NORCAT Innovation is now accepting applications for the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII), a funding program designed to help small and medium-sized businesses adopt, integrate or commercialize artificial intelligence, machine learning and smart automation technologies.
Eligible businesses may receive support covering up to 50% of approved project costs, to a maximum of $20,000 per company.
The program supports two main areas:
- AI product development and commercialization, including technology demonstrations, market validation and scaling Canadian-made AI solutions.
- AI adoption, including integrating AI into business operations, improving productivity and redesigning processes.
Eligible expenses may include AI servers, GPUs, cloud infrastructure, software licences, data platforms, consulting, implementation, prototyping, system testing, employee training and certain pre-commercialization activities.
To qualify, applicants must be growth-oriented, for-profit businesses registered as NORCAT Innovation clients. Projects must involve AI integration or commercialization and be at Technology Readiness Level 7 or higher. Applicants must also obtain at least two competitive quotes from independent service providers.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until available funding is exhausted, with the program scheduled to close no later than February 1, 2027. Initial eligibility reviews are expected within two business days, with final decisions generally made within one month.
Several MineConnect members, including SYMX.AI, have already accessed the program to advance technology-development projects.
Members outside Greater Sudbury should confirm geographic eligibility directly with NORCAT Innovation before applying.
For questions, contact Jie “Jay” Chen
