Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) in the Prairie Provinces
- Open Date : January 1, 2024
- Closing date : December 31, 2028
Overview
The Initiative régionale sur l’intelligence artificielle (IRIA) program offers funding ranging from $250,000 to $5 million per project over a maximum period of three years. The program is designed to foster the responsible development and adoption of AI technologies in Canada, specifically supporting AI commercialization and integration across priority sectors such as agriculture, clean technology, healthcare, and manufacturing. Eligible activities include commercializing AI technologies, building high-performance teams in AI startups, and adopting AI solutions to enhance innovation, growth, and productivity.
At a glance
Funding available
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop a new product or service
- Maximum amount : 5,000,000 $
- Minimum amount : 250,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
- Open Date : January 1, 2024
- Closing date : December 31, 2028
Eligible candidates
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
- Manufacturing
- Information and cultural industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Educational services
- Health care and social assistance
- Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
- All revenue ranges
- 1 employees minimum
- Indigenous Peoples
- Canadians
- Youth (<40)
- Women
- Higher Education
- Research
- Other Health Services
- Environment
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Employment and Training
- Business Associations
- Diversity and Inclusion
- Children & youth
- Indigenous peoples
- Women & girls
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Nonprofits / charities
- Academia / students
- Minority groups
- All structures
- Municipal
- Regional
- Provincial
- National
Next Steps
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
Yes, there are eligible types of companies for this grant. Both for-profit businesses and non-profit organizations that operate within the AI sector in the Prairies regions of Canada can be eligible, provided they meet specific criteria outlined for each category.
- For-profit businesses must be incorporated and operate within Canada.
- Must employ at least one full-time equivalent (FTE).
- Must have been in operation for at least two years.
- Must have staffed facilities in the Prairie provinces.
- Must commercialize or adopt AI technologies with a technology readiness level above 7.
- Must confirm funding from all other sources.
- Preference may be given to SMEs with less than 500 full-time employees.
- Non-profit organizations must support AI businesses or innovators in the Prairies region.
- Must have a legal entity able to enter binding agreements.
- Must have an operational presence in the Prairies.
Who is not eligible
This grant does not explicitly exclude specific types of companies or industries; however, there are certain restrictions and criteria that companies must meet to be eligible. These mainly involve the readiness of AI technology and the geographical location of business operations within the Prairies.
Eligible expenses
Yes, there are eligible expenses for this grant. Eligible costs are reasonable and necessary additional expenditures for implementing eligible project activities.
- Labour costs (e.g., salaries and benefits)
- Capital costs (e.g., purchase of machinery or equipment)
- Management fees
- Consultant fees (e.g., professional services, advisory services, and technical services)
- Costs associated with intellectual property protection
- Pre-production activities (e.g., technology development and commercial demonstrations)
- Subcontracting costs
- Production and distribution of promotional material and management tools
- Maintenance costs
- Costs related to specialized services, such as testing services, research and development services, technical or innovation services, sector development strategies across all markets, and business networking
Eligible geographic areas
This grant is specifically available to organizations located within the Prairie Provinces in Canada. The initiative is designed to harness AI potential in these key regions.
- Alberta
- Saskatchewan
- Manitoba
Additional information
The IRIA program is an open call for applications until December 31, 2028, and supports projects related to AI commercialization and adoption across various sectors. Grants offered can cover up to 50% of costs for for-profit entities and up to 90% for non-profits, with a focus on projects that align with Canada's AI strategy and priorities.
- The program offers funding options for both for-profit and non-profit organizations, with a preference for projects supported by other funding sources.
- Businesses must employ at least one full-time equivalent (FTE) and have been operating for at least two years within the Prairie provinces.
- Eligible activities include commercializing Canadian-developed AI technologies, building high-performing teams, and strengthening ecosystems to support startup ventures.
- Projects must focus on at least one priority area such as advanced manufacturing, clean resources, digital industries, and life sciences.
- Costs can be retroactively eligible for up to 12 months prior to the funding application, provided they are after April 16, 2024.
- The application process involves a two-step approach: an initial declaration of interest followed by a detailed full application upon invitation.
- Evaluation criteria focus on commercial potential, management, financial capacity, and alignment with regional and ministerial priorities.