How much funding can be received?

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.

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PrairessCan is designed to support companies located in the Prairies Region of Canada. Eligible companies must demonstrate operational presence in these geographic areas to qualify for funding.

Businesses with staffed facilities in the Canadian Prairie provinces.

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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.

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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.

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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

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Eligible expenses under the grant are costs that are essential and directly tied to carrying out eligible project activities.

Labour costs such as salaries and benefits.
Capital costs such as the purchase of machinery or equipment.
Management fees.
Consultation fees, including professional, advisory, and technical services.
Intellectual property protection costs.
Pre-production activities like technological development and commercial demonstrations.
Subcontracting costs.
Production and distribution of promotional materials and management tools.
Maintenance costs.
Costs related to specialized services including testing, research and development, technical or innovation services, sector development strategies across all markets, and business networking.

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The evaluation and selection of projects for the Initiative régionale sur l’intelligence artificielle (IRIA) grant are based on specific criteria to ensure alignment with the program’s objectives and strategic priorities of PrairiesCan.

Potential commercial viability and impact of the project.
Applicant’s management capacity to successfully execute the project.
Financial capacity and sustainability of the project.
Economic benefits and job creation potential for the region.
Technological maturity level for commercialization projects.
Alignment with ministerial and regional priorities.

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Here are the steps to submit an application for the "Initiative régionale sur l’intelligence artificielle (IRIA)" grant:

Step 1: Verify Eligibility
- Review the eligibility criteria for your organization and project activities, including the checklist for for-profit businesses and non-profit organizations.
- Ensure that your project aligns with the program goals of fostering AI production, commercialization, or adoption in priority sectors.
Step 2: Prepare Documentation
- Gather required documents such as financial statements for the past two years, business plans, and proof of other funding sources.
- Ensure documents verify your project's strategic alignment and financial viability.
Step 3: Submit Declaration of Interest
- Submit the "Declaration of Interest" using the online form provided by PrairiesCan.
- Include details about the project's purpose, eligibility, and budget.
- Consult the "Guide d'aide pour la déclaration d'intérêt" for detailed instructions.
Step 4: Wait for Evaluation
- PrairiesCan evaluates the Declaration of Interest to determine if the project should proceed to a full application.
- If selected, you will receive an invitation to submit a complete application within 30 days of submission.
Step 5: Submit Full Application (if invited)
- Prepare detailed project information as per the guidance received from PrairiesCan.
- Utilize PrairiesCan’s online portal to submit the comprehensive application documents.
Step 6: Application Assessment and Decision
- Your application will be assessed based on alignment with program objectives, economic impact, and project viability.
- PraiessCan may conduct a credit check and seek technical evaluation from PARI if necessary.
Step 7: After Submission
- Await potential communication from PrairiesCan regarding the need for additional information or final funding decisions.
- Prepare for any follow-up to demonstrate expected outcomes if funded, such as job creation and revenue growth.

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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.

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1-888-338-9378

Apply to this program

Unlock Growth with the Artificial Intelligence Regional Initiative

The Artificial Intelligence Regional Initiative (IRIA) offers significant financial assistance to companies aiming to commercialize or adopt AI technologies within the Prairies region, enabling them to enhance productivity and competitiveness in various sectors. This initiative provides a robust framework for businesses and nonprofits to access up to $33.8 million funding support, dedicated to empowering innovation and supporting the sustainable development of AI technologies.

Understanding the Artificial Intelligence Regional Initiative and Its Benefits

The Artificial Intelligence Regional Initiative (IRIA) is a strategic funding program established by PrairiesCan, under the governmental budgetary provision of 2024, designed to propel the integration and commercialization of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies across critical sectors within the Prairies of Canada. Recognizing the transformative potential of AI in revolutionizing businesses, this initiative aims to position Canada as a global leader in technological innovations by facilitating a conducive environment for startups and expanding firms involved in AI to thrive through financial incentives and strategic support.

With an allocation of $33.8 million over five years, IRIA focuses on two fundamental streams: the production and commercialization of AI, and the adoption of AI in prioritized sectors, including advanced manufacturing, clean technologies, health sciences, and digital industries. Essentially, this funding is crafted to elevate the role of AI in driving operational efficiencies, enhancing product developments, and fostering a competitive edge for Canadian enterprises on a global scale.

Eligible businesses can receive a non-interest-bearing loan covering 50% of eligible costs, with funding reaching up to $5 million per project. Nonprofit organizations, particularly those advancing the AI ecosystem, can access non-repayable grants that could finance up to 90% of eligible costs, especially for projects contributing to the public good or leveraging additional funding sources. This structured approach ensures a balanced distribution of funding that can catalyze innovation and drive significant economic growth.

The initiative sets forth clear eligibility criteria tailored to support legally established companies operating within the AI sector, possessing a strong operational presence in the Prairies, and demonstrating viable market engagement. Prospective applicants are required to illustrate their project’s alignment with Canada’s strategic priorities in AI and provide proofs such as financial forecasts, market analysis, and strategic governance plans to ensure transparency and accountability in fund utilization.

PrairiesCan employs a meticulous evaluation process to determine merit and strategic alignment with Canada’s AI frontiers. Projects are assessed based on their economic impact, technical feasibility, and the applicant’s capacity to deliver measurable outcomes that contribute to innovation and regional economic prosperity. Potential grantees are not only asked to demonstrate the commercial potential of their technology but to also forecast employment creation, revenue growth, and technological advancements that their project will yield over the implementation period.

Beyond the financial backing, recipients of the IRIA program are afforded extensive networking opportunities and may tap into PrairiesCan's evolving support systems, which include technical advisory services and strategic partnerships aimed at bolstering the commercialization and adoption strategies of AI-driven solutions. This holistic support framework is designed to address the multifaceted needs of AI developers and users, ensuring sustainable project development.

In conclusion, the Artificial Intelligence Regional Initiative represents a powerful catalyst for economic growth in the Canadian Prairies, encouraging innovation, technological advancement, and strategic market positioning. By participating in this program, businesses can not only secure the necessary financial resources to drive AI integration but can also significantly impact their operational scalability and competitiveness in a rapidly evolving digital economy.