Opening Soon
AI Compute Access Fund
Funding for Canadian AI compute access
Last Update: June 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 100,000 - $ 5,000,000
Timeline
- Open Date : July 3, 2026
Location
Canada
Overview
Provides funding to help Canadian AI SMEs access computing power for training, inference, and model improvement. Up to $300 million is available for projects that advance AI innovation and commercialization.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Increase production or service capacity
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 5,000,000 $
- Minimum amount : 100,000 $
- Up to 67% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : July 3, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- 500-500 employees
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Canadians
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- AI model training and refinement using cloud compute
- Inference services for AI products or services
- Modification, improvement, or fine-tuning of existing AI models
Documents Needed
- Board of directors list
- Financial statements for the last two years
- Detailed project budget and team/partner list
- Commercialization plan
- AI compute service contract or evidence it is in progress
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Canadian-registered for-profit AI companies
- Canadian SMEs
- Consortiums led by one corporation or LLP
- Eligible unincorporated Indigenous-owned for-profit businesses
Who is not eligible
- Businesses outside Canada
- Non-profit organizations
- Large companies with 500 or more FTEs
- Organizations without AI product or service development
Eligible expenses
- Core compute expenses
- Storage costs
- Compute-specific licensing
- AI/ML processing
- Operational monitoring and compute-specific security requirements
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Federal and provincial GST/HST
- Pre-payment for services beyond the contribution agreement period
- Interest charges, late fees, fines, and penalties
- Support or service plans
- Data transfer fees and legal fees
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed through a competitive assessment process after the Call for Proposals closes
- ISED assesses capacity, feasibility, benefits to Canada, and alignment with program objectives
- Applicants may be asked for additional information and must respond within five business days
- Successful applicants receive a Contribution Agreement and have 30 business days to accept it
- After approval, recipients submit claims and reports, and reimbursements are reviewed by ISED
Additional information
- Applicants must submit a Statement of Interest before a full application.
- Only one application is allowed per business number.
- The program uses a competitive Call for Proposals process.
- Funding decisions are communicated by email.
Frequently Asked Questions about the AI Compute Access Fund Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the AI Compute Access Fund. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the AI Compute Access Fund?
Provides funding to help Canadian AI SMEs access computing power for training, inference, and model improvement. Up to $300 million is available for projects that advance AI innovation and commercialization.
How much funding can be received?
AI Compute Access Fund Funds up to 67% of admissible expenses, capped at $5,000,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the AI Compute Access Fund program?
To be eligible for the AI Compute Access Fund program, you must:
Canadian-registered for-profit AI business
Under 500 FTEs
Canada-based R&D and compute setup
What expenses are eligible under AI Compute Access Fund?
AI model training and refinement using cloud compute
Inference services for AI products or services
Modification, improvement, or fine-tuning of existing AI models
Who can I contact for more information about the AI Compute Access Fund?
You can contact Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED).
Where is the AI Compute Access Fund available?
The AI Compute Access Fund program is available across Canada.
Is the AI Compute Access Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?
AI Compute Access Fund is a Grant and Funding