Enabling large-scale sovereign AI data centres

• 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).

Who is eligible?

• Canadian companies
• Canadian consortia

Eligible geographic areas

• Canada

• Project benefits for the economy and the broader ecosystem.
• Indigenous participation.
• Sovereignty-related factors.
• Energy considerations.
• Performance capability, readiness, and the project’s cost and structure.

• Step 1: Request proposal submission form
  • Email ai-infrastructure-ia@ised-isde.gc.ca to obtain the proposal submission form.
• Step 2: Prepare proposal form (complete and aligned)
  • Complete the proposal submission form in full.
  • Describe how the proposal aligns with the criteria set out in the form.
  • Include details on how the proposal meets Canada’s research and industry computing needs and supports multi-sector partnerships.
  • Ensure the form clearly addresses all required sections listed in the call for proposals (as applicable in the form).
• Step 3: Ask questions (if needed)
  • Send questions about the form by email to ai-infrastructure-ia@ised-isde.gc.ca before the submission deadline.
• Step 4: Submit proposal by email (before deadline)
  • Email the completed proposal submission form to ai-infrastructure-ia@ised-isde.gc.ca.
  • Submit between January 15 and February 15, 2026, and no later than February 15, 2026.
• Step 5: Consent and information sharing acknowledgement
  • By submitting the form, acknowledge that Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) may share the proposal content with other federal partners (e.g., Invest in Canada, Canada Development Investment Corporation, Canada Infrastructure Bank, Export Development Canada, Major Projects Office) and, if deemed necessary, with provincial government departments/agencies and municipal administrations to evaluate the proposal or to forward it to a third party.
  • Note that information submitted to ISED will be handled in accordance with the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act, as set out in the consent text in the form.

• 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.

• 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.