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AI funding in New Brunswick
There are seven AI funding programs for businesses in New Brunswick. Of these, seven were open when we checked on October 15, 2026.
ACOA delivers federal AI adoption funding in New Brunswick.
Covers project costs
| Program | Type | What it covers | Amount | Where | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BDC LIFTBusiness Development Bank of Canada | Loan | AI implementation, integration, data infrastructure and automation equipment | Loans of $25,000 to $5MPrincipal can be postponed for up to two years | Canada-wide | OpenOfficial page |
| Regional Artificial Intelligence InitiativeCanada's regional development agencies | Repayable, interest-free | AI adoption projects, including outside expertise and installation | Up to 50% of eligible costsRepaid without interest. Minimums vary by region, from $125,000 in southern Ontario | By region | OpenOfficial page |
| Scale AICanada's AI global innovation cluster | Grant | AI adoption projects across a supply or value chain, including contracts with service providers | Up to 40% of eligible expensesNeeds more than one participant, at least one with under 500 staff | Canada-wide | OpenOfficial page |
| Industrial AI Readiness ProgramNGen, with NRC IRAP | Grant | Fees from an AI service provider for a readiness evaluation and implementation plan | Up to $15,000Manufacturers under 500 staff, referred by an IRAP advisor | Canada-wide | OpenOfficial page |
Research and new products
| Program | Type | What it covers | Amount | Where | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SR&ED tax incentiveCanada Revenue Agency | Tax credit | Experimental development where the technical outcome is uncertain | 15% basic credit, 35% enhancedSome corporations get the enhanced rate, and some get it as a refund | Canada-wide | OpenOfficial page |
| NRC IRAPNational Research Council of Canada | Grant | Research and development of technology-driven products and services | Set project by projectIncorporated, for-profit companies with up to 500 staff | Canada-wide | OpenOfficial page |
| Mitacs AccelerateMitacs | Grant | A graduate or postdoctoral research intern working on your project | $15,000 internship, of which you pay $7,500Four or six months per internship | Canada-wide | OpenOfficial page |
Notes on each program
BDC LIFT
The AI track needs $1M or more in revenue, and the equipment track needs $5M. It is a loan, and the AI track requires a paid BDC Advisory Services plan.
Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative
ACOA is taking expressions of interest until November 20, 2026. Projects must total at least $1M, and AI must be central to the result.
Scale AI
Not repaid. The project has to involve a partner, such as a supplier, a customer or the firm doing the build.
Industrial AI Readiness Program
Manufacturers only. First come, first served until funding runs out. Final reports are due at the end of December 2026.
SR&ED tax incentive
Applies when you are building something technically new. Configuring existing AI tools does not qualify.
NRC IRAP
Funds your own product development through an IRAP advisor. It does not fund buying an implementation.
Mitacs Accelerate
Pays an intern's stipend through a university. Useful for research capacity alongside a build.
Other provinces and territories
British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut.
Tell us what you want to change
Answer a few questions about the project. We reply with a first scope and the funding that fits it. Funding is never guaranteed, and we tell you when a program is not a good fit.