A new initiative for artificial intelligence was recently announced through Canada’s regional development agencies (RDAs) to support Budget 2024’s commitment to advancing AI adoption and technology development, particularly in critical sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, clean technology, and manufacturing. The Government of Canada is providing $200 million towards the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII), to facilitate AI productization and commercialization, and the adoption of AI applications.
RAII will accept applications from incorporated small- and medium-sized enterprises, in addition to not-for-profits, Indigenous organizations, and municipalities. All contributions to for-profit organizations will be repayable, with the potential to receive funding for up to 50% of capital costs and 75% of non-capital costs.
Eligible activities for the Productization and Commercialization stream include technology demonstration of Canadian AI technologies, business and capacity development to support AI technology scale-up, and capacity building to strengthen startups. Projects in this area which can demonstrate either positive market traction, or evidence of assistance from the innovation ecosystem, will be prioritized for funding.
Eligible activities for AI Adoption include AI adoption and integration, process re-engineering and capacity development, and ecosystem support for SME AI adoption. The Adoption stream will focus on solving challenges faced by SMEs, including skills gaps, AI integration complexities, and regulatory compliance.
For more information, attend an information session, or read more on the specific requirements from your RDA: FedDev, FedNor, Pacifican, PrairiesCan, and ACOA.
For assistance with your application, contact one of our grant experts today.
