Browse Canadian Grants

Canada's AI Supercluster funds collaborative projects that use artificial intelligence to transform supply chains and logistics. SCALE AI provides up to 50% of project costs for industry-led R&D consortia. Projects typically combine AI companies, end-users, and research institutions to develop and deploy AI-powered supply chain solutions at scale.

Canada's largest federal tax incentive program. SR&ED provides $3.4 billion in tax credits annually to over 20,000 businesses. Canadian-Controlled Private Corporations (CCPCs) can receive a 35% refundable tax credit on the first $3M of eligible R&D expenditures. AI and machine learning projects are commonly eligible — algorithm development, training novel models, and solving technical uncertainty all qualify.

Canada's $443M national AI strategy administered by CIFAR. Funds AI research chairs at Canadian universities, supports AI research institutes (Vector, Mila, Amii), and runs commercialization programs connecting AI researchers with industry. Phase 2 focuses on responsible AI, AI talent retention, and commercializing Canadian AI research.

NSERC Alliance is Canada's flagship university-industry collaboration program. Companies partner with Canadian professors for 1-5 year research projects. For every $1 contributed by industry, NSERC contributes $2-$3. Projects can cover AI development, data science, engineering, life sciences, and more. Over $300M awarded annually.

Mila is the world's largest academic AI research centre, based in Montreal. Industry partnerships with Mila provide access to over 1,200 researchers, applied research projects, AI talent, and specialized GPU clusters. The Mila-Industry collaboration program co-funds applied AI projects and connects Quebec companies with cutting-edge AI research.

Canada's premier innovation program. IRAP provides financial support to help Canadian SMEs undertake technology innovation, including AI, machine learning, and data-driven solutions. Funding covers up to 80% of eligible R&D costs including salaries, contractor fees, and materials. An NRC Industrial Technology Advisor (ITA) provides ongoing mentorship.

The Vector Institute in Toronto supports Ontario's AI ecosystem through industry partnerships, talent programs, and applied AI projects. The Industry Innovation Program connects companies with Vector researchers and provides funding for applied AI projects. Companies gain access to world-class AI researchers, sponsored post-docs, and GPU computing resources.

Canada's most popular university-industry partnership program. Mitacs Accelerate co-funds 4-to-6-month research internships where graduate students and postdoctoral fellows work on your business challenge. The company pays $7,500 per unit; Mitacs and the university match with $7,500 each. Perfect for AI development, product R&D, data science projects, and market research. Over 40,000 internships completed.

CDL is the world's leading seed-stage program for massively scalable, science-based companies. Founded at the University of Toronto's Rotman School, CDL has streams in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Halifax, Montreal, and internationally. CDL provides mentorship from serial entrepreneurs, investors, and scientists plus access to non-dilutive grants and computing credits. Alumni include over 1,000 ventures that have raised $24B+.

Next AI is Canada's leading AI venture accelerator, co-founded by Mila and the Creative Destruction Lab. Provides AI startups with equity-free funding, access to world-class AI researchers and mentors, cloud computing credits, and a 6-month intensive program. Alumni have raised over $800M in follow-on funding.

Receive up to $75,000 to help Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) grow their international business. Covers up to 75% of eligible costs including market research, trade show attendance, foreign market development, and international certifications.

Get up to $15,000 in grant funding to adopt digital technologies, plus access to a BDC loan of up to $100,000. The Boost Your Business Technology stream helps small and medium-sized businesses adopt technology to grow and compete. Includes a free digital advisor to help you build a digital adoption plan.

Canada's large-scale industrial R&D and innovation fund. SIF provides repayable and non-repayable contributions for large investments in R&D, productivity, and scaling globally. Major AI investments like NVIDIA's Canadian expansion and Google's AI centre in Montreal have received SIF funding. Typically for larger companies and investments.

The Canada Foundation for Innovation funds world-class research infrastructure at Canadian universities and research hospitals. Companies partnering with CFI-funded labs gain access to state-of-the-art equipment including GPU clusters, data centres, lab equipment, and specialized tools. Industry partnerships are encouraged and can attract co-funding.

Genome Canada funds large-scale genomics and bioinformatics research with strong commercialization potential. Projects at the intersection of AI and genomics (AI-driven drug discovery, precision medicine, agricultural genomics) are a priority. Industry partnerships and co-funding are required.

Quebec's investment and innovation arm provides grants and repayable loans for AI companies establishing or expanding in Quebec. The province's $200M AI ecosystem investment includes funding for AI companies creating high-value jobs, international AI companies setting up Canadian headquarters in Montreal, and AI research commercialization.

SDTC funds Canadian companies developing and demonstrating new environmental technologies. The NextGen Biofuels Fund and the SD Tech Fund provide large grants for cleantech companies. AI-enabled environmental solutions (smart energy grids, precision agriculture, carbon accounting software) are a growing priority.

Canada's Digital Technology Supercluster (now Innovate BC) funds large-scale collaborative projects in AI, data analytics, and digital health. Based in British Columbia, the supercluster co-invests in industry-led projects that leverage data and digital technology to solve major challenges in health, natural resources, and industry.

PacifiCan is the federal economic development agency for British Columbia. The Business and Innovation Fund supports BC companies to start, grow, and innovate. Key focus areas include clean tech, digital technology, AI, life sciences, and agri-tech. Non-repayable contributions available for eligible projects.

Ontario's AI commercialization stream provides funding for Ontario companies applying AI to key sectors including healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture, and financial services. Projects must demonstrate a clear path to commercialization and create high-value jobs in Ontario. Often run through Ontario Centres of Innovation (OCI).

Alberta Innovates provides funding for technology companies developing AI, machine learning, and emerging tech solutions. Programs include the Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) fund for AI in energy, the Grow with Google Alberta program, and dedicated AI commercialization streams through the Amii partnership.

PrairiesCan (formerly Western Economic Diversification) funds prairie businesses to scale up and improve productivity. The Business Scale-Up and Productivity (BSP) stream provides repayable contributions for prairie companies to grow, innovate, and diversify. Tech, ag-tech, and AI companies are priority sectors.

The Clean Growth Hub is a federal initiative that coordinates cleantech funding across multiple departments. AI-powered energy management, carbon accounting software, smart grid technology, and precision agriculture AI are all eligible. The Hub connects companies with the right funding programs including NRC-IRAP, SDTC, IESO, and provincial cleantech funds.

Established with $50M in federal funding, the Canadian AI Safety Institute funds research into AI safety, alignment, interpretability, and responsible AI. Grants support academic and industry researchers working on evaluating AI systems, understanding large language models, and developing safety standards for Canadian AI deployment.

Quebec offers one of Canada's most generous R&D tax credit regimes. The CRCD provides refundable credits on eligible R&D salaries (up to 30% for small companies). Combined with federal SR&ED, Quebec AI and software companies can recover up to 65% of eligible employee costs. The province also offers special incentives for large R&D projects.

The Digital Research Alliance of Canada (formerly Compute Canada) provides Canadian researchers and companies with free access to world-class high-performance computing (HPC), cloud computing, and storage resources. For AI startups and researchers, this provides GPU clusters worth hundreds of thousands of dollars at no cost. Essential for training large AI models.

MaRS Discovery District in Toronto provides grants, loans, and commercialization support to Ontario tech startups. The INVEST program provides non-dilutive funding for Ontario life sciences and health tech startups. MaRS also partners with government programs to provide AI companies with advisory, market access, and follow-on funding connections.

Funding for projects that integrate smart, connected technologies with green infrastructure to reduce GHG emissions and improve climate resilience. Covers energy efficiency retrofits, renewable energy adoption, green building upgrades, and sustainable transportation solutions.

The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) Business Development Program provides repayable and non-repayable contributions to Atlantic Canadian businesses. Supports business establishment, expansion, modernization, and marketing. Tech and AI companies in Atlantic Canada receive priority consideration for higher funding levels.

Innovacorp is Nova Scotia's early-stage venture capital and startup support organization. Programs include the Nova Scotia First Fund (equity-free grants), the Early Stage Commercialization Fund, and the Spark NS accelerator. Particular strength in ocean tech, health tech, clean tech, and increasingly AI.

CanExport Innovation helps Canadian research organizations and companies develop international partnerships for R&D collaboration. Covers costs of establishing joint ventures, licensing agreements, and collaborative research with foreign partners. AI and tech companies expanding globally are a strong fit.

CANARIE operates Canada's ultra-high-speed research and education network and provides software funding for research. The Research Software program funds development of research software and AI tools used by Canadian researchers. Startup companies collaborating with universities on AI tools are eligible for software development grants.

Supporting innovation across the Canadian agri-food value chain. Funding for processors, food manufacturers, distributors, and farm operations to develop new products, adopt food safety technologies, reduce waste, and access new markets. Focuses on value-added processing.

Amii supports Alberta's AI ecosystem by connecting industry with world-class AI researchers at the University of Alberta. Programs include applied AI projects, AI talent development, and the Alberta Innovates AI funding streams. Amii's Machine Intelligence Programs connect companies with Alberta's deep reinforcement learning expertise.

Ontario's refundable tax credit on eligible R&D expenditures. The OITC provides 8% on the first $3M of qualifying expenditures for companies not yet eligible for the federal SR&ED enhanced rate. Combined with federal SR&ED, Ontario companies can recover up to 43% of eligible R&D costs including AI and software development.

Loans between $25,000 and $250,000 for Black entrepreneurs who are starting or growing a business in Canada. Part of the Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP), combined with mentorship and networking support through a national ecosystem fund.

The NRC HALO program helps technology startups accelerate market readiness through co-funded projects, technical expertise, and business development support. HALO provides NRC's world-class facilities, researchers, and specialized equipment to companies developing AI, photonics, medical devices, and other deep tech products.

The Ontario Centres of Innovation (OCI) VIP program funds collaborative R&D projects between Ontario companies and Ontario post-secondary institutions. Companies contribute minimum 50% while OCI matches up to $150,000. Programs include AI, advanced manufacturing, cleantech, and digital health. OCI also manages Ontario's tech transfer ecosystem.

BC Innovates funds BC-based companies to accelerate the development of innovative products, processes, and services. The Ignite program specifically helps de-risk proof-of-concept and prototype projects. Matching contributions required from industry partners.

NSERC Discovery Grants support ongoing programs of research in natural sciences and engineering at Canadian universities. Held by professors, these grants fund students and equipment that industry partners can leverage. AI researchers funded by NSERC Discovery Grants can enter industry partnerships through NSERC Engage or Alliance.

Mitacs Elevate provides 2-year fellowships for postdoctoral researchers embedded in Canadian companies. Each fellowship is worth $60,000/year ($30,000 from industry + $30,000 from Mitacs). Fellows also complete Mitacs leadership and professional development training. Ideal for companies needing deep technical expertise in AI, life sciences, engineering, or data science.

Velocity is the University of Waterloo's startup ecosystem — one of Canada's most successful. The Velocity Fund Finals competition awards up to $100,000 in equity-free funding to Waterloo startups. Access to co-working space, mentors, investor connections, and the legendary Waterloo engineering and math talent pool. Alumni include Thalmic Labs, Faire, and many AI companies.

Funding to help majority women-owned and led businesses grow. Part of the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES), this fund provides non-repayable contributions to support growth, scale, and market development. Priority given to businesses with export potential.

Support for tourism businesses to adapt offerings to meet health and safety requirements, modernize operations, and develop new products. Non-repayable contributions cover up to 50% of eligible expenses for small businesses. Focus on enhancing domestic tourism experiences.

Alberta Innovates Innovation Vouchers provide Alberta SMEs with funding to access specialized knowledge and technology services from post-secondary institutions, research organizations, and service providers. Useful for AI prototyping, technical validation, and commercialization research.

Funding for Indigenous entrepreneurs and businesses in Canada. ABED provides financial support and business development services through Indigenous Financial Institutions (IFIs). Supports business planning, startup financing, growth capital, and skills training for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit entrepreneurs.

Manitoba's TEK program supports technology startups and companies adopting new technologies. Provides grants for prototype development, technology commercialization, and digital transformation. Manitoba's low cost of living and growing tech ecosystem make it attractive for AI startup incorporation.

WEKH provides women entrepreneurs with connections to resources, funding, mentorship, and networks across Canada. Funded under the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy with $200M+ in investments. Programs include accelerators, incubators, peer networks, and direct funding for women-owned startups and tech companies.

A suite of federal hiring and wage subsidy programs including the Canada Summer Jobs program (subsidizes wages of youth workers 15-30), Career Launcher Apprenticeship (trades), and the Student Work Placement Program (SWPP — connects employers with post-secondary students). Tech companies hiring AI and data science students are a top use case.

The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) offers advisory services and co-funded grants for technology adoption, AI implementation planning, and digital transformation. The BDC's Technology Adoption stream pairs businesses with technology advisors and co-funds implementation of AI, automation, and digital tools. Often bundled with BDC loans up to $100K.

YESS provides funding to organizations that help young Canadians aged 15-30 gain the skills and experience needed for employment in growing sectors including technology and AI. For employers, YESS wage subsidies can cover up to 100% of wages for youth hired in STEM and technology roles.

NSERC Engage provides short-term grants for a company and an academic researcher to explore a new research relationship. The $25,000 grant funds a 6-month project — the company contributes $12,500 cash/in-kind and NSERC provides $12,500. A low-risk way to start working with university researchers on AI, engineering, or technical challenges.

Up to $20,000 in startup financing (loan) combined with up to 2 years of mentorship from an experienced business expert. Designed for entrepreneurs ages 18-39. Futurpreneur has helped over 16,000 young entrepreneurs launch and grow businesses.

Get up to $10,000 per employee for training costs. The Canada-Ontario Job Grant covers up to 83% of direct training costs for small businesses. Perfect for upskilling existing employees or training new hires in technical skills, AI literacy, management, customer service, and more.

Ontario's grant for new and existing businesses. Receive up to $5,000 in grant funding plus hands-on training, mentorship, and business coaching from experienced professionals. Delivered through local Small Business Enterprise Centres (SBECs) across Ontario.

Ontario main street businesses can receive a $2,500 Digital Transformation Grant to help shift operations online. Includes access to a ShopHERE powered by Google program to build a free online store, plus free digital skills training and a dedicated Digital Service Squad advisor.

A 10% non-refundable tax credit on the eligible salaries and wages paid to qualifying apprentices, up to $2,000 per year per apprentice. Ideal for businesses in skilled trades who are hiring apprentices in electrical, mechanical, construction, and increasingly technology trades.