# Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative

> Federal funding for AI adoption, delivered by the regional development agencies as an interest-free contribution you pay back.

- Type: Repayable, interest-free
- Delivered by: Canada's regional development agencies
- What it covers: AI adoption projects, including outside expertise and installation
- Amount: Up to 50% of eligible costs
- Conditions: Repaid without interest. Minimums vary by region, from $125,000 in southern Ontario
- Where: By region
- Status: Open in most regions (checked on October 15, 2026)
- Official page: https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/ised/en/regional-artificial-intelligence-initiative

## Who it is for

A repayable contribution for businesses. Each regional agency runs its own intake.

## Status by province

| Province or territory | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| British Columbia | Opens October 20, 2026 | PacifiCan opens applications on October 20, 2026, starting with small and medium-sized businesses whose projects begin before March 31, 2027. Details will be posted that day. |
| Alberta | Open | PrairiesCan takes applications continuously until December 31, 2029 or until the funding is committed. Contributions run $250,000 to $5M and consultancy fees are an eligible cost. |
| Saskatchewan | Open | PrairiesCan takes applications continuously until December 31, 2029 or until the funding is committed. Contributions run $250,000 to $5M and consultancy fees are an eligible cost. |
| Manitoba | Open | PrairiesCan takes applications continuously until December 31, 2029 or until the funding is committed. Contributions run $250,000 to $5M and consultancy fees are an eligible cost. |
| Ontario | Open | FedDev Ontario takes applications until January 19, 2027, or November 24, 2026 for projects starting before March 31, 2027. Adoption projects run $125,000 to $5M and need five full-time staff and three years of operations. In northern Ontario, FedNor assesses applications as they arrive. |
| Quebec | Open | Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions is accepting applications on an ongoing basis. Businesses can receive repayable support for up to 50% of costs, counted from the date you apply. |
| New Brunswick | Open | ACOA is taking expressions of interest until November 20, 2026. Projects must total at least $1M, and AI must be central to the result. |
| Prince Edward Island | Open | ACOA is taking expressions of interest until November 20, 2026. Projects must total at least $1M, and AI must be central to the result. |
| Nova Scotia | Open | ACOA is taking expressions of interest until November 20, 2026. Projects must total at least $1M, and AI must be central to the result. |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Open | ACOA is taking expressions of interest until November 20, 2026. Projects must total at least $1M, and AI must be central to the result. |
| Yukon | Open | CanNor is accepting applications for projects that start in the 2026-2027 fiscal year. |
| Northwest Territories | Open | CanNor is accepting applications for projects that start in the 2026-2027 fiscal year. |
| Nunavut | Open | CanNor is accepting applications for projects that start in the 2026-2027 fiscal year. |

## Common questions

### Is Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative a grant?

No. It is a contribution that you repay without interest.

### Is Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative open now?

Status when we checked on October 15, 2026: Open in most regions. Confirm the status on the official page before you make plans.

### Who delivers Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative?

Canada's regional development agencies delivers the program.

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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/