Open
Source verified July 2, 2026
Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) for Northern Ontario
Funding AI commercialization and adoption in Northern Ontario businesses
Funding available
Up to 75% of project cost
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Ontario, Canada
Who can apply
Incorporated small and medium-sized enterprises commercializing and/or adopting AI solutions.
See full eligibility
Overview
The Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) for Northern Ontario offers up to $200 million to support AI commercialization and adoption, targeting sectors such as agriculture, health sciences, and manufacturing. Eligible activities include AI technology demonstration, capacity development, strategic AI integration, and ecosystem support for small and medium-sized enterprises.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop team skills
- Attract or retain talent
Eligible Funding
- Up to 75% of project cost
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Rural or Northern Residents
- Startups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- All industries
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- All dimensions
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Technology demonstration or commercialization of Canadian-made AI technologies and solutions.
- Development of activities and capabilities to support the expansion of AI technologies under development and AI-based solutions.
- Capacity building of AI clusters and ecosystem to help start-ups commercialize AI solutions.
- Strategic AI adoption and integration of AI technologies and solutions that drive innovation, growth and productivity.
- Process reengineering and capacity building for AI adoption.
- Ecosystem support for AI adoption by small and medium-sized enterprises.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Incorporated small and medium-sized enterprises commercializing and/or adopting AI solutions.
- Incorporated not-for-profit organizations involved in AI technologies.
- Indigenous (First Nation/Métis/Inuit) communities and organizations adopting AI.
- Municipalities and municipal organizations integrating AI solutions.
Who is not eligible
- Retail businesses.
- Service-based businesses.
Eligible expenses
- Capital costs: purchase of machinery, equipment, and facility upgrades.
- Operating costs that are incremental and measurable.
- Project-specific direct labour (e.g., wages and benefits) and subcontractor costs.
- Professional advisory and technical services fees.
- Preproduction costs (e.g., prototyping, technological development, and commercial demonstrations).
- Commercialization costs (e.g., costs related to intellectual property).
- Training and talent development costs.
- Costs related to specialized services and materials (e.g., testing services, technical or innovation services, sector strategies in domestic markets).
Eligible geographic areas
- Northern Ontario
Selection criteria
- Demonstration of a sustainable business model, typically supported by two years of operations.
- Proven financial capacity to complete the project and fully repay the contribution.
- Managerial, technical, and operational capacity to achieve the project's stated objectives in a timely manner.
- Evidence of market/industry demand, showcasing how the project addresses significant market gaps or seizes global opportunities within Canada.
- Potential for market growth, diversification of export markets, and/or participation in global value chains.
- A viable, achievable project plan backed by verifiable cost estimates.
- Projects at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7 or higher for commercialization endeavors.
- Compliance with relevant legislative/regulatory requirements, including the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act (AIDA), ensuring responsible and ethical AI use, proper intellectual property management, and data security/privacy considerations.
How to apply
- Step 1: Initial Consultation
- Contact a FedNor Officer at 1-877-333-6673 to discuss your proposal.
- Clarify any questions regarding eligibility or application requirements.
- Step 2: Review Application Guides
- Access and review both the initial and detailed application guides through the FedNor portal.
- Ensure understanding of all necessary guidelines and requirements.
- Step 3: Phase One - Initial Application Submission
- Log into the FedNor self-service portal to begin the application process.
- Complete all required sections of the initial application form.
- Prepare preliminary proposal details and supporting documents.
- Step 4: Phase Two - Detailed Application Submission
- If successful in the initial phase, proceed to complete the detailed application form provided by FedNor.
- Submit detailed project proposals, financial projections, and other necessary documents.
- Step 5: Confirmation and Review
- Receive confirmation of application submission from the FedNor portal.
- FedNor will review all applications as they are received, including a business case assessment and financial review.
Additional information
- There is a retroactive eligibility for costs incurred within 12 months prior to application receipt, not before April 16, 2024.
- All government funding for a project should not exceed specific percentage limits based on the nature of the costs.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) for Northern Ontario Program
What is the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) for Northern Ontario?
The Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) for Northern Ontario offers up to $200 million to support AI commercialization and adoption, targeting sectors such as agriculture, health sciences, and manufacturing. Eligible activities include AI technology demonstration, capacity development, strategic AI integration, and ecosystem support for small and medium-sized enterprises.
How much funding can be received?
Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) for Northern Ontario Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) for Northern Ontario program?
To be eligible for the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) for Northern Ontario program, you must:
The applicant must be a legal entity capable of entering into legally binding agreements.
The applicant must demonstrate a sustainable business model supported by two years of operations.
The applicant must commercialize and/or adopt AI solutions and be located in Northern Ontario.
What expenses are eligible under Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) for Northern Ontario?
Technology demonstration or commercialization of Canadian-made AI technologies and solutions.
Development of activities and capabilities to support the expansion of AI technologies under development and AI-based solutions.
Capacity building of AI clusters and ecosystem to help start-ups commercialize AI solutions.
Strategic AI adoption and integration of AI technologies and solutions that drive innovation, growth and productivity.
Process reengineering and capacity building for AI adoption.
Ecosystem support for AI adoption by small and medium-sized enterprises.
Who can I contact for more information about the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) for Northern Ontario?
You can contact Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor) or by phone at 1-877-333-6673.
Where is the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) for Northern Ontario available?
The Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) for Northern Ontario program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) for Northern Ontario a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) for Northern Ontario is a Grant and Funding