Open
Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) in the Prairie Provinces
Support for responsible AI commercialization and adoption
Last Update: May 28, 2026
Funding available
$ 250,000 - $ 5,000,000
Timeline
- Open Date : January 1, 2024
- Closing date : December 31, 2028
Location
Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Canada
Overview
Funding ranges from $250,000 to $5 million per project. This program supports responsible AI commercialization and adoption projects in the Prairie provinces.
/100
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 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : January 1, 2024
- Closing date : December 31, 2028
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- 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
Location
- Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- 1 employees minimum
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Canadians
- Youth (<40)
- Women
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Higher Education
- Research
- Other Health Services
- Environment
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Employment and Training
- Business Associations
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- Children & youth
- Indigenous peoples
- Women & girls
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Nonprofits / charities
- Academia / students
- Minority groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Municipal
- Regional
- Provincial
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Commercialization of Canadian AI technologies and solutions
- Adoption of AI in business operations and priority sectors
- Building AI teams, capacity, and market readiness
- Supporting SMEs with AI integration, testing, and advisory services
Documents Needed
- Financial statements for the past 2 years
- Interim financial statements for at least the last 6 months
- Proof of other funding sources
- Business plan or pitch deck
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- For-profit incorporated businesses
- Not-for-profit organizations
- Post-secondary institutions, accelerators, incubators, and angel networks
- Indigenous-led organizations and businesses
- Municipalities and provincial or crown corporations
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
- Alberta
- Saskatchewan
- Manitoba
Processing and Agreement
- PrairiesCan reviews the expression of interest and may request additional information.
- Strong applications are invited to submit a full application for detailed assessment.
- If approved, the applicant signs a contribution agreement within 30 days.
- Applicants must confirm all funding sources before the agreement is signed.
- Claims are reimbursed after eligible costs are incurred and paid, with ongoing progress and financial reporting required.
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
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) in the Prairie Provinces. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) in the Prairie Provinces?
Funding ranges from $250,000 to $5 million per project. This program supports responsible AI commercialization and adoption projects in the Prairie provinces.
How much funding can be received?
Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) in the Prairie Provinces Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $5,000,000 per project.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program is **December 31, 2028**. Applicants must submit their complete application before this date to be considered for funding.
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:
Incorporated in Canada
Operating in the Prairies
Confirmed other funding
What expenses are eligible under Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) in the Prairie Provinces?
Commercialization of Canadian AI technologies and solutions
Adoption of AI in business operations and priority sectors
Building AI teams, capacity, and market readiness
Supporting SMEs with AI integration, testing, and advisory services
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.