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Industrial AI Readiness Program
Supports manufacturers adopting industrial AI
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Funding available
Up to 30% of project cost
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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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
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
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
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
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
Sources and recorded changes
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
Selection criteria
- Fit with manufacturing improvement goals
- Use of AI or AI-enabled workflow in production
- Clear baseline metric and target improvement
- Available data and secure access for evaluation
- Feasibility within the program timeline
How to apply
- Step 1: Complete the expression of interest form
- Enter company and contact details
- Describe the project and proposed AI use case
- Step 2: Answer eligibility questions
- Confirm company type and size
- Provide screening responses on fit, data access, and readiness
- Step 3: Identify the AI partner
- Indicate whether a preferred AI service provider is already selected
- Provide the preferred AI partner name if applicable
- Step 4: Submit the form
- Send the completed expression of interest through the online form
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
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 Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Industrial AI Readiness Program?
Industrial AI Readiness Program is funded by Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen)