How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is 2029-03-31T04:00:00Z.

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

CED — Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative is funded by Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

What are CED — Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative's eligibility criterias?

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.

CED — Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative

Last Update: July 22, 2025

QC, Canada

Supports AI technology development and adoption by Canadian SMEs

CED — Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative 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

Grant Providers

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

Program status

Open

Overview of the CED — Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative program

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.

Eligible projects & activities

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 criteria of the CED — Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative program

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.

Eligibility criteria of the CED — Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative program

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 to the CED — Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative program

Prepare your project application

Consult the project presentation guide provided by the funding organization
Review eligibility criteria and supporting documents requirements

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