AI is reshaping the economy. Businesses increasingly recognize its value for boosting productivity, improving efficiency and staying competitive in a fast-moving world. However, developing and integrating AI projects can represent a significant financial investment for organizations, whether they are small businesses or leaders in their industry.
That's why several funding and grant programs are available to help finance your artificial intelligence projects. In 2026, the context is particularly favourable: in June, the federal government unveiled its new Canadian artificial intelligence strategy, “L'IA pour tous” (AI for all), and several organizations have launched or renewed funding envelopes dedicated to AI adoption by SMEs. In Quebec, the innovation tax credit system has been significantly simplified. These programs aim to support AI research and development, promote innovation and strengthen economic competitiveness.
Scale AI: Canada's global innovation cluster for artificial intelligence.
Scale AI is dedicated to driving industrial performance by leveraging AI technologies to build resilient, sustainable supply chains. As an industry-led consortium, Scale AI fosters economic growth, strengthens Canada's leadership in the global innovation race, supports the creation of world-class companies and highly skilled jobs, and accelerates the adoption of AI-powered technologies. In doing so, it contributes to an innovative, competitive, diversified and inclusive Canadian economy.
In practical terms, Scale AI reimburses up to 40% of eligible expenses for approved projects aimed at adopting or commercializing AI in value chains. It is a non-repayable grant, paid quarterly, with no minimum or maximum amount per project. Projects generally last 12 to 18 months.
Scale AI evaluates projects against four criteria:
Note: the project must involve more than one participant, be carried out entirely in Canada and not already be funded by another government entity. You don't need to be a Scale AI member to submit a project, but membership is required to receive funding.
By making AI technologies more accessible, Scale AI acts as a true growth engine for the Canadian economy, propelling businesses to the forefront of digital innovation.
Quebec has significantly overhauled its innovation support measures. Since the 2025-2026 budget, several research and development tax credits have been merged into one, and the Ministère de l'Économie, de l'Innovation et de l'Énergie (MEIE) continues to issue targeted calls for projects. Here are the two most attractive levers for Quebec businesses investing in AI.
The CRIC is a refundable tax credit that applies to taxation years beginning after March 25, 2025. Among other things, it replaces the former tax credit for pre-competitive research in a private partnership, the credit for fees paid to a research consortium and the R&D salary credit. It covers R&D activities carried out in Quebec, as well as certain related pre-commercialization activities, such as testing and validation leading to initial approval or certification, and product design.
Assistance provided:
Eligible expenses:
For an AI project, this could include, for example, the experimental development of a model that addresses a genuine technological uncertainty. Note: the same expense cannot be claimed under both the CRIC and another Quebec tax credit, such as the tax credit for investment and innovation (C3i). Claims are made using form RD-1029.8.CR, filed with the corporation's income tax return.
Offered under the MEIE's Innovation program, the First Adopters (Primo-adoptants) call for projects is ideal for young AI companies developing their first technology. It funds collaboration between a young innovative company and an established business, its first potential customer, to refine and test the solution under real-world conditions.
These measures reflect Quebec's ambition to establish itself as a leader in artificial intelligence and technological innovation. By simplifying its tax system and supporting young companies from their first commercial steps, the government is fostering not only AI adoption, but also the creation of cutting-edge solutions that are transforming key sectors of the economy.
NGen is an industry-led not-for-profit organization responsible for Canada's global innovation cluster for advanced manufacturing. It is one of five clusters supported by the federal government, alongside Scale AI.
Its mission? To accelerate the digital transformation of the manufacturing sector by leveraging technological innovation and the excellence of Canadian products. By creating high-value jobs and driving sustainable economic growth, NGen is shaping the future of manufacturing in Canada.
AI calls for projects relaunched in 2026
NGen once again has funds to deploy. On March 31, 2026, the organization announced $29.2 million in federal funding for 20 new projects to help manufacturers adopt Canadian AI solutions, under the Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy. With industry contributions, these projects represent a total investment of $79.5 million. In April 2026, NGen also announced nearly $25 million for 14 advanced manufacturing technology projects (robotics, digital twins, automation).
NGen programs operate through periodic calls for projects. In the “AI for Manufacturing” (AI4M) calls, projects had to bring together at least one manufacturer and one AI company, including at least one SME, and 40% of eligible costs were reimbursed. To be ready for the next call, we recommend that you:
By integrating artificial intelligence and other disruptive innovations, NGen continues to play a key role in the evolution of advanced manufacturing in Canada. Keep an eye out for opportunities and position yourself now to be part of this industrial transformation!
Prompt plays a strategic role in Quebec's innovation ecosystem. As a trustee organization of the Ministère de l'Économie, de l'Innovation et de l'Énergie (MEIE), it is one of Quebec's nine sectoral industrial research groups (RSRI) and specializes in information and digital technologies.
On behalf of the MEIE, Prompt administers the Artificial Intelligence component (PARTENAR-IA), which targets consortiums of Quebec companies carrying out collaborative AI research projects. This component operates through calls for projects. In the most recent call, which closed on October 30, 2025, the terms were as follows:
No new AI call had been announced at the time this article was written.
For an AI project carried out with a university, a college technology transfer centre (CCTT) or a public research centre, the Collaborative Innovation program (formerly PSO) accepts applications on an ongoing basis:
Eligibility criteria:
Beyond funding, Prompt offers personalized support to maximize the success of submitted projects. This approach reflects its commitment to accelerating AI innovation in Quebec by supporting both emerging technology companies and established industry players.
With Prompt, Quebec businesses have a real lever for turning their ideas into concrete, competitive solutions.
Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions runs strategic programs designed to stimulate innovation, business growth and local economic development. Among its current programs, three offer particularly interesting opportunities for an AI project:
The RAII is a temporary initiative, in effect until March 31, 2031, that supports the development, commercialization and adoption of AI by SMEs. It pays particular attention to agriculture, clean technologies, life sciences and manufacturing.
In July 2026, CED announced nearly $13.9 million in contributions to 63 Quebec organizations under this initiative.
This program offers more flexible terms to businesses and organizations in eight targeted regional county municipalities (RCMs) that want to start up, adopt technologies, increase productivity or expand:
The program targets eight specific RCMs: Golfe-du-Saint-Laurent, Avignon, La Haute-Gaspésie, Rocher-Percé, La Tuque, Kativik Regional Government, Pontiac and La Vallée-de-la-Gatineau.
This initiative is a unique opportunity for businesses in these regions, making it easier to adopt advanced technologies such as AI.
This financial assistance aims to stimulate a company's innovation and growth at different stages of its development by funding strategic projects such as:
For SMEs, assistance can generally reach 50% of authorized costs, in the form of an interest-free repayable contribution with repayments beginning two years after the end of the project. Priority sectors include manufacturing, food processing, information technology and life sciences, with possible openings for other industries.
Evaluation criteria: the project's expected results, the company's viability, its technical and financial management capacity, the contribution of financial or professional partners, and the level of risk.
Through these programs, Canada Economic Development actively supports the innovation and modernization of Quebec businesses. Whether you're a fast-growing SME or an organization looking to energize its region, this assistance is a strategic opportunity to invest in the future and accelerate your digital transformation.
The National Research Council Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) is a key player in innovation support for Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Its comprehensive approach combines funding, technical expertise and personalized support to help businesses develop, commercialize and deploy their innovations, including AI-based products and services.
A comprehensive service offering:
With this approach focused on value creation, strategic partnerships and technical excellence, NRC IRAP enables SMEs to integrate effectively into Canada's innovation ecosystem and accelerate their growth.
To explore the opportunities offered by NRC IRAP, a senior executive of the company can call the program's toll-free line at 1-877-994-4727. The bilingual contact centre first checks that the company meets the minimum requirements, then refers it to an advisor who will help identify the solutions best suited to its needs. Note: funding depends on the availability of funds, and working with an advisor does not guarantee a contribution.
The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) has established itself as a key partner in the adoption of digital technologies by Canadian SMEs, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence. Unlike the other programs on this list, BDC offers financing in the form of loans and advisory services rather than grants, making it an excellent complement to non-repayable assistance.
Launched in April 2026, LIFT takes over from the From Data to AI program featured in the previous version of this article. With a $500 million envelope, it aims to help more than 1,000 SMEs adopt AI by combining advisory services at preferential rates with flexible loans. It has two streams:
Businesses that don't meet LIFT's criteria can also look into the Technology Equipment Loan on BDC's website, which finances software, cloud solutions and artificial intelligence, among other things.
The ecosystem of grants and funding put in place by the federal and provincial governments reflects a clear commitment to driving technological innovation in Quebec and across Canada. While this list is not exhaustive, these programs, which cover a wide range of sectors and projects, are strategic levers for integrating artificial intelligence into businesses.
However, it's important to note that these funding opportunities are not permanent. Programs evolve according to allocated budgets, government economic priorities and political cycles. Waiting too long could mean missing out on unique funding opportunities for your digital transformation.
And this is only the beginning. Unveiled in June 2026, the new Canadian artificial intelligence strategy, “L'IA pour tous” (AI for all), aims to ensure that AI strengthens our economy, improves public services and supports Canadian businesses. Its implementation is expected to lead to new programs and calls for projects in the coming months, for both businesses and public organizations. Organizations that have already identified their projects and structured their applications will be best positioned to benefit.
Airudi works in partnership with government to help public and private organizations take full advantage of the programs available to fund their artificial intelligence ambitions. We support you in identifying the most relevant programs, preparing your applications and maximizing your chances of securing funding. For a personalized analysis of the opportunities that fit your project, contact us today.
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