Funding list/Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative - Productization and Commercialization Pillar 1

Rolling intakeGrantOntarioartificial intelligence

Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative - Productization and Commercialization Pillar 1

Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) · This program provides funding for artificial intelligence productization and commercialization projects in southern Ontario.

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Overview

This program provides funding for artificial intelligence productization and commercialization projects in southern Ontario. Businesses can receive up to $2.5 million and not-for-profit organizations up to $5 million as interest-free loans (businesses) or non-repayable grants (non-profits), with cost-sharing requirements applied.

Eligibility

For-profit businesses or not-for-profit organizations operating in southern OntarioProjects must involve artificial intelligence productization or commercialization activitiesFunding must result in incremental and measurable outcomes that add value to existing activitiesProjects must have confirmed matching funding sources within 30 days of approvalIndigenous-led projects may receive up to 100% government assistance coverage

Eligible projects

Artificial intelligence productization activitiesArtificial intelligence commercialization activitiesNew costs directly related to carrying out eligible AI projectsProjects addressing incremental outcomes beyond existing applicant activities

Financing terms

Businesses receive interest-free repayable contributions with repayment normally beginning 1 year after project completionNot-for-profit organizations receive non-repayable contributionsFedDev Ontario covers maximum 50% of eligible project costs for businesses; applicants must provide minimum 50%Not-for-profit organizations have flexible cost-sharing with preference given to projects maximizing other funding sourcesIn-kind contributions are not eligible for business cost-sharing; allowed for not-for-profitsTotal government assistance cannot exceed 50% of eligible capital costs and 75% of non-capital costs for businesses

How to apply

1Check eligibilityConfirm you meet every criterion listed above before you start.

2Prepare the project packageProject description, budget with quotes, team, and recent financial statements.

3Apply on feddev-ontario.canada.caGovgrant members can draft the application with AI and export a formatted PDF.

4Respond to reviewer questionsMost programs come back with one round of questions within a few weeks of submission.

Additional information

Ineligible costs include land and building acquisition, motor vehicle costs, and refinancing of existing debtsProjects can span 1-2 years on average for small/medium businesses and 2-4 years for not-for-profitsUnderway but incomplete projects may be considered for support if not substantially completed at application timeFinancial assistance may have tax implications; qualified tax professional advice is recommendedMaximum government assistance for Indigenous-led projects is 100% of eligible costs

At a glanceMaximum$2.5MMinimum$125KProviderFederal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario)DeadlineRolling intakeStatusClosedRegionOntarioOfficial sourcefeddev-ontario.canada.ca ↗

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