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.

Financing 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.

Eligibility criteria of the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) in the Prairie Provinces program

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

Eligibility criteria of the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) in the Prairie Provinces program

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.

How to apply to the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) in the Prairie Provinces program

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Contact Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan)

1-888-338-9378

Apply to this program

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