FedDev — Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative – Adoption Pillar 2 – Businesses ON Canada

FedDev — Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative – Adoption Pillar 2 – Businesses

ON, Canada
Unlock your company's potential with cutting-edge AI advancements
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grant_single_labels|projects
grant_single_labels|admissibility
grant_single_labels|criteria
grant_single_labels|register
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
grant_single_labels|contact

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grant_single|eligibleFinancing
  • grant_single|maxCount
  • grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
  • grant_single|openingDateOctober 22, 2024
  • grant_single|closingDateDecember 20, 2024
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
  • Manufacturing
  • Transportation and warehousing
  • Finance and insurance
  • Health care and social assistance
grant_single|grantors
  • Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FEDDEV)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_card_status|closingSoon

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The Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) offers up to a maximum of $5 million in funding to help businesses and organizations in southern Ontario adopt or integrate AI solutions. The program aims to bring new AI technologies to market and enhance competitiveness by improving operational efficiency and creating productivity gains. Eligible activities include acquiring and integrating AI solutions, upgrading digital infrastructure, and strengthening cybersecurity measures, among others.

grant_single_labels|projects

This grant opportunity is designated for companies located in southern Ontario, as managed by FedDev Ontario. Eligible businesses must be incorporated and registered to do business in either Canada or specifically within Ontario.
  • Companies based in southern Ontario.
  • Businesses registered to operate in Canada.
  • Entities specifically incorporated in Ontario.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$35,000

Create a new digital platform for local artisans in Vancouver, BC to sell uniquely crafted goods online.

$40,000

Develop an innovative waste management system for restaurants in Toronto, ON to reduce food waste.

$30,000

Launch a community farming initiative in Halifax, NS to promote sustainable urban agriculture and food security.

$70,000

Establish a mobile health clinic in Calgary, AB to improve healthcare access for underprivileged communities.

$60,000

Implement a renewable energy installation on community housing projects in Montreal, QC.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

The eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's business profile and operations.
  • The business must be incorporated and registered to do business in Canada or Ontario.
  • The business must have at least 5 full-time equivalent employees (FTEs) and no more than 500 FTEs.
  • The business must have at least 3 years of business operations, as demonstrated by their financial statements.
  • The business must demonstrate that they will secure rights to intellectual property (IP) required for the project.
  • Where applicable, the business must not infringe on any IP rights, and demonstrate that they will own any IP created or developed in carrying out the project.
  • The business must demonstrate a commitment to the responsible development and use of AI, including compliance with legislative requirements and industry standards.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

Businesses incorporated and registered to do business in Canada or Ontario are eligible to apply, provided they meet the following criteria:1. Size of Business: Must have between 5 and 500 full-time equivalent employees.2. Operational History: Must have been in operation for at least three years, as evidenced by financial statements.3. Intellectual Property (IP) Rights: Must be able to secure or own the IP necessary for the project, and must ensure no infringement on existing IP rights. They should also commit to creating and using AI responsibly.4. Compliance: Must comply with current and anticipated legislative requirements and industry standards, particularly regarding responsible AI development and use.5. Sector Focus: While projects can be from any sector, priority may be given to transformative applications in healthcare and life sciences, enterprise solutions, manufacturing, and mobility under the AI adoption pillar.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant excludes certain companies and industries due to their status or main activity. The restrictions are in place to ensure alignment with the objectives of supporting AI adoption in strategic sectors.
  • Companies not incorporated and not registered to do business in Canada or Ontario.
  • Businesses with fewer than 5 full-time equivalent employees (FTEs) or more than 500 FTEs.
  • Businesses with less than 3 years of operational history.
  • Applicants unable to demonstrate control over intellectual property rights required for the project.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

This grant supports projects focused on the adoption or integration of AI technologies to enhance productivity and competitiveness. The eligible activities aim to enable businesses to strategically apply AI solutions within their operations.
  • Acquiring and integrating advanced AI solutions beyond commercially available tools.
  • Enhancing governance frameworks and adopting best practices for AI management.
  • Upgrading equipment and improving digital infrastructure to support AI integration.
  • Re-engineering business processes to optimize AI's potential impact.
  • Accessing specialized AI expertise for professional guidance and implementation support.
  • Building organizational capacity and providing targeted training for effective AI use.
  • Strengthening cybersecurity measures to ensure secure AI adoption.
  • Establishing guidelines and frameworks to ensure responsible AI use in operations.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

Eligible expenses under this grant encompass both capital and non-capital costs directly related to project activities aimed at AI adoption and integration.
  • Purchase and/or installation of machinery, equipment, or software necessary for the project.
  • Costs for renovation, site, or leasehold improvements related to specialized equipment or infrastructure.
  • Incremental salaries and benefits for employees directly involved in the project.
  • Fees for professional, legal, and technical consultancy services.
  • Costs for marketing and outreach relevant to the project, including promotional activities and commercial demonstrations.
  • Training and talent development costs essential for the project, including external trainers and course materials.
  • Cost of direct materials used for project completion, such as those for testing and prototype development.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria to ensure alignment with the RAII Adoption pillar objectives and the program's overall goals.
  • Degree to which the project focuses on the adoption or integration of transformative AI.
  • Incrementality of the project, supporting new or expanded initiatives for the company or organization.
  • Quality of the project plan, including contributions of project partners and capacity to undertake the project (managerial, technical, and operational)
  • Financial capacity and ability to repay, if applicable to businesses.
  • Alignment with pillar priorities such as healthcare, enterprise solutions, manufacturing, and mobility.
  • Degree to which the project addresses a critical business or industry challenge and the scope of benefits.
  • Expected results of the project, including process efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness improvements.
  • Degree of risk and mitigation measures, particularly concerning responsible AI development and compliance.
  • Compliance with applicable legislation and regulatory requirements.

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
  • Step 1: Evaluate Eligibility
    • Ensure your business meets all eligibility criteria such as being incorporated and registered to do business in Canada or Ontario.
    • Verify your enterprise has between 5 and 500 full-time equivalent employees and at least 3 years of business operations.
  • Step 2: Attend Information Session
    • Attend a virtual information session provided by FedDev Ontario to understand the application process and gain insights into the RAII program.
  • Step 3: Application Preparation
    • Review the Application Guide for businesses, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the application requirements and criteria.
    • Draft a detailed project proposal focusing on AI adoption and integration aligned with program priorities.
    • Gather all necessary documentation, including financial statements, project plans, and evidence of intellectual property rights.
    • Prepare the Supplemental Form required for the RAII initiative.
  • Step 4: Complete Application Form
    • Fill in the application form on the FedDev Ontario portal, ensuring all required fields are accurately completed.
    • Attach supporting documents such as business registration, project plans, and financial statements.
  • Step 5: Submission
    • Submit the completed application form and all attachments via the FedDev Ontario online portal before the deadline of December 20, 2024.
    • Indigenous applicants can submit applications directly by contacting indigenous-autochtones@feddevontario.gc.ca.
  • Step 6: Confirmation of Submission
    • Receive an automated confirmation of your submission from FedDev Ontario.
    • Retain a copy of the confirmation and submitted materials for your records.
  • Step 7: Follow-up
    • Prepare to respond to potential follow-up inquiries or requests for additional information from FedDev Ontario regarding your application.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Additional guidance for applicants is provided to enhance the clarity and effectiveness of their application process under the RAII. Important notes and definitions are included to ensure compliance and understanding of eligibility and project requirements.
  • Funding assistance may have tax implications; businesses are advised to consult a qualified tax professional.
  • The application guide includes important notes on calculating full-time equivalent employees and provides detailed definitions of key project indicators.
  • A voluntary self-declaration for diversity, equity, and inclusion is included, touching on the Government of Canada's commitment to these values.
  • Clarifications on eligible project costs stipulated to ensure expenses directly align with project activities and outcomes.

grant_single_labels|contact

info@feddevontario.gc.ca
1-866-593-5505

Apply to this program

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