Digital Accelerator for Innovation and Research (DAIR)
Canada
Cloud-based computing and storage
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|noCondition
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|grantStatusClosed
grant_single|financingType
Expert Advice
Other Support
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Manufacturing
- Information and cultural industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
grant_single|grantors
- CANARIE
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
Tech entrepreneurs can get one year of free cloud-based resources for development, testing and trials.
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
The DAIR Cloud Program provides a comprehensive package of cloud-based resources and financial supports, designed to aid Canadian startups and SMEs in accelerating their product development and commercialization journey.
- Generous monthly credits to spend on hosted-in-Canada public cloud resources through Amazon Web Services, covering data egress and storage charges.
- Access to Graphical Processor Units (GPUs) based on availability, enhancing computational capabilities for eligible projects.
- Up to $1,000 monthly to spend on AWS services, facilitating access to a broad range of AWS applications for product development.
grant_single_labels|projects
The Digital Accelerator for Innovation and Research (DAIR) grant supports Canadian startups and SMEs in developing and commercializing their innovative products and services. The eligible activities primarily focus on leveraging cloud resources and emerging technologies to streamline product development processes.
- Rapid and scalable design, development, validation, and demonstration of commercial products or services using free cloud resources.
- Optimization of AWS credits and resource planning for commercialization.
- Access to curated BoosterPacks for implementing emerging technologies such as IoT, machine learning, and augmented reality.
- Participation in a collaborative community of entrepreneurs for technical support and best practices sharing.
- Development of prototypes for showcasing to potential customers and investors.
- Access to technical support resources, webinars, and events for cloud development expertise.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 50,000
Development of an AI-powered financial analytics platform
$ 35,000
Development of a cloud-based smart irrigation system for urban gardens
$ 60,000
Optimization of cloud resources for an e-commerce recommendation engine
$ 40,000
Creation of a virtual reality (VR) therapy application for mental health
$ 45,000
Development of an online education platform for STEM subjects
$ 70,000
Creation of a cloud-based platform for crowdsourced environmental data
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for the DAIR Cloud Program grant is determined by specific criteria related to the business profile and intended use of the resources provided.
- The applicant must be a Canadian business with fewer than 500 employees.
- The resources must be used for the design, development, validation, and/or demonstration of a commercial product or service.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
To apply for the DAIR Cloud Program, eligible applicants must be Canadian businesses with fewer than 500 employees, who are involved in building or developing a commercial product or service. The program is targeted towards startups, early-stage businesses, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that require resources for the rapid and scalable design, development, validation, and demonstration of their product or service.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
There are specific types of companies that are not eligible for the DAIR grant:
- Companies with more than 500 employees.
- Non-Canadian businesses.
- Companies not focused on building or developing commercial products or services.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The DAIR Cloud Program offers a suite of resources to help Canadian startups and small to medium enterprises accelerate their product or service development. Eligible projects can take advantage of these resources to optimize their technological innovations and facilitate commercialization.
- Rapid and scalable design, development, validation, and demonstration of commercial products or services.
- Access to the DAIR Cloud Platform for hosted-in-Canada public cloud resources, including AWS credits.
- Use of BoosterPacks which provide sample code and documentation for emerging technologies.
- Opportunities to leverage AWS services on DAIR for development purposes.
- Engagement with the DAIR Community for collaboration and support from Canadian entrepreneurs.
- Use of the cloud platform to reduce development time and costs and expedite market entry.
- Access to AWS services and applications as they are made available under DAIR.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant is available to Canadian companies, including startups, early stage businesses, and small & medium-sized enterprises. Eligible locations must be within Canada to ensure the program supports Canadian businesses effectively.
- Companies based in Canada.
- Businesses operating across all Canadian provinces and territories.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The DAIR Cloud Program evaluates applications based on the following criteria:
- Canadian business with fewer than 500 employees.
- Building or developing a commercial product or service.
- Intent to use DAIR resources for design, development, validation, and/or demonstration purposes.
- Provide feedback on the quality and benefit of the program.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Verify Eligibility
- Ensure your business is Canadian and has fewer than 500 employees.
- Confirm that the usage of DAIR aligns with design, development, validation, or demonstration.
- Step 2: Complete Application
- Visit the DAIR Cloud Program application page.
- Provide necessary business information in the application form.
- Step 3: Submit Application
- Submit the completed application form online.
- Step 4: Await Response
- Receive a response regarding your application within five business days.
- If approved, you will receive credentials to access the DAIR Cloud.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for the DAIR Cloud Program:
- DAIR provides generous monthly credits for AWS services, covering data egress and storage charges.
- Participants can access Graphical Processor Units (GPUs), which are subject to availability.
- BoosterPacks offer curated resources and sample code for emerging technologies, developed by experienced Canadian businesses.
- DAIR participants can utilize a private Slack channel for peer discussions and technical support from DAIR Cloud experts.
- Access to a library of technical resources and exclusive invitations to webinars and events are included.
- Participants are required to provide feedback through short questionnaires or phone interviews.
- Over 2,000 Canadian businesses have benefitted from DAIR.
Apply to this program
Accelerate Your Business with the DAIR Cloud Program
The DAIR Cloud Program offers Canadian startups and SMEs complimentary cloud resources to enhance the development and commercialization of new products and services. This initiative is pivotal for fostering innovation and providing growth opportunities for businesses with a footprint in next-generation technologies.
Discover the Transformational Benefits of the DAIR Cloud Program
The DAIR Cloud Program is a strategic initiative funded by Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada and administered by CANARIE. It is dedicated to empowering Canadian startups and small to medium enterprises (SMEs) by providing free access to cloud computing resources. The primary aim of the program is to foster innovation, fast-track product development, and assist companies in their journey towards commercialization. The DAIR Cloud stands out as a keystone initiative that not only supports the technical growth of businesses but also aids in reducing the cost and time associated with product development.
Qualified participants in the DAIR Cloud Program are granted access to a multitude of cloud computing resources hosted in Canada, specifically on Amazon Web Services (AWS). This provision includes generous monthly credits that cover vital costs such as data egress and storage, ensuring that burgeoning businesses can allocate their financial resources more strategically. The program features an analytical component that allows participants to monitor their cloud usage effectively, providing insights necessary for future scaling and development.
DAIR offers what are termed "BoosterPacks"—curated sets of resources and sample code tailored to support specific emerging technologies, like IoT, machine learning, and augmented reality. These BoosterPacks are crafted by Canadian businesses with substantial expertise in these domains, facilitating a knowledge-sharing ecosystem that fosters collective growth among tech startups. This mentorship and access to niche technical talents are invaluable for businesses aiming to leverage novel technologies.
The community aspect of the DAIR program is equally robust. By joining, businesses tap into a network of Canadian entrepreneurs and cloud development experts. A dedicated Slack channel serves as a 24/7 support line, while webinars and tech workshops provide continuous learning and development opportunities. This community can be an essential asset for startups needing real-time support and guidance from peers facing similar challenges and opportunities.
Furthermore, DAIR ensures that data sovereignty remains a priority by keeping business data within Canadian borders. This compliance with data residency requirements not only aligns with Canadian data protection laws but adds an additional layer of trust and integrity to the business operations under the program. This feature aligns with various regulatory requirements, thus supporting businesses in maintaining compliance while focusing on scaling their operations.
With over 2,000 Canadian businesses having participated in the DAIR Cloud Program so far, success stories and case studies abound. Through these documented experiences, new participants can draw insights and strategies applicable to their contexts, enhancing their probability of achieving swift market entry and long-term success. Accessing DAIR is straightforward, with businesses required to fulfill only minimal criteria focused on business size and developmental goals. In exchange for full program benefits, they are requested to provide feedback to continually enhance the program.
Business entities, including incubators and accelerators, are encouraged to incorporate DAIR into their service offerings to augment the technical resources available to their cohorts. By integrating DAIR, these organizations can substantially bolster their capabilities to support clients more effectively at no added cost. This synergy promotes a healthier startup ecosystem, facilitating enhanced innovation and efficiency across the board.
In conclusion, the DAIR Cloud Program is a formidable asset for Canadian startups and SMEs seeking to expedite their product development processes. By offering no-cost access to cutting-edge cloud resources and an array of technical support options, DAIR positions itself as a catalyst for innovation and business growth. By taking advantage of DAIR's comprehensive offerings, businesses are well-placed to achieve major developmental milestones and thrive in today's rapidly evolving technological landscape.
