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CED — Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative - QC - Canada

CED — Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative

Last Update: July 22, 2025
QC, Canada
Supports AI technology development and adoption by Canadian SMEs

At a glance

Eligible Funding
  • Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
  • Open Date : October 31, 2024
  • Closing date : March 31, 2029
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
  • Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
  • Manufacturing
  • Information and cultural industries
Funds Providers
Unspecified
Program status
Open

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.

Financing terms and conditions

  • Interest-free repayable financial support up to 50% of authorized costs for SMEs.
  • Generally non-repayable financial support up to 90% of authorized costs for NPOs.
  • Costs are eligible from the date the application is submitted.

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

  • The applicant must be a SME that markets or develops artificial intelligence (AI) technologies or solutions, including startups.
  • The applicant can be an SME ready to adopt AI technologies or solutions.
  • Non-profit organizations (NPOs) that support SMEs in the development, marketing, or adoption of AI technologies are eligible.
  • Indigenous-led businesses and NPOs, including sole proprietorships, are eligible.
  • The project must contribute to one of the two pillars of the initiative: support for product development and marketing of AI or the acceleration of AI adoption/integration by SMEs.
  • Eligible projects include demonstration, marketing, or development of business and AI capabilities (technology readiness level of 6 or more), or strategic adoption/integration of AI, particularly in sectors critical to the Canadian economy.

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.

Selection criteria

  • Projects may be prioritized if they are submitted by SMEs.
  • Priority may be given to projects that adapt technologies demonstrating benefits for several businesses.
  • Projects supporting the adoption of technologies that contribute to technological expertise and foster innovation in Canada may receive additional consideration.
  • Projects that include the implementation of cybersecurity measures may be prioritized.
  • Projects encouraging environmentally sustainable activities and practices may also 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 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.
Apply to this program

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?

How much funding can be received?

What is the deadline to apply?

Is the CED — Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Who are the financial supporters of the CED — Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative?

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

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

Where is the CED — Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative available?

Are startups eligible for the CED — Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative program?

Are Indigenous Peoples eligible for the CED — Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative program?

Apply to this program

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