Federal AI funding, explained by region

Three things the program funds

• AI adoption

  Helps small and medium-sized businesses and not-for-profits adopt and integrate AI to improve productivity, competitiveness, growth and resilience.

• AI commercialization and scale-up

  Helps Canadian AI entrepreneurs, start-ups and scale-ups validate, commercialize, deploy and scale Canadian-made AI products and services.

• AI ecosystem enablement

  Helps incubators, accelerators and other not-for-profit organizations provide the technical, advisory and market supports businesses need to adopt and commercialize AI.

More about the program

Where to apply

Applications go to the regional development agency for the province or territory where your project takes place. Pick your region.

• Atlantic CanadaAtlantic Canada Opportunities AgencyACOA
• QuebecCanada Economic Development for Quebec RegionsCED
• Southern OntarioFederal Economic Development Agency for Southern OntarioFedDev Ontario
• Northern OntarioFederal Economic Development Agency for Northern OntarioFedNor
• Prairie provincesPrairies Economic Development CanadaPrairiesCan
• British ColumbiaPacific Economic Development CanadaPacifiCan
• Yukon, NWT and NunavutCanadian Northern Economic Development AgencyCanNor

Intake dates differ by agency. See current deadlines.

The program at a glance

Total federal funding

$700 million, after a $500 million expansion over five years announced under AI for All, Canada's National Artificial Intelligence Strategy

Delivered by

Canada's seven regional development agencies

Who it is for

SMEs and not-for-profits adopting AI; Canadian AI companies commercializing and scaling; organizations that support them

How to apply

Through your regional agency's intake, during its open window