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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.
Where it applies
British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut.
Related programs
BDC LIFT, Scale AI, ESSOR, Volet 1, Industrial AI Readiness Program, Critical Industrial Technologies, Sector Adoption, Digital Modernization and Adoption Plan.
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.