Artificial Intelligence for Canadian Energy Innovation

• Expression of Interest (EOI)
• Full Project Proposal (FPP) for invited applicants
• Letter of confirmation of applicant organization contribution
• Letters of contribution from project partners
• Proof of legal registration in Canada

Who is eligible?

• For-profit and not-for-profit organizations
• Community groups
• Canadian academic institutions
• Provincial, territorial, regional, and municipal governments and agencies
• Indigenous communities, governments, councils, and Indigenous-owned organizations

Who is not eligible

• Organizations not incorporated or registered in Canada.
• Federal government entities seeking support for internal operations or asset acquisition.
• Projects based only on foundational research or off-the-shelf AI deployment.

Eligible expenses

• Salaries and benefits for employees working on the project.
• Training and workshop costs related to the project.
• Professional, scientific, technical, and contracting services essential to project implementation.
• Travel, meals, and accommodation expenses directly associated with project activities.
• Capital expenditures, such as the purchase, installation, testing, and commissioning of equipment, materials, and related warranties.
• Laboratory and field supplies and materials used for project activities.
• Printing and translation services for project purposes.
• Data collection services, including processing, analysis, and management connected to the project.
• Facility costs for seminars and conference room rentals (excluding hospitality).
• Construction insurance, accreditation, license fees, and permits required for the project.
• Honoraria and field testing services necessary for project advancement.
• Overhead costs directly attributable to the project, up to 15% of eligible expenditures.
• GST, PST, or HST, net of any tax rebate to which the applicant is entitled.

Ineligible Costs and Activities

• Foundational research into computational science or energy technologies.
• Installation of off-the-shelf AI solutions for their intended use.
• Projects using AI only to generate suggestions without applied testing.
• Purchase of land.
• Federal government internal operations and asset acquisition.

Eligible geographic areas

• Canada

• EOIs are reviewed by the Technical Review Committee.
• Invited FPPs are reviewed by the Technical Review and Investment Review Committees.
• Selected applicants undergo financial, technical, legal, and regulatory due diligence.
• Successful applicants are invited to draft and sign a milestone-based contribution agreement.
• Payments are released only after milestone verification.

• Contributions are non-repayable, as the funding targets pre-commercial projects expected to generate broad societal benefits.
• Successful applicants may receive non-financial support, including networking opportunities and participation in knowledge-sharing events.
• Mention of the use of generative AI in applications is permitted, but all information provided must be accurate and appropriately cited.
• NRCan may modify timelines and requirements at its discretion; applicants should stay informed of any updates.