PrairiesCan — économique régionale par l’innovation — Initiative régionale sur l’intelligence artificielle (IRIA) — à but lucratif

📋 Eligible Entities - For-profit companies registered and operating in the Prairie provinces (Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba) - Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and larger corporations - Companies with demonstrated capacity to commercialize AI solutions - Organizations in partnership with post-secondary institutions, research centers, or other businesses - Companies operating in priority sectors (agriculture, clean technology, and other critical sectors) - Entities must have a viable business plan and clear commercialization pathway ### 💰 Funding Details - Maximum funding: Up to $5 million per project - Project duration: Three-year funding period - Cost coverage: Up to 50% of eligible project costs (company must contribute matching funds or in-kind contributions for remaining 50%) - Repayability: Funds are repayable — this is a loan-based program, not a grant - Interest terms: Not specified in available description (contact program administrator for exact terms) - Matching requirement: Minimum 50% cost-sharing from applicant organization ### 🛠️ Approved Expenses - Development and commercialization of new AI technologies - AI adoption and integration in operations - Research and development activities related to AI solutions - Technology implementation and deployment costs - Commercialization activities to bring AI products/services to market - Sector-specific applications in: - Agriculture technology - Clean technology - Other critical sector innovations ### ⚠️ Conditions & Milestones - Geographic requirement: Projects must be located in and benefit the Prairie provinces (Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba) - Cost-sharing obligation: Applicant must secure and contribute 50% of total project costs - Repayment expectation: Funds must be repaid according to loan terms; program is not forgivable - Commercialization focus: Clear pathway to market and adoption required; not for research-only projects - Three-year timeline: Funding distributed and milestones tracked over a 36-month period - Reporting requirements: Likely progress reports and milestone verification throughout project duration - Performance metrics: Ability to demonstrate AI adoption, commercialization success, or market