Open
CED — Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative
Supports AI development and adoption in Quebec
Last Update: June 18, 2026
Funding available
Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : June 18, 2026
Location
New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Canada
Overview
The Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative supports the development, commercialization, and adoption of AI solutions by SMEs and NPOs in Quebec. It provides interest-free repayable support for SMEs and generally non-repayable support for NPOs to advance AI technologies and integration.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Optimize production processes
- Reduce environmental footprint
Eligible Funding
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : June 18, 2026
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
- Sole proprietorship
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
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
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Development and commercialization of AI technologies or solutions by startups and growing businesses.
- Strategic adoption or integration of AI by SMEs.
- Projects supporting the AI ecosystem for SME adoption and integration.
Official resources
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.
Eligible geographic areas
- Quebec
Selection criteria
- Projects submitted by SMEs may be prioritized.
- Projects that adapt technologies with potential benefits for multiple businesses may be prioritized.
- Projects that support the adoption of technologies contributing to innovation in Canada may receive priority.
- Projects that include cybersecurity measures may be prioritized.
- Projects that encourage environmentally sustainable activities and practices may receive preference.
How to apply
1
Prepare your project application
- Consult the project presentation guide provided by the funding organization
- Review eligibility criteria and supporting documents requirements
2
Contact the funding organization
- Contact the funding organization for additional information or clarification
- Discuss your project details or validate its eligibility
Additional information
- The initiative ends on March 31, 2031.
- Responsible AI is emphasized.
- Priority may be given to projects that include cybersecurity measures.
- Priority may be given to projects that support underrepresented socio-economic groups.
Frequently Asked Questions about the CED — Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative Program
What is the CED — Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative?
The Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative supports the development, commercialization, and adoption of AI solutions by SMEs and NPOs in Quebec. It provides interest-free repayable support for SMEs and generally non-repayable support for NPOs to advance AI technologies and integration.
How much funding can be received?
CED — Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses.
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 developing or adopting AI solutions.
NPOs supporting SME AI adoption.
Indigenous-led businesses and NPOs.
What expenses are eligible under CED — Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative?
Development and commercialization of AI technologies or solutions by startups and growing businesses.
Strategic adoption or integration of AI by SMEs.
Projects supporting the AI ecosystem for SME adoption and integration.
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.
Is the CED — Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative a grant, loan, or tax credit?
CED — Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative is a Grant and Funding