Closed
Enabling large-scale sovereign AI data centres
Support proposals to build large-scale sovereign AI data centres
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Open Date : January 15, 2026
- Closing date : February 15, 2026
Location
Canada
Overview
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada is inviting Canadian companies and consortia to submit proposals (Jan 15–Feb 15, 2026) to establish large-scale sovereign AI data centres in Canada, designed for commercial use and with a planned total capacity of more than 100 MW. The maximum funding amount is not specified, and eligible activities relate to proposing and developing these large-scale AI data centre projects in line with criteria such as economic benefits, Indigenous participation, sovereignty, energy considerations, performance, readiness, and project cost/structure.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Reduce environmental footprint
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Open Date : January 15, 2026
- Closing date : February 15, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Utilities
- Information and cultural industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Canadians
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Establishment of large-scale sovereign AI data centres in Canada intended for commercial use (planned total capacity over 100 MW) to serve a broad range of Canadian clients.
Documents Needed
- Duly completed proposal form (obtained upon request by email at ai-infrastructure-ia@ised-isde.gc.ca).
- Signed consent authorizing Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) to share the contents of the proposal with other government partners (as indicated in the form).
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Canadian companies
- Canadian consortia
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Processing and Agreement
- Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) reviews submitted proposals through a competitive selection process to identify projects for potential future consideration.
- ISED may share the proposal with other federal partners and, if necessary, provincial/territorial and municipal governments to support evaluation or referral to a third party.
- Proposals are handled in accordance with the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act.
- Artificial intelligence may be used to help summarize submitted proposals to improve review efficiency.
- Selected project proponents may be asked to enter into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Government of Canada.
Additional information
- The proposal submission window runs from January 15 to February 15, 2026.
- Submissions are part of a competitive process to identify projects for potential future consideration.
- Information submitted may be shared by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada with other federal partners and, if deemed necessary for assessment, with provincial/municipal bodies or third parties.
- Submitted information will be handled in accordance with Canada’s Access to Information Act and Privacy Act, and AI may be used to help summarize proposals to support the review process.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Enabling large-scale sovereign AI data centres Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Enabling large-scale sovereign AI data centres. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Enabling large-scale sovereign AI data centres?
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada is inviting Canadian companies and consortia to submit proposals (Jan 15–Feb 15, 2026) to establish large-scale sovereign AI data centres in Canada, designed for commercial use and with a planned total capacity of more than 100 MW. The maximum funding amount is not specified, and eligible activities relate to proposing and developing these large-scale AI data centre projects in line with criteria such as economic benefits, Indigenous participation, sovereignty, energy considerations, performance, readiness, and project cost/structure.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was February 15, 2026.
Who is eligible for the Enabling large-scale sovereign AI data centres program?
To be eligible for the Enabling large-scale sovereign AI data centres program, you must:
Canadian companies or consortia.
Project to establish a sovereign AI data centre >100 MW.
Designed to serve a wide range of Canadian clients.
What expenses are eligible under Enabling large-scale sovereign AI data centres?
Establishment of large-scale sovereign AI data centres in Canada intended for commercial use (planned total capacity over 100 MW) to serve a broad range of Canadian clients.
Who can I contact for more information about the Enabling large-scale sovereign AI data centres?
You can contact Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) by email at ai-infrastructure-ia@ised-isde.gc.ca.
Where is the Enabling large-scale sovereign AI data centres available?
The Enabling large-scale sovereign AI data centres program is available across Canada.
Is the Enabling large-scale sovereign AI data centres a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Enabling large-scale sovereign AI data centres is a Grant and Funding