
Maximize their reimbursement rate (often 50%–75%)
Accelerate hiring without overextending cash flow

This is not opportunism. It’s strategic resource allocation—backed by public funding that already exists.

A Platform That Evolves With You

Grants are seasonal. Programs change. Budgets close. That’s why a truly valuable tool must be living, adaptive, and proactive.

helloDarwin’s grant platform updates in real time. Its users receive alerts when:

A new program launches in their region or sector
Their business becomes eligible for something previously unavailable
A deadline is approaching for a high-value grant

It becomes a funding radar, embedded in your growth planning—not a tool you only use in times of desperation.

Who Is It For?

The answer is simple: any business with a project to fund. That includes:

Startups in early or late stages
SMEs looking to modernize
Manufacturers planning to automate
Creative firms digitizing their services
Exporters preparing to go global
Green innovators solving environmental challenges

Whether you're running a two-person creative agency or a 50-person industrial operation, there are grants for you. The only thing missing is a way to find them—and a partner to help unlock them.

Building an Ecosystem, Not Just a Platform

helloDarwin doesn’t work in isolation. It collaborates with:

Local economic development organizations
Industry associations and chambers of commerce
Banks and financial institutions
Professional service firms and consultants

This ecosystem allows the platform to not only recommend funding, but also connect users with vetted experts and service providers who can execute the projects being funded.

Need help building your e-commerce site, launching your ESG strategy, or hiring an export advisor? helloDarwin connects the dots—from funding to fulfillment.

Three Common Mistakes That helloDarwin Helps You Avoid

Waiting Too Long Many businesses defer their plans because they believe it’s “not the right time.” In reality, most grants have narrow windows. Wait too long, and the funding is gone.
Assuming You’re Not Eligible Public funding isn’t just for deep-tech startups or cleantech firms. It supports marketing, recruitment, training, IT upgrades, and much more.
DIY Grant Applications Too many companies go it alone. But one wrong number, one missed document, or one misinterpreted eligibility clause can ruin your chances.

helloDarwin addresses all three by offering structure, automation, and expert support from the start.

A Cultural Shift in How Businesses See Funding

The deeper mission of helloDarwin isn’t just technological—it’s cultural.

It’s about creating a new reflex in business planning: "We have a project. Let’s see what support exists for it." It’s about empowering even the smallest businesses to dream bigger, knowing that capital is accessible, and the roadmap to get it is clear.

A company that integrates grants into its financial strategy can:

Innovate without draining its runway
Recruit more confidently
Accelerate product launches
De-risk export strategies
Improve retention through training and benefits

Grants don’t just lower costs. They unlock momentum.

Grant and FundingClosed

Quebec, Canada

MTRIC — PARTENAR-IA — Industry

Metal Transformation Research and Innovation Consortium (MTRIC)

Funding for Quebec metal transformation innovative collaborations in AI

Eligible Funding

Max. ${{count}}
Up to 35% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
Manufacturing

Types of eligible projects

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)TECHNOLOGY

Quebec, Canada

Québec city — Supporting the development of the Saint-Roch district

Grant and FundingLoans and Capital investmentsOpen

Québec, Quebec

Québec city — Supporting the development of the Saint-Roch district

Quebec City

Financial support for business development projects in Saint-Roch

Eligible Funding

Max. ${{count}}
Up to 25% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Information and cultural industries
Finance and insurance
Professional, scientific and technical services
Arts, entertainment and recreation

Types of eligible projects

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)TECHNOLOGYINNOVATIONDIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Québec, Quebec

Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) for Northern Ontario

Grant and FundingOpen

Ontario, Canada

Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) for Northern Ontario

Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor)

Funding AI commercialization and adoption in Northern Ontario businesses

Eligible Funding

Up to 75% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
Manufacturing
Health care and social assistance

Types of eligible projects

COMMERCIALIZATIONARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)

Ontario, Canada

Grant and FundingClosed

Ontario, Canada

FedDev — Funding for southern Ontario

Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev)

Funding for businesses in southern Ontario by FedDev Ontario.

Eligible Funding

From $125,000 to $10,000,000

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Information and cultural industries
Professional, scientific and technical services
Health care and social assistance

Types of eligible projects

COMMERCIALIZATIONARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)TECHNOLOGYENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATEINNOVATION

Ontario, Canada

Grant and FundingClosed

Quebec, Canada

CQRDA — PARTENAR-IA — Business

Centre québécois de recherche et de développement de l’aluminium (CQRDA)

Funding for Quebec innovative collaborations in AI, using aluminium

Eligible Funding

Max. ${{count}}
Up to 50% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
Construction
Manufacturing

Types of eligible projects

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)TECHNOLOGYINNOVATION

Quebec, Canada

Download the official 2025 grants guide

Access key insights to maximize your funding opportunities

Understand the different funding programs and find the best options for your business.

Unlock Your Business’s Full Potential with Government Grants and Financial Aid

Discover How Much Grant Funding Your Business Can Access

Innovation and R&D grants for companies developing new products, services, or technologies.
Export and international expansion subsidies to help businesses enter new markets.
Workforce development funding for training, hiring, and upskilling employees.
Green energy and sustainability grants for eco-friendly initiatives and energy-efficient projects.
Startup and entrepreneur support programs for new businesses seeking capital and resources.

Maximize Your Business Growth with Non-Repayable Financial Assistance

Take Advantage of Government Funding Opportunities Today

Grant and FundingClosed

Quebec, Canada

PARTENAR-IA — MEDTEQ+ — Industry

Consortium de recherche et d’innovation en technologies médicales du Québec

Funding for Quebec innovative collaborations in AI for health technologies

Eligible Funding

Max. ${{count}}
Up to 50% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
Manufacturing
Health care and social assistance

Types of eligible projects

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)TECHNOLOGYINNOVATION

Quebec, Canada

CED Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative

Grant and FundingClosed

Quebec, Canada

CED Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

Funding to recover Quebec's aerospace sector

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing

Types of eligible projects

COMMERCIALIZATIONARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATEDIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Quebec, Canada

Grant and FundingClosed

Quebec, Quebec

CRIBIQ — PARTENAR-IA — Industry

Consortium de recherche et d'innovations en bioprocédés industriels au Québec (CRIBIQ)

Funding for Quebec innovative collaborations in AI

Eligible Funding

Max. ${{count}}
Up to 75% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Manufacturing
Professional, scientific and technical services
Other services (except public administration)

Types of eligible projects

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)

Quebec, Quebec

The Artificial Intelligence innovation funding program (PIIA) - Part 2 : SMEs

Grant and FundingClosed

Quebec, Canada

The Artificial Intelligence innovation funding program (PIIA) - Part 2 : SMEs

PROMPT

AI Innovation Funding Program for Quebec Businesses

Eligible Funding

Max. ${{count}}
Up to 50% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Information and cultural industries
Professional, scientific and technical services
Other services (except public administration)

Types of eligible projects

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)TECHNOLOGYINNOVATION

Quebec, Canada

Innovation Program — Stream 1 – Support for mobilising projects

Grant and FundingSuspended

Montréal, Quebec

Innovation Program — Stream 1 – Support for mobilising projects

Investissement Québec (IQ)

Transport technology innovation projects funding in Quebec

Eligible Funding

From $4,000,000 to $10
Up to 50% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Transportation and warehousing

Types of eligible projects

COMMERCIALIZATIONARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)TECHNOLOGYENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATEINNOVATION

Montréal, Quebec

Find tailored funding for your business

Discover more funding opportunities on the helloDarwin platform

Look through over 3000 grants, tax credits, loans and more financial aid on the helloDarwin application.

Imagine this: a fast-growing technology startup in Montreal is ready to expand internationally. They’ve built a solid team, developed an innovative SaaS product, and attracted their first round of investors. But as they prepare to hire new talent and scale operations abroad, they face a familiar roadblock—budget constraints. What they don’t realize is that there are government grants that could cover up to 75% of their next hire's salary and fund a good portion of their export marketing campaign. The only problem? They don’t know these programs exist, and even if they did, they wouldn’t know where to start.

This is exactly the problem helloDarwin set out to solve.

In Canada, there are thousands of grant programs available to support business development, innovation, sustainability, digitalization, and more. Yet navigating this ecosystem is like walking through a maze: confusing, technical, time-consuming, and—more often than not—discouraging. The result? Countless companies leave money on the table every year.

helloDarwin’s grant platform is flipping the script by turning complexity into clarity and making funding a strategic advantage for Canadian businesses of all sizes.

The Vision: A Smarter Way to Fund Business Growth

At its core, helloDarwin’s grant platform is built on a simple but powerful idea: funding should empower businesses, not overwhelm them.

Rather than forcing companies to research, interpret, and apply for grants on their own, helloDarwin offers an integrated digital solution that streamlines the entire process—from discovery to application, and even post-approval support.

This vision is rooted in the company’s broader mission: helping Canadian businesses thrive through smart connections. While helloDarwin originally made its name as a B2B matchmaking platform between businesses and service providers, its grant platform marks a bold and logical evolution: solving a systemic challenge with scalable impact.

Step 1: Discovery Made Easy

The first hurdle most companies face with grants is simply knowing what’s out there. With over 3,000 active programs available from federal, provincial, and municipal governments—not to mention sector-specific or innovation-focused initiatives—most businesses don’t have the time or resources to sort through the noise.

That’s where helloDarwin’s discovery engine comes in.

By inputting basic information—such as location, industry, company size, and project goals—users are instantly matched with relevant programs tailored to their needs. The platform’s smart algorithms cross-reference eligibility criteria with real-time data, surfacing only the most promising opportunities.

This eliminates guesswork and opens doors to programs that many companies never knew they were eligible for. A food processor in rural Ontario might find a grant for green packaging innovation. A Vancouver-based marketing agency may qualify for wage subsidies for creative hires. A manufacturing company in Halifax could discover federal funds for equipment modernization.

Step 2: Clear Guidance and Next Steps

Finding a grant is just the beginning. The real challenge begins when companies try to translate program guidelines into action. What are the actual funding limits? How are expenses defined? What paperwork is required? How long does approval take? What’s reimbursed, and what’s not?

helloDarwin’s platform demystifies these questions by offering clear, step-by-step breakdowns of each program: key dates, financial caps, co-funding ratios, admissible costs, and how to prepare a strong application. This reduces friction and helps companies build a confident, executable plan.

Step 3: Human Expertise When It Matters Most

Even the best-designed digital tools have their limits. That’s why helloDarwin complements its technology with real human expertise—grant advisors, funding strategists, and technical writers who know the process inside out.

For businesses that want to maximize their chances of approval, these experts step in to:

Review and validate eligibility
Write or revise grant applications
Build strong business cases aligned with funding priorities
Ensure deadlines are met
Coordinate post-funding reporting

This hybrid model—automation plus consultation—ensures that users get the best of both worlds. It’s fast and accessible for simple cases, and strategic and personalized for more complex projects.

And because helloDarwin is deeply embedded in the business services ecosystem, its advisors also help connect users with certified service providers—consultants, developers, training firms—who can execute the funded work.

Built for Real Business Use Cases

One of the most compelling aspects of the helloDarwin platform is its adaptability to real-life business scenarios. Here are just a few examples of how companies use the platform:

1. The AI Startup Expanding to Europe

A Montreal-based AI startup wants to open a sales office in Germany. With helloDarwin, they discover a combination of export development grants, translation subsidies, and hiring incentives that reduce their international expansion costs by 60%. With grant experts supporting their application, they secure the funds within two months and focus on entering the new market with confidence.

2. The Manufacturing Company Going Green

A mid-sized manufacturer in Ontario needs to modernize its equipment to reduce its carbon footprint. Using helloDarwin’s platform, they match with four green innovation programs that together cover 70% of the investment. The platform connects them with a sustainability consultant and a grant writer—both familiar with the funders' expectations.

3. The Agency Hiring Young Talent

A Toronto-based creative agency wants to hire two recent graduates but fears they can’t afford the full salaries. With helloDarwin’s help, they discover wage subsidy programs for youth employment. The grants cover 80% of the salary for the first six months, allowing them to hire sooner and accelerate delivery.

A Platform That Grows With You

helloDarwin’s platform isn’t just for one-time projects—it’s designed to become a strategic companion as businesses evolve. As companies grow, pivot, or explore new markets, the platform adapts, updating its recommendations and surfacing new opportunities.

Users can track application statuses, upload documents, and collaborate with consultants directly through the platform. They can also explore industry trends, funding cycles, and newly launched programs relevant to their sector.

It’s more than a transactional tool—it’s a business intelligence asset that supports growth over the long term.

Why It Works: Trust, Transparency, and Efficiency

Three values underpin the success of helloDarwin’s grant platform:

Trust Businesses know they are getting objective, vetted information—not biased promotions or limited program listings. The platform operates independently of government agencies and focuses on delivering value to its users first.
Transparency All fees (where applicable) and engagement terms are clear. Grant estimates are realistic, based on program rules, and users are guided toward opportunities that genuinely match their profiles.
Efficiency In a world where time is money, the platform reduces the time spent searching, guessing, and redoing failed submissions. From onboarding to approval, every step is optimized for speed and simplicity.

Making Grants a Growth Habit

Perhaps the greatest long-term value of helloDarwin’s platform is cultural. It helps businesses shift from viewing grants as a bonus—or a last resort—to seeing them as a routine part of their funding strategy.

This change in mindset has ripple effects. Companies that consistently use grants can:

Experiment with innovative ideas without bearing all the risk
Hire sooner, train better, and retain more talent
Invest in technology and sustainability with confidence
Build resilience against market shocks or supply chain disruptions
Gain recognition and trust from investors, clients, and government partners

Grants become not just about reducing costs, but about unlocking potential.

Who Is It For?

The helloDarwin grant platform is purpose-built for:

Startups exploring early-stage growth and hiring
SMEs seeking to modernize or expand internationally
Manufacturers aiming to automate or go green
Professional service firms investing in tools, marketing, or skills
Nonprofits and social enterprises scaling their impact

It’s ideal for companies with lean teams, limited admin bandwidth, and high-impact ideas that need a push to launch.

A New Standard for Funding Access

helloDarwin’s platform doesn’t just make it easier to access grants—it raises the bar for what businesses should expect from the process. No more fragmented research, unreadable PDF guides, or rushed last-minute applications. Instead, it offers a guided, intelligent, and empowering experience that brings grants into the heart of business planning.

In doing so, it supports a more dynamic, resilient, and forward-looking Canadian economy—one company at a time.

Other SupportGrant and FundingExpert AdviceOpen

Quebec, Canada

Startup in residence

Desjardins

Accelerator for Canadian tech startups with expert-led support

Eligible Funding

Max. ${{count}}

Eligible Industries

Finance and insurance
Real estate and rental and leasing
Professional, scientific and technical services
Health care and social assistance

Types of eligible projects

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)TECHNOLOGYENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATEINNOVATIONDIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Quebec, Canada

Other SupportGrant and FundingExpert AdviceOpen

Canada

DIANA — Challenge Call

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)

Accelerates dual-use technology solutions for critical NATO challenges

Eligible Funding

From $100,000 to $400,000

Eligible Industries

All industries

Types of eligible projects

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)TECHNOLOGYENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATEINNOVATION

Canada

Grant and FundingClosed

Quebec, Canada

MTRIC — PSO SME

Metal Transformation Research and Innovation Consortium (MTRIC)

Funding for industrial research projects

Eligible Funding

Max. ${{count}}
Up to 40% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
Manufacturing

Types of eligible projects

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)TECHNOLOGYINNOVATION

Quebec, Canada

Grant and FundingClosed

Quebec, Canada

Propulsion Fund

MRC Beauharnois-Salaberry

Stimulating innovation to accelerate business growth

Eligible Funding

Max. ${{count}}
Up to 75% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Information and cultural industries
Professional, scientific and technical services
Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services

Types of eligible projects

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)TECHNOLOGYINNOVATIONDIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Quebec, Canada

Grant and FundingExpert AdviceClosed

Quebec, Canada

My Digital Success

CCTT Network - Synchronex

Support for a digital shift in Quebec

Eligible Funding

Max. ${{count}}
Up to 75% of project cost

Eligible Industries

All industries

Types of eligible projects

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)TECHNOLOGYDIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Quebec, Canada

Tired of scrolling through all these programs?

Filter funding opportunities relevant for your company on the helloDarwin platform

Sort over 3,000 business funds by your industry, projects and location with helloDarwin's free app.

In today’s fast-paced economic environment, where innovation, digital transformation, and competitiveness require ongoing investment, grants and public funding are crucial tools for business success. However, despite the abundance of available programs, many businesses underuse them—often due to their complexity, lack of awareness, or the administrative burden required to apply.

That’s where helloDarwin’s grant platform comes in: a centralized, intelligent, and guided solution designed to help companies gain faster, easier access to the financial support they’re entitled to.

A Platform Designed for Modern Business Needs

helloDarwin’s grant platform was designed to match the realities of today’s businesses. It caters to all types of organizations—from startups and SMEs to nonprofits and scaling enterprises—with a clear mission: to offer a centralized, tech-driven, and human-supported entry point to the world of grants and government funding.

Thanks to its user-friendly interface and smart search engine, businesses can instantly identify the most relevant grants for their needs. Whether the goal is to hire talent, develop new technologies, expand internationally, or embrace sustainable practices, the platform offers comprehensive support—from identifying relevant programs to finalizing the funding application.

A Vast and Continuously Updated Grant Database

One of the platform’s key strengths lies in its extensive database of over 3,000 grant and funding programs, covering local, provincial, and federal opportunities across Canada. This ensures that businesses can discover the full spectrum of available funding—whether it’s for digitalization, workforce development, marketing, sustainability, or infrastructure.

The database is constantly updated to reflect new funding programs, changes in eligibility criteria, and submission deadlines. Businesses using the platform benefit from up-to-date, relevant information that allows them to act at the right time, with the right tools.

Personalized and Smart Grant Matching

helloDarwin offers more than just a directory. With just a few details—such as your business sector, location, size, and project type—the platform provides a personalized eligibility analysis. The built-in estimator also allows users to forecast the amounts they might receive, helping them make better-informed strategic decisions.

This initial simulation is completely free and offers businesses a quick understanding of their grant potential. Instead of postponing important projects due to budget constraints, companies can explore viable financial support options that make those projects feasible sooner than expected.

Full-Service Expert Support

Applying for grants can be overwhelming: deciphering eligibility, preparing required documents, writing persuasive proposals, and tracking deadlines. helloDarwin solves this by providing end-to-end support through its network of experts and funding consultants.

These professionals assist with every stage of the process—from eligibility assessment and document preparation to submission and follow-up. Businesses benefit from a turnkey service that maximizes success rates while minimizing internal workload.

This also helps avoid common mistakes—missing a submission date, providing incomplete information, or misunderstanding program rules—that could jeopardize a funding application. With helloDarwin’s experts at their side, companies can approach the grant process with confidence and focus on their core operations.

Diverse Project Categories and Funding Options

helloDarwin’s platform accommodates a wide variety of business projects, making it a valuable tool regardless of the company’s size or industry. Whether you’re a manufacturer looking to automate your production line, a service provider rolling out a new CRM, or a food producer aiming to expand internationally, there’s likely a grant program that fits your goals.

Popular funding categories include:

Digital Transformation: software, cybersecurity, automation, AI
Human Resources: hiring graduates, professional training, retention
Export & Market Development: trade missions, translation, digital campaigns
Sustainability: energy efficiency, waste management, eco-certification
R&D & Innovation: product development, process improvement, prototyping
Infrastructure & Capital Assets: renovations, equipment purchases, workspace upgrades

Many programs offer reimbursement rates ranging from 25% to over 90% of eligible costs, and some can be combined for even greater impact.

Direct Impact on Business Performance

By simplifying access to funding, helloDarwin empowers businesses to lower their investment risk, accelerate project timelines, and enhance their competitiveness. The effect is tangible: a delayed project can be launched; a strategic hire can be made; an international expansion can be undertaken under more favorable conditions.

Long-term, businesses that take advantage of grants become more productive, attract better talent, increase market visibility, and strengthen their credibility with stakeholders. In this way, grants become more than just financial support—they are a strategic management tool that fosters long-term resilience and innovation.

A Perfect Balance of Technology and Human Support

helloDarwin’s hybrid approach—combining smart digital tools with real human expertise—is what sets it apart. Users benefit from a sleek, efficient platform that helps them search, filter, and evaluate funding opportunities, as well as direct access to professionals who help them turn those opportunities into concrete results.

This makes the platform suitable for all types of users. Independent business owners can self-navigate and explore grants at their own pace, while those looking for complete support can rely on dedicated experts for a hands-free experience. The result is a flexible, scalable, and personalized solution that adapts to every business profile.

Strengthening the Canadian Business Ecosystem

Beyond individual companies, helloDarwin’s grant platform plays a key role in strengthening Canada’s broader business ecosystem. By making grants more accessible, it helps stimulate innovation, encourage sustainable growth, support post-pandemic recovery, and accelerate digital and green transitions across sectors.

It also fosters collaboration among businesses, consultants, and service providers. helloDarwin’s marketplace allows grant recipients to easily connect with vetted professionals—marketing agencies, IT consultants, sustainability experts—who can help execute their funded projects.

This dynamic ecosystem not only improves outcomes for funded initiatives but also contributes to a more connected and supportive business community.

A Simple and Accessible Process

Signing up is easy and quick. Users create a business profile, answer a short questionnaire, and within minutes receive a tailored overview of their funding options. The estimator tool is free to use, and the initial consultation with a funding advisor is offered at no charge.

This makes the platform accessible even to small companies without in-house financial or grant expertise. It effectively democratizes access to public funding, ensuring that all businesses—not just large corporations—can take full advantage of government programs.

From Idea to Execution: Enabling Growth

helloDarwin’s platform guides businesses from the first spark of an idea to successful grant application and project execution. It encourages strategic thinking: What goals can we reach if we access the right support? How can we grow faster, smarter, and more sustainably with public funds?

Rather than viewing grants as optional or secondary, companies that use helloDarwin’s platform begin to see them as a key component of their business strategy. Whether investing in digital tools, hiring for the future, reducing environmental impact, or entering new markets, grants can be the enabler that turns vision into reality.

Innovation in Quantum Technologies — Stream 3

Grant and FundingClosed

Quebec, Canada

Innovation in Quantum Technologies — Stream 3

Ministère de l'économie, de l'innovation et de l'énergie du Québec (MEIE)

Money for collaborative projects in partnership with public research centres

Eligible Funding

Max. ${{count}}
Up to 35% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
Construction
Manufacturing

Types of eligible projects

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)TECHNOLOGY

Quebec, Canada

Genomic Innovations: Energy and Environmental Solutions

Partnering and CollaborationGrant and FundingOpen

Alberta, Canada

Genomic Innovations: Energy and Environmental Solutions

Genome Alberta

Supports genomics-driven solutions for energy and environmental sectors

Eligible Funding

From $300,000 to $750,000

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
Utilities
Professional, scientific and technical services

Types of eligible projects

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)TECHNOLOGYENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATEINNOVATION

Alberta, Canada

Financial assistance program for businesses in physical activities (PAFEMAP)

Grant and FundingOpenClosing Soon

Quebec, Canada

Financial assistance program for businesses in physical activities (PAFEMAP)

Ministry of Education (QC)

Financial support for workplace physical activity initiatives

Eligible Funding

Max. ${{count}}
Up to 80% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Educational services
Health care and social assistance
Arts, entertainment and recreation

Types of eligible projects

COMMERCIALIZATIONARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)TECHNOLOGYENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATEHUMAN RESOURCESBUSINESS BUYOUTINNOVATIONDIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Quebec, Canada

Laval économique — Tech shift – Manufacturing

Grant and FundingOpen

Laval, Quebec

Laval économique — Tech shift – Manufacturing

Laval Economique

Digital transformation grants for Laval manufacturers

Eligible Funding

Max. ${{count}}
Up to 25% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing

Types of eligible projects

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Laval, Quebec

Grant and FundingOpening Soon

Québec, Quebec

Défi-Québec, an entrepreneurial city

Quebec City

Leverage innovative projects for significant financial support and enhanced business growth

Eligible Funding

Max. ${{count}}
Up to 50% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Utilities
Manufacturing
Information and cultural industries
Professional, scientific and technical services

Types of eligible projects

COMMERCIALIZATIONARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)TECHNOLOGYENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATEINNOVATION

Québec, Quebec

Find the right AI grant for your business

Finance an increase in productivity with funding in machine learning

Intellectual Property Rights

Tax Credits and Incentives

Federal Tax Credits

Provincial Tax Benefits

Support for Business Development

Economic Growth Initiatives

Tech Clusters Funding

Innovation in Technology

Small to Medium-Sized Enterprises

Online Development Platforms

Collaboration and Partnerships

Government-Industry Cooperation

Support for AI Research

Grant and FundingClosed

Canada

Protein Industries Canada — Artificial Intelligence

Protein Industries Canada

Accelerating the translation of AI research into commercial innovations, benefiting Canada's plant-based and agrifood sector.

Eligible Funding

Up to 45% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Manufacturing

Types of eligible projects

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)INNOVATION

Canada

Export 4.0 program — Advanced and Intelligent Technologies

Partnering and CollaborationGrant and FundingOpen

Quebec, Canada

Export 4.0 program — Advanced and Intelligent Technologies

Excellence industrielle Saint-Laurent

Supports Quebec businesses in expanding with advanced technologies

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Information and cultural industries
Professional, scientific and technical services

Types of eligible projects

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)TECHNOLOGYDIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Quebec, Canada

Grant and FundingClosed

Canada

CFIN NextGen Food Innovators

Canadian Food Innovation Network (CFIN)

Funds student ventures in food technology innovation development

Eligible Funding

From $5,000 to $10,000
Up to 100% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Accommodation and food services

Types of eligible projects

COMMERCIALIZATIONARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)TECHNOLOGYINNOVATION

Canada

Quebec International — Set up or expand a business

Expert AdviceOpen

Québec, Quebec

Quebec International — Set up or expand a business

Québec International

Support to start or grow a business in Quebec City

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Information and cultural industries
Finance and insurance
Health care and social assistance

Types of eligible projects

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)TECHNOLOGYHUMAN RESOURCESBUSINESS BUYOUTINNOVATIONDIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Québec, Quebec

AI Sovereign Compute Infrastructure Program

Researchers And FacilitiesPartnering and CollaborationGrant and FundingClosed

Canada

AI Sovereign Compute Infrastructure Program

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)

Supports Canadian AI innovation with advanced national computing infrastructure

Eligible Funding

Max. ${{count}}

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Information and cultural industries
Professional, scientific and technical services
Educational services

Types of eligible projects

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)

Canada

Discover how much grant funding is available for your business

Subsidize your projects with government financial aid

Use our free grant estimator to quickly identify the available grant amounts for which your company may be eligible.

Unlock Your Business’s Full Potential with Government Grants and Financial Aid

Discover How Much Grant Funding Your Business Can Access

Innovation and R&D grants for companies developing new products, services, or technologies.
Export and international expansion subsidies to help businesses enter new markets.
Workforce development funding for training, hiring, and upskilling employees.
Green energy and sustainability grants for eco-friendly initiatives and energy-efficient projects.
Startup and entrepreneur support programs for new businesses seeking capital and resources.

Maximize Your Business Growth with Non-Repayable Financial Assistance

Take Advantage of Government Funding Opportunities Today

Grant and FundingOpen

Quebec, Canada

PARTENAR-IA — CRIAQ — Academic

Consortium for Research and Innovation in Aerospace in Quebec (CRIAQ)

Funding for Quebec aerospace R&D collaborations in AI

Eligible Funding

Max. ${{count}}
Up to 40% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Transportation and warehousing

Types of eligible projects

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)INNOVATION

Quebec, Canada

Grant and FundingClosed

Canada

Canada - UK 2024-2025 multisector collaborative industrial research and development

National Research Council Canada (NRC)

Canada-UK collaborative R&D projects for commercialization potential

Eligible Funding

Max. ${{count}}
Up to 50% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Information and cultural industries
Professional, scientific and technical services
Health care and social assistance

Types of eligible projects

COMMERCIALIZATIONARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)TECHNOLOGYENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATEINNOVATION

Canada

Artificial Intelligence Behaviour Monitoring Solution

Grant and FundingClosed

Canada

Artificial Intelligence Behaviour Monitoring Solution

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)

Accelerate small business R&D with comprehensive financial support and commercialization pathways.

Eligible Funding

Max. ${{count}}

Eligible Industries

Public administration

Types of eligible projects

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)

Canada

Grant and FundingOpen

Ontario, Canada

Intellectual Property Ontario

Government of Ontario

Funding support for Ontario-based SMEs in tech and innovation sectors

Eligible Funding

Up to 80% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
Manufacturing
Professional, scientific and technical services

Types of eligible projects

COMMERCIALIZATIONARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)TECHNOLOGY

Ontario, Canada

Grant and FundingClosed

Canada

Canada Arts Presentation Fund — Programming: Presenter Support Organizations

Government of Canada

Supports organizations enhancing Canadian arts presentation sector professionalism

Eligible Funding

Max. ${{count}}
Up to 25% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Educational services
Arts, entertainment and recreation
Public administration

Types of eligible projects

COMMERCIALIZATIONARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)TECHNOLOGYENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATEHUMAN RESOURCESBUSINESS BUYOUTINNOVATIONDIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Canada

Access over 3000 different funding opportunities

Try the helloDarwin platform today and find programs that fit your needs

The helloDarwin application makes it easy to unlock grants so your business can grow faster—with less hassle and more impact.

That’s the problem helloDarwin set out to solve with its grant platform—a tool designed not only to uncover hidden opportunities but to turn them into engines for business growth.

The Reality: Entrepreneurs Don’t Have Time to Chase 28 Government Websites

No guesswork. No 100-page PDFs. No copy-pasting into spreadsheets at 10 p.m. Just a straight line from idea to opportunity—and from opportunity to execution.

Not a Promise. A Proven Process.

Explore — Use a dynamic tool to identify relevant programs based on your business profile, project goals, and sector.
Estimate — Get a personalized forecast of potential funding amounts.
Act — Access expert support to write, file, and manage your grant application all the way through approval.

On the Ground: “We Thought It Wasn’t for Us”

Within 15 minutes, she found she was eligible for:

80% funding for upskilling her team
Up to $50,000 for a digital process transformation
Export assistance for her eco-certified furniture line

With expert help from the platform’s network, two applications were submitted within six weeks. Three months later, the funds were flowing.

Her team kept working. She didn’t miss a single client meeting. The paperwork? Someone else handled it.

The Secret Weapon: Human Expertise + Automated Insight

Once a relevant program is identified, users can activate support from:

Grant application specialists
Financial and tax consultants
Industry-specific advisors (tech, manufacturing, sustainability…)

These professionals know how to speak the language of funding agencies, avoid technical pitfalls, and build credible, compelling submissions that align with government priorities.

Grants as Strategy, Not Serendipity

One of the key cultural shifts that helloDarwin enables is this: stop seeing grants as a bonus. Start using them as a core business strategy.

By integrating public funding into your business roadmap, you can plan projects more effectively, make smarter investments, and time your initiatives with upcoming funding windows.

Take, for instance, a company that plans to hire three engineers in Q2 of next year. With helloDarwin, they can:

See which programs will be active
Prepare their documentation in advance
Maximize their reimbursement rate (often 50%–75%)
Accelerate hiring without overextending cash flow

This is not opportunism. It’s strategic resource allocation—backed by public funding that already exists.

A Platform That Evolves With You

Grants are seasonal. Programs change. Budgets close. That’s why a truly valuable tool must be living, adaptive, and proactive.

helloDarwin’s grant platform updates in real time. Its users receive alerts when:

A new program launches in their region or sector
Their business becomes eligible for something previously unavailable
A deadline is approaching for a high-value grant

It becomes a funding radar, embedded in your growth planning—not a tool you only use in times of desperation.

Who Is It For?

The answer is simple: any business with a project to fund. That includes:

Startups in early or late stages
SMEs looking to modernize
Manufacturers planning to automate
Creative firms digitizing their services
Exporters preparing to go global
Green innovators solving environmental challenges

Whether you're running a two-person creative agency or a 50-person industrial operation, there are grants for you. The only thing missing is a way to find them—and a partner to help unlock them.

Building an Ecosystem, Not Just a Platform

helloDarwin doesn’t work in isolation. It collaborates with:

Local economic development organizations
Industry associations and chambers of commerce
Banks and financial institutions
Professional service firms and consultants

This ecosystem allows the platform to not only recommend funding, but also connect users with vetted experts and service providers who can execute the projects being funded.

Need help building your e-commerce site, launching your ESG strategy, or hiring an export advisor? helloDarwin connects the dots—from funding to fulfillment.

Three Common Mistakes That helloDarwin Helps You Avoid

Waiting Too Long Many businesses defer their plans because they believe it’s “not the right time.” In reality, most grants have narrow windows. Wait too long, and the funding is gone.
Assuming You’re Not Eligible Public funding isn’t just for deep-tech startups or cleantech firms. It supports marketing, recruitment, training, IT upgrades, and much more.
DIY Grant Applications Too many companies go it alone. But one wrong number, one missed document, or one misinterpreted eligibility clause can ruin your chances.

helloDarwin addresses all three by offering structure, automation, and expert support from the start.

A Cultural Shift in How Businesses See Funding

The deeper mission of helloDarwin isn’t just technological—it’s cultural.

A company that integrates grants into its financial strategy can:

Innovate without draining its runway
Recruit more confidently
Accelerate product launches
De-risk export strategies
Improve retention through training and benefits

Grants don’t just lower costs. They unlock momentum.

Grant and FundingClosed

Nova Scotia, Canada

Volta AI

Volta

Helping artificial intelligence supply chain companies scale

Eligible Funding

Max. ${{count}}

Eligible Industries

Professional, scientific and technical services

Types of eligible projects

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)

Nova Scotia, Canada

Grant and FundingClosed

Quebec, Canada

CQDM — PARTENAR-IA — Industry

Quebec Consortium for Drug Discovery (CQDM)

Funding for Quebec innovative biopharmaceutical collaborations in AI

Eligible Funding

Max. ${{count}}
Up to 35% of project cost

Eligible Industries

All industries

Types of eligible projects

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)TECHNOLOGYCONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION INNOVATION

Quebec, Canada

Grant and FundingOpen

Quebec, Canada

CQDM — PARTENAR-IA — Academic

Quebec Consortium for Drug Discovery (CQDM)

Funding for Quebec biopharmaceutical R&D collaborations in AI

Eligible Funding

Max. ${{count}}
Up to 50% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Health care and social assistance

Types of eligible projects

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)

Quebec, Canada

Alberta Innovates — Alberta Scaleup and Growth Accelerators Program

Other SupportPartnering and CollaborationExpert AdviceOpen

Alberta, Canada

Alberta Innovates — Alberta Scaleup and Growth Accelerators Program

Government of Alberta

Accelerator program for entrepreneurs in Alberta

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Information and cultural industries
Health care and social assistance
Public administration

Types of eligible projects

COMMERCIALIZATIONARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)TECHNOLOGYINNOVATION

Alberta, Canada

Expert AdviceOpen

Quebec, Canada

NUMERIA program

Computer Research Institute of Montreal (CRIM)

Training in Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Quebec SMEs

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Information and cultural industries
Professional, scientific and technical services
Health care and social assistance

Types of eligible projects

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)TECHNOLOGYINNOVATION

Quebec, Canada

Download the official 2025 grants guide

Access key insights to maximize your funding opportunities

Understand the different funding programs and find the best options for your business.

Unlock Your Business’s Full Potential with Government Grants and Financial Aid

Discover How Much Grant Funding Your Business Can Access

Innovation and R&D grants for companies developing new products, services, or technologies.
Export and international expansion subsidies to help businesses enter new markets.
Workforce development funding for training, hiring, and upskilling employees.
Green energy and sustainability grants for eco-friendly initiatives and energy-efficient projects.
Startup and entrepreneur support programs for new businesses seeking capital and resources.

Maximize Your Business Growth with Non-Repayable Financial Assistance

Take Advantage of Government Funding Opportunities Today

Tax CreditsOpen

Ontario, Canada

Farm Property Class Tax Rate Program

Agricorp

Provides reduced property tax rates for eligible Ontario farmland owners

Eligible Funding

Up to 25% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting

Types of eligible projects

COMMERCIALIZATIONARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)TECHNOLOGYENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATEHUMAN RESOURCESBUSINESS BUYOUTINNOVATIONDIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Ontario, Canada

FedDev — Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative – Adoption Pillar 2 – Businesses

Grant and FundingClosed

Ontario, Canada

FedDev — Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative – Adoption Pillar 2 – Businesses

Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev)

Unlock your company's potential with cutting-edge AI advancements

Eligible Funding

Max. ${{count}}
Up to 50% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Transportation and warehousing
Finance and insurance
Health care and social assistance

Types of eligible projects

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)

Ontario, Canada

CAAIN — Livestock Innovation Program 2024

Grant and FundingArchived

Canada

CAAIN — Livestock Innovation Program 2024

Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network (CAAIN)

Advancing livestock efficiency through technological innovation and research

Eligible Funding

Max. ${{count}}
Up to 40% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting

Types of eligible projects

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)TECHNOLOGYENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATEINNOVATION

Canada

CAAIN — Livestock Innovation Program 2025

Grant and FundingOpen

Canada

CAAIN — Livestock Innovation Program 2025

Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network (CAAIN)

Funding for innovation in Canadian livestock technology and research

Eligible Funding

Max. ${{count}}
Up to 40% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting

Types of eligible projects

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)TECHNOLOGYINNOVATIONDIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Canada

NGen — AI For Manufacturing Challenge 2024

Grant and FundingArchived

Canada

NGen — AI For Manufacturing Challenge 2024

Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen)

Support the commercialization of AI/ML solutions in Canadian manufacturing

Eligible Funding

From $1 to $2,100,000
Up to 35% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing

Types of eligible projects

COMMERCIALIZATIONARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Canada

Find tailored funding for your business

Discover more funding opportunities on the helloDarwin platform

Look through over 3000 grants, tax credits, loans and more financial aid on the helloDarwin application.

This is exactly the problem helloDarwin set out to solve.

helloDarwin’s grant platform is flipping the script by turning complexity into clarity and making funding a strategic advantage for Canadian businesses of all sizes.

The Vision: A Smarter Way to Fund Business Growth

At its core, helloDarwin’s grant platform is built on a simple but powerful idea: funding should empower businesses, not overwhelm them.

Step 1: Discovery Made Easy

That’s where helloDarwin’s discovery engine comes in.

Step 2: Clear Guidance and Next Steps

Step 3: Human Expertise When It Matters Most

For businesses that want to maximize their chances of approval, these experts step in to:

Review and validate eligibility
Write or revise grant applications
Build strong business cases aligned with funding priorities
Ensure deadlines are met
Coordinate post-funding reporting

Built for Real Business Use Cases

One of the most compelling aspects of the helloDarwin platform is its adaptability to real-life business scenarios. Here are just a few examples of how companies use the platform:

1. The AI Startup Expanding to Europe

2. The Manufacturing Company Going Green

3. The Agency Hiring Young Talent

A Platform That Grows With You

It’s more than a transactional tool—it’s a business intelligence asset that supports growth over the long term.

Why It Works: Trust, Transparency, and Efficiency

Three values underpin the success of helloDarwin’s grant platform:

Trust Businesses know they are getting objective, vetted information—not biased promotions or limited program listings. The platform operates independently of government agencies and focuses on delivering value to its users first.
Transparency All fees (where applicable) and engagement terms are clear. Grant estimates are realistic, based on program rules, and users are guided toward opportunities that genuinely match their profiles.
Efficiency In a world where time is money, the platform reduces the time spent searching, guessing, and redoing failed submissions. From onboarding to approval, every step is optimized for speed and simplicity.

Making Grants a Growth Habit

This change in mindset has ripple effects. Companies that consistently use grants can:

Experiment with innovative ideas without bearing all the risk
Hire sooner, train better, and retain more talent
Invest in technology and sustainability with confidence
Build resilience against market shocks or supply chain disruptions
Gain recognition and trust from investors, clients, and government partners

Grants become not just about reducing costs, but about unlocking potential.

Who Is It For?

The helloDarwin grant platform is purpose-built for:

Startups exploring early-stage growth and hiring
SMEs seeking to modernize or expand internationally
Manufacturers aiming to automate or go green
Professional service firms investing in tools, marketing, or skills
Nonprofits and social enterprises scaling their impact

It’s ideal for companies with lean teams, limited admin bandwidth, and high-impact ideas that need a push to launch.

A New Standard for Funding Access

In doing so, it supports a more dynamic, resilient, and forward-looking Canadian economy—one company at a time.

Grant and FundingClosed

Ontario, Canada

INOVAIT Pilot Fund

INOVAIT Canada

Funding for AI-integrated image-guided therapy commercialization projects

Eligible Funding

From $100,000 to $150,000
Up to 3333% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Professional, scientific and technical services
Health care and social assistance

Types of eligible projects

COMMERCIALIZATIONARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)TECHNOLOGY

Ontario, Canada

Grant and FundingClosed

Mauricie, Quebec

ESM — Digital Acceleration

Économie du Savoir Mauricie (ESM)

Boost your business's digital maturity with non-repayable funding

Eligible Funding

Max. ${{count}}
Up to 45% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Information and cultural industries
Professional, scientific and technical services

Types of eligible projects

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Mauricie, Quebec

Alberta Innovates — Enabling Better Health through Artificial Intelligence

Grant and FundingClosed

Alberta, Canada

Alberta Innovates — Enabling Better Health through Artificial Intelligence

Alberta Innovates

AI program for enhancing Alberta's healthcare innovation capabilities

Eligible Funding

Max. ${{count}}

Eligible Industries

Health care and social assistance

Types of eligible projects

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)

Alberta, Canada

Genome Prairie — Precision Health Initiative

Grant and FundingOpen

Canada

Genome Prairie — Precision Health Initiative

Genome Prairie

Genomic precision health initiative for personalized Canadian healthcare

Eligible Funding

Max. ${{count}}
Up to 45% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Health care and social assistance

Types of eligible projects

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)TECHNOLOGYINNOVATION

Canada

Grant and FundingClosed

British Columbia, Canada

Food Processing Growth Fund (FPG)

Investment Agriculture Foundation (IAF)

Supports scaling BC food processors for productivity and growth

Eligible Funding

From $100,000 to $1,000,000
Up to 75% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing

Types of eligible projects

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)TECHNOLOGYCONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION INNOVATION

British Columbia, Canada

Tired of scrolling through all these programs?

Filter funding opportunities relevant for your company on the helloDarwin platform

Sort over 3,000 business funds by your industry, projects and location with helloDarwin's free app.

A Platform Designed for Modern Business Needs

A Vast and Continuously Updated Grant Database

Personalized and Smart Grant Matching

Full-Service Expert Support

Diverse Project Categories and Funding Options

Popular funding categories include:

Digital Transformation: software, cybersecurity, automation, AI
Human Resources: hiring graduates, professional training, retention
Export & Market Development: trade missions, translation, digital campaigns
Sustainability: energy efficiency, waste management, eco-certification
R&D & Innovation: product development, process improvement, prototyping
Infrastructure & Capital Assets: renovations, equipment purchases, workspace upgrades

Many programs offer reimbursement rates ranging from 25% to over 90% of eligible costs, and some can be combined for even greater impact.

Direct Impact on Business Performance

A Perfect Balance of Technology and Human Support

Strengthening the Canadian Business Ecosystem

This dynamic ecosystem not only improves outcomes for funded initiatives but also contributes to a more connected and supportive business community.

A Simple and Accessible Process

From Idea to Execution: Enabling Growth

Expert AdviceOpen

Canada

Standards Council of Canada

Standards Council of Canada (SCC)

Support for businesses to develop and use standards and accreditation services

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Eligible Industries

Professional, scientific and technical services

Types of eligible projects

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)TECHNOLOGYENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATEINNOVATION

Canada

Entrepreneurship and Innovation Fund — Small Businesses or Entrepreneurs Developing Agri-tech and Cleantech Solutions

Grant and FundingClosed

Ontario, Canada

Entrepreneurship and Innovation Fund — Small Businesses or Entrepreneurs Developing Agri-tech and Cleantech Solutions

ventureLAB

Funding for agri-tech and cleantech solutions in York Region

Eligible Funding

Max. ${{count}}

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Manufacturing
Professional, scientific and technical services

Types of eligible projects

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)TECHNOLOGYENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATEINNOVATION

Ontario, Canada

Alberta Innovates — Health Innovation Platform Partnerships Program

Grant and FundingClosed

Alberta, Canada

Alberta Innovates — Health Innovation Platform Partnerships Program

Alberta Innovates

Supports coordinated health innovation ecosystem development in Alberta

Eligible Funding

Max. ${{count}}
Up to 75% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Health care and social assistance

Types of eligible projects

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)TECHNOLOGYINNOVATION

Alberta, Canada

Wage Subsidies And InternsOpen

Ontario, Canada

OVIN — TalentEdge Internship

Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN)

Interns for automotive and smart mobility technology

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Transportation and warehousing
Information and cultural industries
Professional, scientific and technical services

Types of eligible projects

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)TECHNOLOGYINNOVATION

Ontario, Canada

Grant and FundingOpen

Quebec, Canada

SCALE AI — Acceleration

Scale AI Cluster

Supports Canadian AI startups and SMEs focused on value chains

Eligible Funding

Max. ${{count}}

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Transportation and warehousing
Professional, scientific and technical services

Types of eligible projects

COMMERCIALIZATIONARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)INNOVATION

Quebec, Canada

Find the right AI grant for your business

Finance an increase in productivity with funding in machine learning

Intellectual Property Rights

Tax Credits and Incentives

Federal Tax Credits

Provincial Tax Benefits

Support for Business Development

Economic Growth Initiatives

Tech Clusters Funding

Innovation in Technology

Small to Medium-Sized Enterprises

Online Development Platforms

Collaboration and Partnerships

Government-Industry Cooperation

Support for AI Research

CSSP — Lighting the path with AI: Advanced analytics and decision support for first responders

Grant and FundingOpen

Canada

CSSP — Lighting the path with AI: Advanced analytics and decision support for first responders

Department of National Defence

Funding to advance analytics and decision support research

Eligible Funding

Max. ${{count}}

Eligible Industries

Information and cultural industries
Professional, scientific and technical services
Health care and social assistance
Public administration

Types of eligible projects

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)

Canada

Grant and FundingClosed

Alberta, Canada

Reshaping Energy Systems

Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA)

Money to strengthen energy systems in Alberta

Eligible Funding

Min. ${{count}}
Up to 50% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Utilities
Manufacturing
Transportation and warehousing
Professional, scientific and technical services

Types of eligible projects

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)TECHNOLOGYENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATEINNOVATION

Alberta, Canada

Grant and FundingArchived

Montreal, Quebec

PRIMA — PARTENAR-IA — Academic

Advanced Materials Research and Innovation Hub (PRIMA)

Funding for Quebec R&D collaborations in AI for advanced materials

Eligible Funding

Max. ${{count}}
Up to 50% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing

Types of eligible projects

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)

Montreal, Quebec

Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) in the Prairie Provinces

Grant and FundingOpen

Saskatchewan, Canada

Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) in the Prairie Provinces

Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan)

Empower your company's growth and competitiveness by adopting AI through substantial funding opportunities

Eligible Funding

From $250,000 to $5,000,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
Manufacturing
Information and cultural industries

Types of eligible projects

COMMERCIALIZATIONARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Saskatchewan, Canada

Grant and FundingClosed

Quebec, Canada

innovÉÉ — PARTENAR-IA — Academic

innovÉÉ

Funding for Quebec electricity R&D collaborations in AI

Eligible Funding

Max. ${{count}}
Up to 50% of project cost

Eligible Industries

All industries

Types of eligible projects

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)INNOVATION

Quebec, Canada

Discover how much grant funding is available for your business

Subsidize your projects with government financial aid

Use our free grant estimator to quickly identify the available grant amounts for which your company may be eligible.

Unlock Your Business’s Full Potential with Government Grants and Financial Aid

Discover How Much Grant Funding Your Business Can Access

Innovation and R&D grants for companies developing new products, services, or technologies.
Export and international expansion subsidies to help businesses enter new markets.
Workforce development funding for training, hiring, and upskilling employees.
Green energy and sustainability grants for eco-friendly initiatives and energy-efficient projects.
Startup and entrepreneur support programs for new businesses seeking capital and resources.

Maximize Your Business Growth with Non-Repayable Financial Assistance

Take Advantage of Government Funding Opportunities Today

PRIMA — Call For Projects In Artificial Intelligence And Quantum Technologies

Grant and FundingOpen

Quebec, Canada

PRIMA — Call For Projects In Artificial Intelligence And Quantum Technologies

Advanced Materials Research and Innovation Hub (PRIMA)

Funding for AI and quantum technology innovation projects

Eligible Funding

Max. ${{count}}
Up to 35% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Manufacturing
Transportation and warehousing
Information and cultural industries

Types of eligible projects

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)TECHNOLOGYINNOVATION

Quebec, Canada

Grant and FundingClosed

Quebec, Canada

innovÉÉ — PARTENAR-IA — Industry

innovÉÉ

Funding for Quebec electricity innovative collaborations in AI

Eligible Funding

Max. ${{count}}
Up to 35% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
Construction
Manufacturing

Types of eligible projects

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)TECHNOLOGYINNOVATION

Quebec, Canada

Grant and FundingClosed

Alberta, Canada

Alberta Innovates — Health Innovations

Government of Alberta

Funding for health solutions in Alberta

Eligible Funding

Max. ${{count}}
Up to 75% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Health care and social assistance

Types of eligible projects

COMMERCIALIZATIONARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)INNOVATIONDIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Alberta, Canada

Grant and FundingClosed

Quebec, Canada

PARTENAR-IA — MEDTEQ+ — Academic

Consortium de recherche et d’innovation en technologies médicales du Québec

Funding for Quebec R&D collaborations in AI for health technologies

Eligible Funding

Max. ${{count}}
Up to 35% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Transportation and warehousing
Health care and social assistance

Types of eligible projects

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

Quebec, Canada

Tax CreditsOpen

Quebec, Canada

Show production tax credit

Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC)

Supports Quebec show producers with refundable tax assistance

Eligible Funding

Max. ${{count}}
Up to 35% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Arts, entertainment and recreation

Types of eligible projects

COMMERCIALIZATIONARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)TECHNOLOGYENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATEHUMAN RESOURCESBUSINESS BUYOUTINNOVATIONDIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Quebec, Canada

Access over 3000 different funding opportunities

Try the helloDarwin platform today and find programs that fit your needs

The helloDarwin application makes it easy to unlock grants so your business can grow faster—with less hassle and more impact.

That’s the problem helloDarwin set out to solve with its grant platform—a tool designed not only to uncover hidden opportunities but to turn them into engines for business growth.

The Reality: Entrepreneurs Don’t Have Time to Chase 28 Government Websites

No guesswork. No 100-page PDFs. No copy-pasting into spreadsheets at 10 p.m. Just a straight line from idea to opportunity—and from opportunity to execution.

Not a Promise. A Proven Process.

Explore — Use a dynamic tool to identify relevant programs based on your business profile, project goals, and sector.
Estimate — Get a personalized forecast of potential funding amounts.
Act — Access expert support to write, file, and manage your grant application all the way through approval.

On the Ground: “We Thought It Wasn’t for Us”

Within 15 minutes, she found she was eligible for:

80% funding for upskilling her team
Up to $50,000 for a digital process transformation
Export assistance for her eco-certified furniture line

With expert help from the platform’s network, two applications were submitted within six weeks. Three months later, the funds were flowing.

Her team kept working. She didn’t miss a single client meeting. The paperwork? Someone else handled it.

The Secret Weapon: Human Expertise + Automated Insight

Once a relevant program is identified, users can activate support from:

Grant application specialists
Financial and tax consultants
Industry-specific advisors (tech, manufacturing, sustainability…)

These professionals know how to speak the language of funding agencies, avoid technical pitfalls, and build credible, compelling submissions that align with government priorities.

Grants as Strategy, Not Serendipity

One of the key cultural shifts that helloDarwin enables is this: stop seeing grants as a bonus. Start using them as a core business strategy.

By integrating public funding into your business roadmap, you can plan projects more effectively, make smarter investments, and time your initiatives with upcoming funding windows.

Take, for instance, a company that plans to hire three engineers in Q2 of next year. With helloDarwin, they can:

See which programs will be active
Prepare their documentation in advance
Maximize their reimbursement rate (often 50%–75%)
Accelerate hiring without overextending cash flow

This is not opportunism. It’s strategic resource allocation—backed by public funding that already exists.

A Platform That Evolves With You

Grants are seasonal. Programs change. Budgets close. That’s why a truly valuable tool must be living, adaptive, and proactive.

helloDarwin’s grant platform updates in real time. Its users receive alerts when:

A new program launches in their region or sector
Their business becomes eligible for something previously unavailable
A deadline is approaching for a high-value grant

It becomes a funding radar, embedded in your growth planning—not a tool you only use in times of desperation.

Who Is It For?

The answer is simple: any business with a project to fund. That includes:

Startups in early or late stages
SMEs looking to modernize
Manufacturers planning to automate
Creative firms digitizing their services
Exporters preparing to go global
Green innovators solving environmental challenges

Whether you're running a two-person creative agency or a 50-person industrial operation, there are grants for you. The only thing missing is a way to find them—and a partner to help unlock them.

Building an Ecosystem, Not Just a Platform

helloDarwin doesn’t work in isolation. It collaborates with:

Local economic development organizations
Industry associations and chambers of commerce
Banks and financial institutions
Professional service firms and consultants

This ecosystem allows the platform to not only recommend funding, but also connect users with vetted experts and service providers who can execute the projects being funded.

Need help building your e-commerce site, launching your ESG strategy, or hiring an export advisor? helloDarwin connects the dots—from funding to fulfillment.

Three Common Mistakes That helloDarwin Helps You Avoid

Waiting Too Long Many businesses defer their plans because they believe it’s “not the right time.” In reality, most grants have narrow windows. Wait too long, and the funding is gone.
Assuming You’re Not Eligible Public funding isn’t just for deep-tech startups or cleantech firms. It supports marketing, recruitment, training, IT upgrades, and much more.
DIY Grant Applications Too many companies go it alone. But one wrong number, one missed document, or one misinterpreted eligibility clause can ruin your chances.

helloDarwin addresses all three by offering structure, automation, and expert support from the start.

A Cultural Shift in How Businesses See Funding

The deeper mission of helloDarwin isn’t just technological—it’s cultural.

A company that integrates grants into its financial strategy can:

Innovate without draining its runway
Recruit more confidently
Accelerate product launches
De-risk export strategies
Improve retention through training and benefits

Grants don’t just lower costs. They unlock momentum.

OAC — Music Production and Presentation Projects

Grant and FundingOpen

Ontario, Canada

OAC — Music Production and Presentation Projects

Ontario Arts Council (OAC)

Funding for Ontario-based professional music production and presentation

Eligible Funding

Max. ${{count}}

Eligible Industries

Arts, entertainment and recreation

Types of eligible projects

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)

Ontario, Canada

Aboriginal Participation Fund (APF) — Early exploration support

Grant and FundingOpen

Ontario, Canada

Aboriginal Participation Fund (APF) — Early exploration support

Government of Ontario

Supports early exploration activities for Aboriginal communities

Eligible Funding

Max. ${{count}}

Eligible Industries

Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction

Types of eligible projects

COMMERCIALIZATIONARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)TECHNOLOGYENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATEHUMAN RESOURCESBUSINESS BUYOUTINNOVATIONDIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Ontario, Canada

Grant and FundingClosed

Canada

Gen AI Call for Projects

Scale AI Cluster

Generative AI projects enhancing Canadian operational productivity

Eligible Funding

Min. ${{count}}
Up to 50% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Information and cultural industries
Professional, scientific and technical services

Types of eligible projects

COMMERCIALIZATIONARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)

Canada

Aboriginal Participation Fund (APF) — Advanced exploration and development support

Grant and FundingOpen

Ontario, Canada

Aboriginal Participation Fund (APF) — Advanced exploration and development support

Government of Ontario

Supporting Aboriginal communities in advanced exploration and mine development

Eligible Funding

Max. ${{count}}

Eligible Industries

Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction

Types of eligible projects

COMMERCIALIZATIONARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)TECHNOLOGYENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATEHUMAN RESOURCESBUSINESS BUYOUTINNOVATIONDIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Ontario, Canada

Small Food Processor Scale-Up Program (SFPS)

Grant and FundingClosed

British Columbia, Canada

Small Food Processor Scale-Up Program (SFPS)

Investment Agriculture Foundation (IAF)

Supports scaling operations for food processors in BC

Eligible Funding

From $25,000 to $150,000
Up to 75% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing

Types of eligible projects

COMMERCIALIZATIONARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)TECHNOLOGYCONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION INNOVATION

British Columbia, Canada

Download the official 2025 grants guide

Access key insights to maximize your funding opportunities

Understand the different funding programs and find the best options for your business.

Unlock Your Business’s Full Potential with Government Grants and Financial Aid

Discover How Much Grant Funding Your Business Can Access

Innovation and R&D grants for companies developing new products, services, or technologies.
Export and international expansion subsidies to help businesses enter new markets.
Workforce development funding for training, hiring, and upskilling employees.
Green energy and sustainability grants for eco-friendly initiatives and energy-efficient projects.
Startup and entrepreneur support programs for new businesses seeking capital and resources.

Maximize Your Business Growth with Non-Repayable Financial Assistance

Take Advantage of Government Funding Opportunities Today

Expert AdviceClosed

Quebec, Canada

AI Expertise Program

Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec

Supports technological innovation and AI integration for Québec companies

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Eligible Industries

Professional, scientific and technical services

Types of eligible projects

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)

Quebec, Canada

Grant and FundingOpen

Canada

Scale AI — STEM Youth Awareness Program

Scale AI Cluster

AI and data science training for Canadian youth

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Eligible Industries

Educational services

Types of eligible projects

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)

Canada

OCI — Critical Industrial Technologies initiative (CIR)

Grant and FundingClosed

Ontario, Canada

OCI — Critical Industrial Technologies initiative (CIR)

Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI)

Supports Ontario SMEs in adopting critical industrial technologies

Eligible Funding

From $50 to $1,000,000

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
Construction
Manufacturing

Types of eligible projects

COMMERCIALIZATIONARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)TECHNOLOGY

Ontario, Canada

NSERC Alliance – Alberta Innovates Advance Program

Grant and FundingClosed

Alberta, Canada

NSERC Alliance – Alberta Innovates Advance Program

Alberta Innovates

Supports Alberta university researchers advancing emerging technology discoveries

Eligible Funding

Max. ${{count}}

Eligible Industries

Professional, scientific and technical services

Types of eligible projects

COMMERCIALIZATIONARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)TECHNOLOGYINNOVATION

Alberta, Canada

TECHNATION — Calgary Wage Subsidy Program

Wage Subsidies And InternsOpen

Calgary, Alberta

TECHNATION — Calgary Wage Subsidy Program

TECHNATION

Wage subsidies for tech skill development in Calgary businesses

Eligible Funding

Up to 80% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Professional, scientific and technical services

Types of eligible projects

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)TECHNOLOGYHUMAN RESOURCES

Calgary, Alberta

Find tailored funding for your business

Discover more funding opportunities on the helloDarwin platform

Look through over 3000 grants, tax credits, loans and more financial aid on the helloDarwin application.

This is exactly the problem helloDarwin set out to solve.

helloDarwin’s grant platform is flipping the script by turning complexity into clarity and making funding a strategic advantage for Canadian businesses of all sizes.

The Vision: A Smarter Way to Fund Business Growth

At its core, helloDarwin’s grant platform is built on a simple but powerful idea: funding should empower businesses, not overwhelm them.

Step 1: Discovery Made Easy

That’s where helloDarwin’s discovery engine comes in.

Step 2: Clear Guidance and Next Steps

Step 3: Human Expertise When It Matters Most

For businesses that want to maximize their chances of approval, these experts step in to:

Review and validate eligibility
Write or revise grant applications
Build strong business cases aligned with funding priorities
Ensure deadlines are met
Coordinate post-funding reporting

Built for Real Business Use Cases

One of the most compelling aspects of the helloDarwin platform is its adaptability to real-life business scenarios. Here are just a few examples of how companies use the platform:

1. The AI Startup Expanding to Europe

2. The Manufacturing Company Going Green

3. The Agency Hiring Young Talent

A Platform That Grows With You

It’s more than a transactional tool—it’s a business intelligence asset that supports growth over the long term.

Why It Works: Trust, Transparency, and Efficiency

Three values underpin the success of helloDarwin’s grant platform:

Trust Businesses know they are getting objective, vetted information—not biased promotions or limited program listings. The platform operates independently of government agencies and focuses on delivering value to its users first.
Transparency All fees (where applicable) and engagement terms are clear. Grant estimates are realistic, based on program rules, and users are guided toward opportunities that genuinely match their profiles.
Efficiency In a world where time is money, the platform reduces the time spent searching, guessing, and redoing failed submissions. From onboarding to approval, every step is optimized for speed and simplicity.

Making Grants a Growth Habit

This change in mindset has ripple effects. Companies that consistently use grants can:

Experiment with innovative ideas without bearing all the risk
Hire sooner, train better, and retain more talent
Invest in technology and sustainability with confidence
Build resilience against market shocks or supply chain disruptions
Gain recognition and trust from investors, clients, and government partners

Grants become not just about reducing costs, but about unlocking potential.

Who Is It For?

The helloDarwin grant platform is purpose-built for:

Startups exploring early-stage growth and hiring
SMEs seeking to modernize or expand internationally
Manufacturers aiming to automate or go green
Professional service firms investing in tools, marketing, or skills
Nonprofits and social enterprises scaling their impact

It’s ideal for companies with lean teams, limited admin bandwidth, and high-impact ideas that need a push to launch.

A New Standard for Funding Access

In doing so, it supports a more dynamic, resilient, and forward-looking Canadian economy—one company at a time.

Other SupportPartnering and CollaborationGrant and FundingExpert AdviceClosed

Ontario, Canada

ventureLAB — Accelerate AI

ventureLAB

Accelerate AI empowers startups with AI innovation support

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Eligible Industries

Information and cultural industries
Professional, scientific and technical services

Types of eligible projects

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)

Ontario, Canada

Other SupportGrant and FundingExpert AdviceOpen

Canada

MaRS — Supply AI

MaRS Discovery District

Canadian AI supply chain ventures accelerator program

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Transportation and warehousing
Professional, scientific and technical services

Types of eligible projects

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)

Canada

Alberta Innovates — Digital Innovation in Clean Energy (DICE)

Grant and FundingClosed

Alberta, Canada

Alberta Innovates — Digital Innovation in Clean Energy (DICE)

Alberta Innovates

Accelerate digital innovation to drive job creation, reduce emissions, and enhance energy efficiency

Eligible Funding

Max. ${{count}}
Up to 50% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction

Types of eligible projects

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)TECHNOLOGYENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATEINNOVATIONDIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Alberta, Canada

Saskatchewan Technology Startup Incentive (STSI)

Tax CreditsOpen

Saskatchewan, Canada

Saskatchewan Technology Startup Incentive (STSI)

Government of Saskatchewan

Money to invest in tech startups in Sask.

Eligible Funding

Max. ${{count}}
Up to 45% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Information and cultural industries
Professional, scientific and technical services

Types of eligible projects

COMMERCIALIZATIONARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)TECHNOLOGYENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATEDIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Saskatchewan, Canada

The Artificial Intelligence innovation funding program (PIIA) - Part 1: Scope

Grant and FundingClosed

Quebec, Canada

The Artificial Intelligence innovation funding program (PIIA) - Part 1: Scope

PROMPT

Quebec's AI innovation funding program for collaborations

Eligible Funding

Max. ${{count}}
Up to 50% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Information and cultural industries
Professional, scientific and technical services
Other services (except public administration)

Types of eligible projects

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)TECHNOLOGYINNOVATION

Quebec, Canada

Tired of scrolling through all these programs?

Filter funding opportunities relevant for your company on the helloDarwin platform

Sort over 3,000 business funds by your industry, projects and location with helloDarwin's free app.

A Platform Designed for Modern Business Needs

A Vast and Continuously Updated Grant Database

Personalized and Smart Grant Matching

Full-Service Expert Support

Diverse Project Categories and Funding Options

Popular funding categories include:

Digital Transformation: software, cybersecurity, automation, AI
Human Resources: hiring graduates, professional training, retention
Export & Market Development: trade missions, translation, digital campaigns
Sustainability: energy efficiency, waste management, eco-certification
R&D & Innovation: product development, process improvement, prototyping
Infrastructure & Capital Assets: renovations, equipment purchases, workspace upgrades

Many programs offer reimbursement rates ranging from 25% to over 90% of eligible costs, and some can be combined for even greater impact.

Direct Impact on Business Performance

A Perfect Balance of Technology and Human Support

Strengthening the Canadian Business Ecosystem

This dynamic ecosystem not only improves outcomes for funded initiatives but also contributes to a more connected and supportive business community.

A Simple and Accessible Process

From Idea to Execution: Enabling Growth

Digital Accelerator for Innovation and Research (DAIR)

Other SupportExpert AdviceClosed

Canada

Digital Accelerator for Innovation and Research (DAIR)

CANARIE

Cloud-based computing and storage

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Information and cultural industries
Professional, scientific and technical services

Types of eligible projects

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)INNOVATION

Canada

Partnering and CollaborationGrant and FundingOpen

Quebec, Canada

MTRIC — Start Program

Metal Transformation Research and Innovation Consortium (MTRIC)

Advance metal transformation processes and products

Eligible Funding

Max. ${{count}}
Up to 70% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing

Types of eligible projects

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATEINNOVATION

Quebec, Canada

Expert AdviceClosed

Canada

Centech Acceleration

Centech

Advice for tech startups to accelerate AI solutions

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Eligible Industries

All industries

Types of eligible projects

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)TECHNOLOGY

Canada

Partnering and CollaborationGrant and FundingClosed

Chicoutimi, Quebec

CQRDA — PARTENAR-IA — Academic

Centre québécois de recherche et de développement de l’aluminium (CQRDA)

Funding for Quebec R&D collaborations in AI, using aluminium

Eligible Funding

Max. ${{count}}
Up to 40% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Professional, scientific and technical services

Types of eligible projects

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)

Chicoutimi, Quebec

ACOA Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative

Grant and FundingOpen

Nova Scotia, Canada

ACOA Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative

Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

Funding to recover Atlantic aerospace sector

Eligible Funding

Up to 100% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing

Types of eligible projects

COMMERCIALIZATIONARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)TECHNOLOGYENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATEINNOVATIONDIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Nova Scotia, Canada

Any questions about Artificial Intelligence grants?

Learn more about funding for Artificial Intelligence.

What types of projects are eligible for AI grant support in Canada?

In Canada, a wide range of AI-related projects are eligible for grant support from provincial governments, federal programs, and other funding bodies. These projects typically align with strategic priorities in technology, economic development, and societal impact. Here are the types of projects that often qualify for AI grant support:

1. Research and Development (R&D) Projects

Fundamental AI Research
: Projects that advance the core science of artificial intelligence, including machine learning algorithms, neural networks, and computational intelligence.
Applied AI Research
: Initiatives that apply AI techniques to solve practical problems in various industries, such as healthcare, finance, agriculture, and manufacturing.

2. Commercialization and Innovation Projects

Startups and SMEs
: AI-driven startups and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) developing innovative products and services.
Prototype Development
: Projects focused on creating and testing prototypes of AI-based solutions to demonstrate feasibility and functionality.

3. Industry-Specific AI Applications

Healthcare
: AI applications for diagnostics, treatment planning, personalized medicine, and healthcare management.
Agriculture
: Precision agriculture technologies, crop monitoring, and AI-driven agricultural management systems.
Manufacturing
: AI for predictive maintenance, quality control, and automation in manufacturing processes.
Finance
: AI for fraud detection, risk assessment, and personalized financial services.

4. Public Sector and Social Impact Projects

Smart Cities
: AI projects that improve urban infrastructure, transportation systems, and public safety through smart technologies.
Environmental Monitoring
: AI applications for environmental monitoring, climate change mitigation, and resource management.
Education
: AI-enhanced educational tools, personalized learning platforms, and initiatives to integrate AI into educational curricula.

5. Collaborative and Multi-Disciplinary Projects

Academic and Industry Collaborations
: Projects involving partnerships between universities, research institutions, and industry partners to advance AI research and innovation.
Supercluster Initiatives
: Collaborative projects under AI superclusters like Scale AI, focusing on supply chain AI solutions and other strategic areas.

6. Talent Development and Training Programs

AI Talent Development
: Programs aimed at training and developing AI professionals, including educational initiatives, workshops, and internships.
Reskilling and Upskilling
: Initiatives to reskill and upskill the workforce to adapt to the growing demand for AI expertise.

7. Ethics and Governance Projects

AI Ethics Research
: Projects that explore ethical considerations, bias mitigation, and responsible AI development and deployment.
AI Governance Frameworks
: Initiatives to develop guidelines, standards, and policies for the ethical use of AI technologies.

Examples of Funded Projects

Vector Institute in Ontario
: Receives funding for both fundamental and applied AI research, including healthcare AI projects.
Mila in Quebec
: Supported for its cutting-edge research in deep learning and collaborations with industry partners.
Innovate BC
: Funds AI projects across various sectors, including tech competitions and innovation programs.

How can Canadian organizations participate in global AI innovation programs?

Canadian organizations can participate in global AI innovation programs by leveraging various strategies and opportunities. Here are some key ways they can engage:

1. International Collaborations and Partnerships

Research Collaborations
: Partner with international universities, research institutions, and AI labs to conduct joint research projects. This can enhance knowledge exchange and provide access to cutting-edge AI research.
Corporate Partnerships
: Collaborate with global tech companies and AI startups to co-develop AI solutions, share resources, and access new markets.

2. Global AI Competitions and Challenges

Hackathons and Competitions
: Participate in international AI competitions, such as those hosted by Kaggle, IBM, and other global tech giants. These events offer exposure, networking opportunities, and potential funding.
Innovation Challenges
: Engage in global innovation challenges sponsored by multinational organizations, which often provide funding, mentorship, and access to international markets.

3. Membership in International AI Consortia and Organizations

AI Associations
: Join international AI associations and consortia, such as the Partnership on AI or the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI). Membership can provide access to global resources, policy discussions, and collaborative projects.
Standards Bodies
: Participate in international standards organizations like the IEEE or ISO to contribute to and influence global AI standards and best practices.

4. Government and Trade Initiatives

Trade Missions
: Take part in trade missions organized by the Canadian government to explore AI opportunities in other countries. These missions facilitate networking with potential partners and customers.
Government Programs
: Leverage government programs that support international collaboration, such as the Global Affairs Canada’s CanExport program, which helps businesses expand into international markets.

5. Funding and Grants

International Funding Programs
: Apply for international grants and funding opportunities from organizations such as the European Union’s Horizon Europe, the US National Science Foundation (NSF), or the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST).
Bilateral Funding Programs
: Participate in bilateral funding initiatives between Canada and other countries, which are designed to support collaborative AI projects.

6. Participation in Global AI Conferences and Workshops

Conferences
: Attend and present at major international AI conferences such as NeurIPS, ICML, and CVPR. These events offer opportunities to showcase research, network with global experts, and stay updated on the latest advancements.
Workshops and Seminars
: Engage in international workshops and seminars to share knowledge, gain insights, and establish collaborations with peers from around the world.

7. International Accelerator and Incubator Programs

Accelerators
: Join global AI accelerator programs that provide mentorship, resources, and access to international investors and markets. Examples include Y Combinator, Techstars, and Plug and Play.
Incubators
: Participate in international incubator programs that support early-stage AI startups with funding, office space, and business development resources.

8. Networking and Knowledge Sharing

Professional Networks
: Build a network of global AI professionals through platforms like LinkedIn, GitHub, and international AI forums. Networking can lead to collaborations, job opportunities, and knowledge sharing.
Online Communities
: Engage with global online communities and forums focused on AI research and development to exchange ideas and collaborate on projects.

Who are the primary grant administrators offering artificial intelligence programs in Canada?

What are the details of Canada's recent C$2.4 billion investment measures for the AI sector announced by Prime Minister Trudeau?

In Budget 2024, Prime Minister Trudeau announced a significant investment of C$2.4 billion dedicated to advancing the artificial intelligence sector in Canada. This investment aims to support innovation, research, and development within the AI industry, enhancing Canada's position as a global leader in this field. The funds will be allocated to various programs and initiatives designed to foster collaboration between academia, industry, and government, ultimately driving economic growth and technological advancement.

What types of AI-related projects (e.g., machine learning, robotics, NLP) are most likely to receive funding in Canada?

In Canada, AI-related projects most likely to receive funding are those with strong potential for economic impact, innovation, and alignment with national priorities. These include projects in machine learning for healthcare diagnostics, natural language processing (NLP) for bilingual AI solutions, robotics for advanced manufacturing and automation, and climate-focused AI for environmental sustainability. Initiatives tackling pressing issues like AI ethics, accessibility, and cybersecurity also attract funding, as do projects involving collaboration with research institutes such as MILA, Amii, or Vector Institute. Government programs often prioritize projects that foster commercialization and create jobs within emerging AI sectors.

What is the typical timeline for securing an AI grant or funding approval in Canada, and how can applicants speed up the process?

The typical timeline for securing an AI grant or funding approval in Canada ranges from 3 to 12 months, depending on the program and complexity of the application. To speed up the process, applicants should ensure their proposal aligns closely with funding priorities, provide clear and detailed documentation, and address all eligibility criteria upfront. Engaging with program officers early for guidance, collaborating with reputable research institutions, and demonstrating a strong plan for innovation and commercialization can also help streamline approval. Prompt responses to requests for additional information further minimize delays.