CED — Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative
grant_single|update April 18, 2025
QC, Canada
Supports AI technology development and adoption by Canadian SMEs
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDate October 31, 2024
- grant_single|closingDate March 31, 2029
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|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.
grant_single_labels|projects
- 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.
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
- 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
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
- Municipalities
- Public agencies, including health and social services agencies
- Schools and school boards
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
- Authorized project costs incurred from the date the application is submitted.
grant_single_labels|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.
grant_single_labels|apply
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grant_single_labels|otherInfo
- 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
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