CED — Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative
QC, Canada
Boost your business competitiveness by integrating AI technology through Canada's strategic program
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateOctober 31, 2024
- grant_single|closingDateMarch 31, 2029
- grant_single|grantStatusClosed
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Manufacturing
- Information and cultural industries
grant_single|grantors
- Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
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.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant is available to companies located in Quebec, as the initiative is delivered by Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED). Funding is specifically targeted to foster AI adoption and development within this geographical area.
- Businesses and organizations operating within Quebec.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and their involvement with AI technologies.
- The applicant must be an SME that commercializes or develops AI technologies or solutions, including start-ups.
- The applicant must be an SME that is ready to adopt AI technologies or solutions.
- The applicant can be a non-profit organization (NPO) that supports SMEs in developing, commercializing, or adopting AI technologies.
- The applicant can be an Indigenous-led business or NPO, including individual businesses.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Eligible applicants for the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) include SMEs that are involved in the commercialization or development of AI technologies or solutions, including start-ups, as well as SMEs that are prepared to adopt AI technologies or solutions. Additionally, non-profit organizations (NPOs) that support SMEs with the development, commercialization, or adoption of AI technologies, and Indigenous-led businesses and NPOs, including individual businesses, can apply for this grant.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
The Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) imposes restrictions to ensure that funds support eligible sectors and activities. Certain clients and business entities are explicitly ineligible for this grant.
- Municipalities are not eligible for funding.
- Public agencies, including health and social services agencies, schools, and school boards, cannot apply for this grant.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The grant covers eligible costs from the date the application is submitted. Eligible expenses for this grant include financial support for both SMEs and NPOs.
- 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
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the implementation and success of AI development and adoption projects.
- Personnel salaries and benefits for roles directly engaged in AI project activities.
- Acquisition of AI-related equipment and software necessary for project development and execution.
- Consulting fees for expert advice and technical support pertaining to AI technologies.
- Costs related to training and skills development for AI integration and adoption.
- Expenses for collaboration with research institutions or industry partners on AI projects.
- Travel and accommodation costs directly associated with conducting AI projects.
- Legal and compliance costs associated with AI technology deployment.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) focuses on supporting transformative AI projects, prioritizing projects with significant economic impact and potential for technological innovation in critical sectors. The initiative aims to maximize benefits for SMEs and the AI ecosystem by emphasizing strategic integration, commercialization, and responsible development of AI technologies.
- Projects must contribute to either the development and commercialization of AI or the accelerated adoption and integration of AI by SMEs.
- Priority is given to projects submitted by SMEs.
- Priority is also given to projects adapting technologies that demonstrate potential benefits for multiple businesses.
- Preference for projects that support technology adaptation contributing to technological know-how and innovation development in Canada.
- Projects should include the implementation of cybersecurity measures.
- Projects that encourage the transition to environmentally sustainable practices are prioritized.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Consult Project Submission Guide
- Review the official project submission guide provided by the Canadian economic development agency for the specific guidelines and requirements.
- Understand the objectives and ensure alignment of your project with RAII goals.
- Step 2: Contact Regional Economic Development Agency
- Reach out to the regional economic development agency (CED in Quebec) for further information and clarification on eligibility and application process.
- Discuss any unique project components that might impact eligibility or prioritization.
- Step 3: Prepare Project Proposal
- Develop a comprehensive project proposal outlining the project scope, objectives, and alignment with RAII pillars.
- Include detailed documentation on technology readiness, commercialization plans, and potential impact.
- Prepare a budget and funding requirements, ensuring eligible costs are clearly identified.
- Address considerations of responsible AI, if applicable.
- Step 4: Compile Required Documentation
- Gather all necessary documents required for application submission, such as financial statements, letters of support, and previous project success stories.
- Ensure all documents are accurate and support the project’s eligibility.
- Step 5: Submit Application
- Complete the official application form provided by the regional development agency.
- Upload all supporting documents and the project proposal through the designated submission portal or send to the specified contact depending on the agency’s requirements.
- Ensure submission is completed before the deadline.
- Step 6: Confirmation and Follow-Up
- Receive confirmation of application submission from the agency, including any tracking numbers or reference IDs.
- Monitor for any additional request for information or clarification from the agency.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
This grant aims to foster AI technology development and adoption among eligible Canadian SMEs and NPOs by providing financial support for innovative projects. The Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative, with a notable budget, emphasizes responsible AI to align with human rights and promote inclusive growth.
- The initiative ends on March 31, 2029.
- Projects with a technology readiness level of 6 or higher are eligible for funding.
- Contact details are provided for further information and project submission.
Apply to this program
Elevating AI Innovation in Canadian Enterprises
The Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) aims to propel AI development and integration across Canadian businesses, particularly SMEs, to enhance international competitiveness and economic impact. With a budget of $200 million, this initiative focuses on critical sectors and emphasizes responsible AI development to ensure ethical and sustainable growth.
Driving AI Integration for a Sustainable Future in Canada
The Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) is an ambitious program aligned with Canada's commitment to maintain its global leadership in AI technologies by fostering cutting-edge AI solutions within the local economic fabric. The initiative, part of the broader Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program, recognizes the crucial role AI plays in modernizing industries, raising productivity, and driving economic growth. By focusing strategically on SMEs, which form the backbone of the Canadian economy, the RAII ensures that AI adoption is both widespread and impactful, targeting those businesses that can execute swift and scalable transformations to benefit from AI technologies.
RAII emphasizes projects that demonstrate significant strides toward AI commercialization, especially those moving past preliminary research stages, categorized as demonstrating a technology readiness level (TRL) of 6 or higher. Such readiness ensures that the funded projects are poised for market entry and can substantially drive business development and strengthen AI capacities in recognized sectors like agriculture, clean technology, life sciences, and manufacturing. These sectors are essential not only for their economic output but also for their capacity to innovate using AI technologies, which can result in substantial operational efficiencies and competitive advantages on the international stage.
Furthermore, by facilitating interest-free financial support to SMEs and emphasizing non-repayable support to NPOs that drive AI adoption, RAII provides a balanced framework for nurturing a robust AI ecosystem. It recognizes the importance of non-profit intermediaries in fostering SMEs' capabilities, whether through mentorship, infrastructure development, or providing critical market insights and research partnerships. This structure is pivotal in ensuring an inclusive approach where smaller-scale operators and Indigenous-led businesses are equally empowered to harness AI's potential.
A notable element of RAII is its commitment to promoting responsible AI use. This is aligned with Canada's broader regulatory and ethical standards, underscoring the importance of AI that respects human rights and democratic values while contributing to broad-based economic growth. By adhering to the Government of Canada’s guidelines and initiatives like the Montréal Declaration for Responsible AI Development, RAII encourages applicants to integrate ethical considerations at every stage of their AI processes, from design to implementation.
The initiative's closing deadline of March 31, 2029, provides an urgency that motivates timely action and strategic planning among applicants, reinforcing a forward-thinking approach to AI integration. By allowing costs eligibility from the submission date, RAII exhibits flexibility and support for enterprises to commence their projects with confidence, ensuring minimal financial interruptions and facilitating a seamless transition from planning to execution.
In emphasizing adoption projects that include critical elements like cybersecurity measures and environmentally sustainable practices, RAII addresses contemporary challenges and aligns with national priorities tackling cybersecurity threats and climate change. This boosts not only the resilience of AI solutions developed under RAII but also their contribution to broader societal wellbeing and environmental sustainability.
The RAII thus represents an unparalleled opportunity for Canadian SMEs and NPOs to not only elevate their market position through advanced AI technologies but also to align their operations with ethical, inclusive, and sustainable practices. As the global pace of AI development accelerates, Canada's strategic foresight established via RAII will likely serve as a significant catalyst in maintaining its leading edge in AI innovation, fostering a resilient, innovative, and future-ready economic landscape.
