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CED — Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative
Supports AI adoption and commercialization by Quebec SMEs
Funding available
Up to 90% of project cost
Deadline
Opened June 18, 2026
Location
Quebec, Canada
Who can apply
SMEs that commercialize or develop AI technologies or solutions, including start-ups
See full eligibility
Guides for this program
- Your AI pilot works. What will it cost to put it into production?
Budget implementation, operating costs and cash gains before deploying your AI pilot.
Overview
CED’s Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative supports Quebec SMEs, NPOs, and Indigenous-led businesses or NPOs with up to 50% for SMEs and up to 90% for NPOs to advance AI development, commercialization, and adoption. Eligible projects include demonstrating or commercializing AI solutions, building AI business capacity, and strategically integrating AI.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop a new product or service
- Conduct research and development activities
Eligible Funding
- Up to 90% of project cost
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- 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
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Regional
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 2
Activities funded
- Projects that demonstrate and/or commercialize AI technologies and solutions at a technology readiness level of 6 or higher
- Projects that develop business activity and strengthen AI capacity
- Projects to adopt or strategically integrate AI
- Projects that support the AI ecosystem aimed at AI adoption and integration by SMEs
Sources and recorded changes
- Source change captured
- Change recorded
- Record updated
A captured source change or record update does not confirm eligibility. Check the funder’s current rules before applying.
Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative updated
The Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative page now shows detailed eligibility, eligible activities, financial support, and application information, and the program end date is now March 31, 2031.
The Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative page now provides full program details, including eligible clients, eligible activities, financial support, and the funding application link. The program end date is now shown as March 31, 2031, replacing the earlier March 31, 2029 date. The scope and prioritization language were also revised to emphasize AI development, commercialization, and adoption by SMEs, with added attention to underrepresented socio-economic groups. The page now identifies support of up to 50% of authorized costs for SMEs as interest-free repayable financial support and up to 90% of authorized costs for NPOs as generally non-repayable support.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- 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
- Indigenous-led businesses and NPOs, including individual businesses
Who is not eligible
- Municipalities
- Public agencies, including health and social services agencies, schools and school boards
Selection criteria
- Depending on the funds available, priority may be given to adoption projects submitted by SMEs, particularly if they fall within sectors aligned with Canada’s National AI Strategy: health and life sciences, energy and natural resources, transportation, agriculture, as well as manufacturing and robotics.
- Depending on the funds available, priority may be given to projects that include the implementation of cybersecurity measures.
- Depending on the funds available, priority may be given to projects that encourage the socioeconomic participation of underrepresented groups.
- Depending on the funds available, priority may be given to projects that encourage the transition to environmentally sustainable activities and practices.
How to apply
- Apply for financial assistance.
Additional information
- Responsible AI is a priority of the Government of Canada, and CED encourages applicants to adopt AI responsibly while respecting human rights and democratic values and fostering inclusive economic growth.
- Applicants can consult the Government of Canada Voluntary Code of Conduct for Advanced Generative AI Systems and the Montréal Declaration for a Responsible Development of Artificial Intelligence.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the CED — Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative Program
What is the CED — Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative?
CED’s Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative supports Quebec SMEs, NPOs, and Indigenous-led businesses or NPOs with up to 50% for SMEs and up to 90% for NPOs to advance AI development, commercialization, and adoption. Eligible projects include demonstrating or commercializing AI solutions, building AI business capacity, and strategically integrating AI.
How much funding can be received?
CED — Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative Funds up to 90% 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 that commercialize or develop AI technologies or solutions, including start-ups
SMEs that are ready to adopt AI technologies or solutions, and NPOs that support SMEs in developing, commercializing or adopting AI technologies
Indigenous-led businesses and NPOs, including individual businesses
Who can I contact for more information about the CED — Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative?
You can contact Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED) or by phone at 1-800-561-0633.
Where is the CED — Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative available?
The CED — Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative program is available the province of Quebec.
Is the CED — Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative a grant, loan, or tax credit?
CED — Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative is a Grant and Funding
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), Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)