Open
Industrial AI Readiness Program
Supports manufacturers adopting industrial AI
Last Update: June 16, 2026
Funding available
Up to 30% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : June 16, 2026
Location
Canada
Overview
The Industrial AI Readiness Program supports Canadian manufacturers exploring artificial intelligence adoption. It helps manufacturers evaluate readiness and plan implementation for productivity, quality, supply chain, energy, safety, and workforce improvements.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop a new product or service
Eligible Funding
- Up to 30% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : June 16, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- 500 employees maximum
Audience
- Canadians
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- AI readiness evaluation for manufacturing operations
- Implementation planning for AI adoption
- AI-enabled process improvement in production environments
Documents Needed
- Expression of Interest form
- Business contact and legal information
- Project summary
- AI partner details, if applicable
- Eligibility screening responses
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Manufacturers
- AI providers
- Other technology providers
Who is not eligible
- Businesses focused only on routine operations
- Companies seeking general IT automation without production impact
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Normal production work
- Routine operations
- General IT automation without production impact
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are screened through an expression of interest process
- Submissions are reviewed for fit with the program’s AI readiness criteria
- Applicants indicate whether a preferred AI service provider has been identified
- The selected provider supports the readiness evaluation and implementation plan
Frequently Asked Questions about the Industrial AI Readiness Program Program
What is the Industrial AI Readiness Program?
The Industrial AI Readiness Program supports Canadian manufacturers exploring artificial intelligence adoption. It helps manufacturers evaluate readiness and plan implementation for productivity, quality, supply chain, energy, safety, and workforce improvements.
How much funding can be received?
Industrial AI Readiness Program Funds up to 30% of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Industrial AI Readiness Program program?
To be eligible for the Industrial AI Readiness Program program, you must:
Manufacturer with fewer than 500 employees
NRC IRAP eligible
AI use case with manufacturing impact
What expenses are eligible under Industrial AI Readiness Program?
AI readiness evaluation for manufacturing operations
Implementation planning for AI adoption
AI-enabled process improvement in production environments
Who can I contact for more information about the Industrial AI Readiness Program?
You can contact Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen).
Where is the Industrial AI Readiness Program available?
The Industrial AI Readiness Program program is available across Canada.
Is the Industrial AI Readiness Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Industrial AI Readiness Program is a Partnering and Collaboration