Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative in Atlantic Canada

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.

View the RAII infographic

Call for proposals

ACOA is accepting expressions of interest through an Atlantic-wide Call for Proposals under the RAII.

The call for proposals is intended to identify high-impact AI projects with the strongest potential to improve productivity, competitiveness, commercialization outcomes, and business growth across Atlantic Canada.

We are looking for forward-thinking businesses ready to harness AI to unlock new opportunities, strengthen their competitive edge and drive growth.

Projects may include activities such as:

Stream 1: AI adoption

• Adoption and integration of AI technologies to improve productivity, competitiveness, growth, and business resilience
• AI implementation, automation, predictive analytics, operational improvements, data modernization, and process optimization initiatives
• Organizational readiness activities, including change management, workforce awareness, and cybersecurity or responsible AI measures that support successful AI adoption

Stream 2: AI commercialization and scale-up

• Validation, commercialization, deployment, and scale-up of Canadian-developed AI technologies and solutions
• Technology demonstrations, pilot deployments, product refinement, customer validation, market readiness, and first-commercial-sale activities
• Business growth activities that support customer acquisition, procurement readiness, intellectual property development, supply chain integration, and the scaling of Canadian AI firms

What makes a strong project

• clearly defined business problem or market opportunity
• identified AI solution
• access to required data
• management commitment
• implementation/commercialization capacity
• measurable business outcomes

Projects not supported

The call for proposals will not support:

• routine software purchases;
• standard ERP implementations;
• general IT modernization projects;
• training-only initiatives; or
• projects where AI is not central to the proposed outcomes

Who is eligible

Eligible applicants are Atlantic Canadian small- and medium-sized businesses that meet existing eligibility requirements under the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program.

The funding contribution requested must be a minimum of $1M and show how AI will deliver measurable business outcomes. Funding is provided as a repayable contribution, so applicants must demonstrate the project's potential to generate sustainable business growth and economic returns. These could include productivity gains, revenue growth, cost reductions, increased production capacity, successful commercialization, workforce augmentation or greater business resilience.

Projects from all eligible sectors may be considered. Opportunities for AI adoption may be particularly relevant in sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture and agri-food, transportation and logistics, health and life sciences, energy and natural resources, oceans and aquaculture, seafood processing, clean technology, and other sectors important for economic growth in Atlantic Canada.

How to express your interest

Think your project may be eligible? Complete our expression of interest form to get started.

The call for proposals closes on November 20, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. (ADT).