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Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) for Northern Ontario
Funding AI commercialization and adoption in Northern Ontario businesses
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
Up to 75% of project cost
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Ontario, Canada
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 workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Up to 75% of project cost
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
- Manufacturing
- Health care and social assistance
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Rural or Northern Residents
- Startups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Research
- Other Health Services
- Environment
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Employment and Training
- Business Associations
Target groups
- Indigenous peoples
- Rural / Remote communities
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Municipal
- Regional
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.
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
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
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) for Northern Ontario. 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.
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