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Enabling large-scale sovereign AI data centres
Last Update: January 19, 2026
Canada
Support proposals to build large-scale sovereign AI data centres
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
No objectives are currently available
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
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
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.
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.
Eligibility
- The applicant must be a Canadian company or a Canadian consortium.
- The proposal must be to establish a large-scale sovereign AI data centre in Canada intended for commercial purposes.
- The project must have a planned total capacity of more than 100 MW and be designed to serve a broad range of Canadian clients.
- The submission must explain how the project meets the Government of Canada’s evaluation criteria (including economic and ecosystem benefits, Indigenous participation, sovereignty factors, energy considerations, performance capacity, readiness, and project cost/structure).
- The completed proposal form must be submitted by email to ai-infrastructure-ia@ised-isde.gc.ca by February 15, 2026.
Who is eligible?
- Canadian companies
- Canadian consortia
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Selection criteria
- 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.
How to apply
1
Verify basic eligibility
- Confirm your project is a Canadian company or consortium proposal
- Ensure the planned total capacity is over 100 MW and intended for commercial purposes
- Verify the data centre is designed to serve a wide range of Canadian clients
2
Align with project preferences
- Prepare clear evidence that the project can be completed
- Plan to include Indigenous participation where applicable
- Address environmental impact minimization and Canadian supply chain use
3
Complete the proposal content
- Draft responses covering: economic and ecosystem benefits
- Include Indigenous participation, sovereignty factors, and energy considerations
- Describe performance capacity, readiness level, and project cost and structure
4
Request the submission form
- Email ai-infrastructure-ia@ised-isde.gc.ca to request the submission form
- Use the same email address to ask questions about the form before the deadline
5
Fill and validate the form
- Fill out the form with the required project details and criteria alignment
- Acknowledge that ISED may share the submission with other federal, provincial, and municipal partners for evaluation
- Ensure information is provided in line with Access to Information and Privacy requirements noted in the form
6
Submit the proposal by email
- Email the completed proposal form to ai-infrastructure-ia@ised-isde.gc.ca
- Submit no later than February 15, 2026
7
Await selection results
- Wait for the competitive selection process to identify projects for future consideration
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
ai-infrastructure-ia@ised-isde.gc.ca
Canada
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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.
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