Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative
View the RAII Infographic (PDF) (886 KB, 1 page)
Artificial intelligence is changing how businesses operate, innovate and compete. Supporting responsible AI adoption and commercialization will improve productivity, grow Canadian companies, strengthen the economy, and help share the benefits and opportunities created by AI across regions and communities.
The Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) provides funding to:
- help businesses and organizations adopt and integrate AI to improve productivity, competitiveness and resilience
- help Canadian AI companies bring their products and services to market and scale in Canada and globally
- strengthen the organizations and networks that help businesses adopt and commercialize AI.
As part of AI for All, Canada's National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, an additional $500 million over five years is available through the expanded RAII, bringing total federal funding for the initiative to $700 million.
Who can apply for RAII funding?
- Businesses such as partnerships, social enterprises, incorporated companies, corporations, co-operatives, and Indigenous-owned businesses.
- Not-for-profit organizations such as sectoral/industry associations, post-secondary educational institutions, etc.
- Indigenous-led not-for-profits and organizations.
- Municipal, provincial, or territorial governments, including crown corporations.
Eligible activities
Stream 1 – Adoption
Activities that focus on strategic AI adoption and/or integration to improve productivity, competitiveness and growth, including but not limited to:
- AI implementation, integration and adoption (including readiness activities)
- Automation and robotics adoption
- Predictive analytics and decision-support systems
- AI-enabled optimization
- Resilience measures such as strengthening cybersecurity and responsible AI governance
Steam 2 – Commercialization
Activities that focus on commercialization of Canadian-made AI technologies and solutions and growth and resilience of AI companies, including but not limited to:
- Technology validation, demonstration and deployment
- Product development and refinement
- Commercialization, scale up, supply-chain integration and capacity development
- Customer acquisition and procurement readiness
- Intellectual property exploitation and protection
- Resilience measures such as strengthening cybersecurity and responsible AI governance
Stream 3 – AI Ecosystem
Activities focused on supporting small- and medium-sized businesses to adopt or commercialize AI technologies, including but not limited to:
- Cluster development
- Commercialization support services
- Youth workforce integration and development
- AI adoption in demonstration and testbed activities in priority sectors
- Ecosystem coordination and pipeline development
How to apply
Applications are currently being accepted for projects starting in fiscal year 2026-2027.
For more information on this fund, including how to apply, contact operations@cannor.gc.ca or reach out to your CanNor Regional Office.