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CED — Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative - New Brunswick - Canada
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CED — Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative

Supports AI technology development and adoption by Canadian SMEs
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Last Update: March 6, 2026
Funding available
No Condition
Timeline
  • Open Date : October 31, 2024
  • Closing date : March 31, 2029
Location
New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Canada

Overview

The Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) in Canada, with a total budget of $200 million, aims to support the development and commercialization of AI technologies and accelerate the adoption of AI by SMEs. It offers interest-free repayable financial support up to 50% of authorized costs for SMEs and generally non-repayable support up to 90% for NPOs. Eligible activities include projects that demonstrate and commercialize AI technologies and those that integrate AI into SMEs, particularly in critical sectors.

/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals
  • Increase performance through digital transformation
  • Reduce environmental footprint
Eligible Funding
  • Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
  • Open Date : October 31, 2024
  • Closing date : March 31, 2029

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries
  • Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
  • Manufacturing
  • Information and cultural industries
Location
  • New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Quebec
Legal structures
  • Non-profit
  • Public or Parapublic institution
  • For-profit business
  • Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
  • All revenue ranges
Organisation size
  • All organization sizes
Audience
  • Indigenous Peoples
  • Startups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
  • Research
  • Environment
  • Economic, Social and Community Development
  • Employment and Training
  • Business Associations
Target groups
  • Indigenous peoples
  • Business owners / entrepreneurs
Revenue structures
  • All structures
Scope
  • Regional
  • National

Next steps

1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility

Activities funded

  • Development and commercialization of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies or solutions by startup or growth companies, including the demonstration and/or commercialization of solutions with a technology maturity level of 6 or higher.
  • Business development and capacity building in AI for companies.
  • Strategic adoption or integration of artificial intelligence by SMEs, particularly in critical sectors such as agriculture, clean technologies, life sciences, and the manufacturing sector.
  • Implementation of projects supporting the AI ecosystem aimed at promoting the adoption and integration of AI by SMEs.

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that commercialize or develop AI technologies or solutions, including start-ups
  • SMEs ready to adopt AI technologies or solutions
  • Non-profit organizations (NPOs) that support SMEs in developing, commercializing, or adopting AI technologies
  • Indigenous-led businesses and NPOs, including individually owned Indigenous businesses

Who is not eligible

  • Municipalities
  • Public agencies, including health and social services agencies
  • Schools and school boards

Eligible expenses

  • Authorized project costs incurred from the date the application is submitted.

Additional information

  • The initiative will end on March 31, 2029.
  • Eligible project costs are considered from the date the application is submitted.
  • Responsible AI practices are emphasized; applicants are encouraged to be aware of and adopt responsible AI guidelines, such as the Government of Canada Voluntary Code of Conduct for Advanced Generative AI Systems and the Montréal Declaration for a Responsible Development of Artificial Intelligence.
  • Total funding available through CED in Quebec for the initiative is $38.2 million.

Frequently Asked Questions about the CED — Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the CED — Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative. 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 CED — Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative?

The Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) in Canada, with a total budget of $200 million, aims to support the development and commercialization of AI technologies and accelerate the adoption of AI by SMEs. It offers interest-free repayable financial support up to 50% of authorized costs for SMEs and generally non-repayable support up to 90% for NPOs. Eligible activities include projects that demonstrate and commercialize AI technologies and those that integrate AI into SMEs, particularly in critical sectors.

How much funding can be received?

CED — Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses.

What is the deadline to apply?

The application deadline for this grant program is **March 31, 2029**. Applicants must submit their complete application before this date to be considered for funding.

Who is eligible for the CED — Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative program?

To be eligible for the CED — Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative program, you must: SMEs that commercialize or develop AI technologies or solutions, including start-ups. SMEs that are ready to adopt AI technologies or solutions. NPOs that support SMEs in developing, commercializing, or adopting AI technologies.

What expenses are eligible under CED — Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative?

Development and commercialization of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies or solutions by startup or growth companies, including the demonstration and/or commercialization of solutions with a technology maturity level of 6 or higher. Business development and capacity building in AI for companies. Strategic adoption or integration of artificial intelligence by SMEs, particularly in critical sectors such as agriculture, clean technologies, life sciences, and the manufacturing sector. Implementation of projects supporting the AI ecosystem aimed at promoting the adoption and integration of AI by SMEs.

Who can I contact for more information about the CED — Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative?

You can contact Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED).

Where is the CED — Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative available?

The CED — Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative program is available the province of New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Quebec.

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