Artificial intelligence is transforming many sectors, and grants for your AI projects play a key role in accelerating adoption.
Against this backdrop, companies are increasingly recognizing the value of AI in boosting productivity, improving efficiency and staying competitive in a fast-moving world. However, developing and integrating AI projects can represent a substantial financial investment for organizations, whether small or industry leaders.
Fortunately, several funding and grant programs are available to help finance your AI projects. Federal and provincial governments have also recognized the potential of AI to transform the business world and address productivity challenges. As a result, numerous initiatives have been put in place to encourage and accelerate the adoption of AI in business. These grant and funding programs aim to support the research and development of AI projects, promote innovation and strengthen economic competitiveness.
Grants for your artificial intelligence projects: 7 programs you should know about
1. Scale AI
Scale AI: Canada’s global AI innovation cluster.
Scale AI improves industrial performance by funding AI projects focused on more resilient and sustainable supply chains. Business-led, this consortium strengthens innovation in Canada, stimulates economic growth and accelerates AI adoption. It supports the creation of world-class companies, skilled jobs and a special focus on SMBs. By building an innovative and inclusive economy, Scale AI plays a key role in Canada’s global influence.
Specifically, Scale AI supports finances up to 50 % of expenses related to the adoption or commercialization of AI solutions in value chains.
Whether you’re a company, supplier, consultant or institution, Scale AI evaluates projects according to three key pillars:
- Impact on productivity and the value chain: Tangible demonstration of gains in efficiency and competitiveness for the industry. Does the project contribute to improving the industry’s efficiency and competitiveness?
- Collaboration: Ability to federate several organizations and generate cross-industry spin-offs. Does it involve several companies or promote a transversal impact in the sector?
- Innovation: Development of unique intellectual property and marked differentiation from conventional practices. How does it differ from usual business activities? What intellectual property will be created?
By facilitating access to AI, Scale AI becomes an engine of growth, propelling companies to the heart of digital innovation.
2. The Quebec government
Quebec confirms its role as a leader in technological innovation thanks to several subsidy programs targeting artificial intelligence. The Ministère de l’Économie, de l’Innovation et de l’Énergie (MEIE) is offering three major programs. These initiatives are particularly advantageous for Quebec companies wishing to adopt or develop AI solutions.
Tax credit for pre-competitive collaborative research
This refundable tax credit is aimed at private companies collaborating on pre-competitive artificial intelligence R&D projects in Quebec. Specifically, it targets initiatives focused on the development of AI technologies, from design to implementation. Thanks to this program, companies can recoup a significant portion of their investment expenses.
Eligibility criteria :
- Acquire or validate new scientific or technological knowledge
- Encourage strategic partnerships between companies.
- Have a clear objective and a defined duration.
Support fund for innovation in health and social services (FSISSS)
As part of the Quebec Life Sciences Strategy, this $18 million fund fund helps companies and healthcare establishments to test their innovations under real-life conditions, in order to accelerate their adoption.
Company section
- Maximum grant: $240,000 (up to 50% of eligible costs)
- Reserved for Quebec SMBs working in human health
- Projects evaluated by MEDTEQ
Healthcare facility section
- Maximum grant: $240,000 (80% of eligible costs)
- For establishments in the Quebec healthcare network
- MEDTEQ evaluates projects
Tax credit for R&D research consortiums
At the same time, this program supports companies that participate in a research consortium or entrust it with an R&D mandate. The aim is to accelerate the development of new solutions by sharing resources and expertise.
Eligibility criteria :
- The organization must be a private, not-for-profit research center.
- The majority of funding must come from consortium members.
- Projects must be carried out in Quebec and focus on generic, collaborative R&D.
- Evaluation is carried out directly by MEIE.
These grant programs illustrate Quebec’s ambition to become a world leader in artificial intelligence. They are part of a broader drive to promote technological innovation. By offering targeted financial support, the government is backing companies, research consortia and healthcare establishments. This support facilitates the practical adoption of AI in several strategic sectors of the Quebec economy. It also encourages the creation of cutting-edge, high-impact solutions. Whether it’s improving competitiveness, transforming healthcare or accelerating research, the spin-offs are major. These initiatives represent a powerful lever for propelling Quebec innovation onto the international stage.
3. NGen, Next Generation Manufacturing of Canada
NGen: Accelerating innovation in advanced manufacturing in Canada.
NGen is a non-profit industry-led organization, responsible for Canada’s Global Innovation Cluster for Advanced Manufacturing. As such, it is one of five national networks supported by Canada’s ambitious Global Innovation Clusters Initiative.
Its mission? To accelerate the digital transformation of the manufacturing sector by focusing on technological innovation and the excellence of Canadian products. At the same time, it contributes to the creation of high value-added jobs. This model stimulates sustainable economic growth and shapes the future of manufacturing in Canada.
Subsidies to modernize the industry
The grants offered by NGen demonstrate Canada’s commitment to modernizing its manufacturing sector through advanced technologies. Although no funding is currently available, it is recommended to:
- Follow regular updates on their website
- Study success stories from previous projects
- Prepare for future funding opportunities
By integrating artificial intelligence and other disruptive innovations, NGen continues to play a key role in the evolution of advanced manufacturing in Canada. Stay tuned for opportunities and position yourself now to be part of this industrial transformation!
4. Prompt – Partenar-IA
Prompt plays a strategic role in the Quebec innovation ecosystem. As a fiduciary organization of the Ministère de l’Économie, de l’Innovation et de l’Énergie (MEIE), it is one of Quebec’s nine sector-based industrial research groups (RSRI), specializing in information and digital technologies.
Structured financing for innovative companies
Prompt funds collaborative AI projects up to 1,5 M$, with support tailored to the size of the company:
- 35 % of expenses covered for SMBs
- 50% of funding for startups
Eligibility criteria:
- Mandatory collaboration: The program targets initiatives involving at least two Quebec companies, including at least one SMB or startup.
- Local presence: All participating organizations must be legally incorporated in Quebec.
- Balanced sharing of resources: Companies must demonstrate genuine synergy, notably through a fair distribution of costs, profits and intellectual property.
Customized support.
Customized support
In addition to funding, Prompt offers personalized support to maximize the success of submitted projects. This approach reflects Prompt’s commitment to accelerating AI innovation in Quebec, by supporting both emerging technology companies and established industry players.
With Prompt, Quebec companies have real leverage to transform their ideas into concrete, competitive solutions.
5. Canada Economic Development
The Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec implements strategic programs designed to stimulate innovation, entrepreneurial growth and local economic development. Among its initiatives, two programs offer particularly advantageous financing opportunities:
Support for economically vulnerable MRCs
This program offers exceptional funding for companies and organizations wishing to develop innovative solutions, particularly in artificial intelligence:
- Grant covering up to 75% of authorized costs
- Repayment interest-free and without guarantee
- Grace period of two years after project completion
The program targets eight specific RCMs: Golfe-du-Saint-Laurent, Avignon, La Haute-Gaspésie, Rocher-Percé, La Tuque, Kativik Regional Government, Pontiac and Vallée-de-la-Gatineau.
This initiative represents a unique opportunity for the manufacturing and agricultural sectors in these regions, facilitating the adoption of advanced technologies such as AI.
Business Development and Productivity Program
This initiative aims to stimulate a company’s innovation and growth by financing various strategic projects, such:
- Acquisition of production equipment and machinery
- Deployment of digital infrastructures
- Marketing and market development
- Optimization of business management
Preferred sectors include manufacturing, food processing, information technology and life sciences, with a possible opening to other industries.
Evaluation criteria: Project viability, anticipated impact and quality of financial and professional partnerships.
Powerful leverage to propel your projects
Through these programs, Canada Economic Development actively supports the innovation and modernization of Quebec businesses. Whether you’re a fast-growing SMB or an organization looking to revitalize its territory, these grants represent a strategic opportunity to invest in the future and accelerate your digital transformation.
6. IRAP NRC (National Research Council Canada)
The National Research Council Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP NRC) is a key player in innovation support for Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMBs). Its comprehensive approach combines financing, technical expertise and personalized coaching to help companies develop, market and deploy their innovations.
A Comprehensive Service Offering:
- Tailored financial support adapted to business needs
- Specialized advice in research and development (R&D)
- Access to a network of business and innovation experts
- Commercialization support to accelerate time-to-market
Thanks to this value-driven approach, focused on strategic partnerships and technical excellence, IRAP NRC enables SMBs to effectively integrate into Canada’s innovation ecosystem and accelerate their growth.
To explore the opportunities offered by IRAP NRC, businesses are encouraged to contact their team directly through the dedicated line at 1-877-994-4727. This initial step helps launch a personalized conversation and identify the solutions best suited to the specific needs of each organization.
7. BDC: Strategic Financing for the Digital Transformation of SMBs
La The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) has established itself as a key partner in the adoption of digital technologies by Canadian SMBs, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence. Its commitment is based on a deep understanding of current market issues, resulting in unique programs that support AI initiatives.
As a financing specialist for small and medium-sized enterprises, BDC has a clear grasp of the challenges related to digital transformation. It offers loans specifically designed for the acquisition of technological equipment, with favorable terms tailored to the realities of Quebec SMBs.
From Data to AI Program
This program provides customized financing solutions aimed at:
- Facilitating the adoption of AI technologies
- Improving operational productivity
- Strengthening the competitive position of businesses
Interested companies are encouraged to visit the “Technology Equipment Loan” sur le site web de la BDC pour explorer l’ensemble des options de financement disponibles.
Artificial Intelligence Grants: A Clear Commitment to Driving Technological Innovation
The ecosystem of grants and funding established by the federal and provincial governments clearly reflects a strong commitment to advancing technological innovation in Quebec and across Canada. While the list provided is not exhaustive, these programs spanning a wide range of sectors and projects, serve as strategic levers for integrating artificial intelligence into businesses.
However, it’s important to note that these funding opportunities are not permanent. Programs evolve based on allocated budgets, which are time-limited, as well as shifting government economic priorities and political cycles. Waiting too long could mean missing out on unique funding opportunities for your digital transformation.
