# AI funding in Nova Scotia

> There are seven AI funding programs for businesses in Nova Scotia. Of these, seven were open when we checked on October 15, 2026. ACOA delivers federal AI adoption funding in Nova Scotia.

## Covers project costs

| Program | Type | What it covers | Amount | Limits | Where | Status | Official page |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| [BDC LIFT](https://cantransform.ca/programs/bdc-lift/) | Loan | AI implementation, integration, data infrastructure and automation equipment | Loans of $25,000 to $5M | Principal can be postponed for up to two years | Canada-wide | Open | https://www.bdc.ca/en/lift |
| [Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative](https://cantransform.ca/programs/regional-artificial-intelligence-initiative/) | Repayable, interest-free | AI adoption projects, including outside expertise and installation | Up to 50% of eligible costs | Repaid without interest. Minimums vary by region, from $125,000 in southern Ontario | By region | Open | https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/ised/en/regional-artificial-intelligence-initiative |
| [Scale AI](https://cantransform.ca/programs/scale-ai/) | Grant | AI adoption projects across a supply or value chain, including contracts with service providers | Up to 40% of eligible expenses | Needs more than one participant, at least one with under 500 staff | Canada-wide | Open | https://www.scaleai.ca/projects/ |
| [Industrial AI Readiness Program](https://cantransform.ca/programs/ngen-industrial-ai-readiness/) | Grant | Fees from an AI service provider for a readiness evaluation and implementation plan | Up to $15,000 | Manufacturers under 500 staff, referred by an IRAP advisor | Canada-wide | Open | https://www.ngen.ca/funding/challenge/industrial-ai-readiness |

## Research and new products

| Program | Type | What it covers | Amount | Limits | Where | Status | Official page |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| [SR&ED tax incentive](https://cantransform.ca/programs/sred-tax-credit/) | Tax credit | Experimental development where the technical outcome is uncertain | 15% basic credit, 35% enhanced | Some corporations get the enhanced rate, and some get it as a refund | Canada-wide | Open | https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/scientific-research-experimental-development-tax-incentive-program/what-are-sred-tax-incentives.html |
| [NRC IRAP](https://cantransform.ca/programs/nrc-irap/) | Grant | Research and development of technology-driven products and services | Set project by project | Incorporated, for-profit companies with up to 500 staff | Canada-wide | Open | https://nrc.canada.ca/en/support-technology-innovation/financial-support-technology-innovation |
| [Mitacs Accelerate](https://cantransform.ca/programs/mitacs-accelerate/) | Grant | A graduate or postdoctoral research intern working on your project | $15,000 internship, of which you pay $7,500 | Four or six months per internship | Canada-wide | Open | https://www.mitacs.ca/our-programs/accelerate/ |

## 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.

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We checked these facts against official program pages on October 15, 2026. Only programs with the type "Grant" are grants. You repay a loan or a repayable contribution. Each program decides eligibility and approval. CanTransform is based in Toronto and is not affiliated with any government. Contact: https://cantransform.ca/contact/