Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) in the Prairie Provinces - SK - Canada

Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) in the Prairie Provinces

grant_single|update January 24, 2025
SK, Canada
Empower your company's growth and competitiveness by adopting AI through substantial funding opportunities

grant_single_labels|summary

grant_single|eligibleFinancing
  • grant_single|fromMinToMax
  • grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
  • grant_single|openingDate January 1, 2024
  • grant_single|closingDate December 31, 2028
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
  • 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
grant_single|grantors
  • Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open

grant_single_labels|preview

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.

grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions

This grant offers comprehensive financial support to eligible entities in the Prairie provinces to advance AI technologies. The financing modalities are structured to accommodate different types of organizations and project scopes.
  • Financial contributions from PrairiesCan range between $250,000 and $5 million per project over a maximum period of three years.
  • Eligible businesses can receive an interest-free repayable funding covering up to 50% of eligible costs.
  • Eligible non-profit organizations may receive up to 90% of eligible costs as non-repayable funding; however, preference is given to projects with additional financial support from other sources.
  • Non-profit entities undertaking commercial projects typically receive repayable funding.
  • Public funding from all government levels is capped at 50% for eligible capital costs and 75% for other eligible expenses for businesses or commercial projects.
  • Organizations are limited to one project approval under the initiative per calendar year.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

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.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

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.

grant_eligibility_criteria|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

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

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

grant_single_labels|criteria

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.

grant_single_labels|apply

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

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.

grant_single_labels|contact

1-888-338-9378

Apply to this program

More grants like this

Saskatchewan R&D Tax Credit -
Tax Creditsgrant_card_status|open
R&D tax credit for corporations in Saskatchewan
NRC — Plant growth research facilities -
Researchers And Facilitiesgrant_card_status|open
Plant growth facilities in Saskatoon
Ag-West Bio – Technology Commercialization Investment Fund -
Loans and Capital investmentsgrant_card_status|open
Loans or equity for Saskatchewan bioscience and agtech commercialization
City of Saskatoon Business Development Incentives Program -
Tax Creditsgrant_card_status|open
Tax abatement incentive to encourage business in Saskatoon
Made in Saskatchewan Technology Program (MIST) -
Grant and Fundinggrant_card_status|open
Contract opportunities for SK technology companies
Saskatchewan Technology Startup Incentive (STSI) -
Tax Creditsgrant_card_status|open
Money to invest in tech startups in Sask.
Youth Employment and Skills Program -
Grant and FundingWage Subsidies And Internsgrant_card_status|openingSoon
Wage subsidy for agricultural organizations
Saskatchewan Product Development Program (PDP) -
Grant and Fundinggrant_card_status|open
Empowering Saskatchewan agriculture with value-added product funding
Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program (FRWIP) — Well Decommissioning and Special Projects Pre-Approval -
Grant and Fundinggrant_card_status|open
Funding for decommissioning wells on Saskatchewan farms
Irrigation Program — Irrigation Development Program -
Grant and Fundinggrant_card_status|open
Funding for farms in Saskatchewan to increase irrigation capacity