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Source verified July 28, 2026
Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) in the Prairie Provinces
Support for responsible AI commercialization and adoption
Latest source updateLast Update: September 10, 2026Latest change: The RAII application process was rewritten with new portal steps, required attachments, and submission conditions for EOIs.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: September 10, 2026
Latest change: The RAII application process was rewritten with new portal steps, required attachments, and submission conditions for EOIs.
RAII EOI process updated
The RAII expression of interest process now gives explicit portal steps: applicants must review the before-you-apply instructions, log in to the PrairiesCan portal, complete the EOI form with the help guide, attach the required documents, and submit through the portal. The required attachments now include incorporation and signing-authority documents, a business plan or pitch deck, a Regional Tariff Response Initiative attestation and supplemental form, and supporting financial documentation; the page also says incomplete or saved-but-unsubmitted EOIs will not be assessed and that submitting an EOI is not an offer of funding.
Funding available
$ 250,000 - $ 5,000,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Canada
Overview
The Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) supports AI commercialization and adoption projects in the Prairie provinces. It funds Canadian businesses and not-for-profit organizations working on AI market development, integration, team building, and sector-focused adoption.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop a new product or service
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 5,000,000 $
- Minimum amount : 250,000 $
- Up to 90% of project cost
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- 1-500 employees
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Canadians
- Youth (<40)
- Women
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Higher Education
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Business Associations
Target groups
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Municipal
- Regional
- Provincial
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
Activities funded
- Commercializing and adopting artificial intelligence technologies.
- Market diagnostics, development, customization, production expansion, and supply chain integration for AI technologies and solutions.
- Building and growing high-performance teams in AI start-ups and scale-ups.
- Strategically adopting or integrating AI technologies to drive innovation, growth, and productivity.
- Adopting or integrating AI through consulting, capacity building, talent attraction and retention, testing, and demonstrations.
Documents Needed
- Incorporation documents and proof of signing authority
- Business plan or pitch deck
- Financial statements for the past 2 years and interim financial statements for at least the last 6 months
- Proof of confirmed funding from government and non-government sources
- Required program forms, including the Regional Tariff Response Initiative attestation and supplemental form, plus full-application forms such as the financial disbursement disclosure form, cost clarification form, and technology questionnaire for Technology Commercialization projects only
Official resources
Program guide
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- For-profit businesses incorporated to conduct business in Canada.
- Not-for-profit organizations.
- Indigenous-led organizations and businesses are strongly encouraged to apply.
Eligible expenses
- Labour costs, including wages and benefits
- Equipment and machinery purchases
- Professional, advisory, and technical services
- Intellectual property protection, subcontracting, and promotion costs
- Testing, research, innovation, and related specialized services
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Basic and applied research and development (TRL 1-6)
- Land acquisition and goodwill
- Lobbying, donations, dues, and membership fees
- Entertainment, bonuses, and dividend payments
- Debt refinancing, asset depreciation, and above-market asset purchases
Eligible geographic areas
- The prairie provinces.
Selection criteria
- Market potential
- Management capability
- Financial capacity
- Economic benefits
- Technology readiness for technology commercialization projects only
How to apply
- Prepare to complete your EOI by following the steps in Before you apply.
- Login to the PrairiesCan portal.
- Complete the EOI form using the RAII EOI help guide.
- Attach the required documents.
- Submit the EOI form through the PrairiesCan portal; if selected, you will be invited to submit a full application through the online portal.
Processing and Agreement
- EOIs with the strongest merit and alignment with RAII objectives, priority areas, and significant economic benefit are invited to complete a full application and undergo detailed assessment.
- During detailed assessment, PrairiesCan may request additional information, conduct a credit check for repayable projects, and, where required, obtain a technical assessment from NRC IRAP for projects using novel technology.
- PrairiesCan anticipates funding decisions within approximately 90 business days of receiving a complete funding application.
- If approved, applicants must sign a contribution agreement within 30 days of notification and confirm all funding sources before that date.
- Successful recipients are reimbursed through submitted claims and must provide progress reports at least twice per year, annual financial statements, and tracking on key project activities and deliverables.
Additional information
- Applications are accepted on a continuous basis until December 31, 2028.
- All projects must be completed by March 31, 2029.
- One RAII project approval per organization per calendar year.
- PrairiesCan may request additional information during review.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) in the Prairie Provinces Program
What is the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) in the Prairie Provinces?
The Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) supports AI commercialization and adoption projects in the Prairie provinces. It funds Canadian businesses and not-for-profit organizations working on AI market development, integration, team building, and sector-focused adoption.
How much funding can be received?
Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) in the Prairie Provinces Funds up to 90% of admissible expenses, capped at $5,000,000 per project.
What is the deadline to apply?
The program is accepting continuous intake
Who is eligible for the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) in the Prairie Provinces program?
To be eligible for the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) in the Prairie Provinces program, you must:
For-profit businesses must be incorporated to conduct business in Canada.
For-profit businesses must have staffed operating facilities in the prairie provinces.
Not-for-profit organizations must have an operating presence in the Prairies.
What expenses are eligible under Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) in the Prairie Provinces?
Commercializing and adopting artificial intelligence technologies.
Market diagnostics, development, customization, production expansion, and supply chain integration for AI technologies and solutions.
Building and growing high-performance teams in AI start-ups and scale-ups.
Strategically adopting or integrating AI technologies to drive innovation, growth, and productivity.
Adopting or integrating AI through consulting, capacity building, talent attraction and retention, testing, and demonstrations.
Who can I contact for more information about the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) in the Prairie Provinces?
You can contact Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) or by phone at 1-888-338-9378.
Where is the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) in the Prairie Provinces available?
The Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) in the Prairie Provinces program is available the province of Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan.