CED — Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (REGI) ### 📋 Eligible Entities - Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in Canada - Businesses in designated regional priority sectors: - Agriculture - Clean technology - Life sciences - Manufacturing - For-profit corporations and partnerships - Businesses with demonstrated capacity to develop or adopt AI solutions - Organizations able to match or co-invest in the project - Businesses must be commercially viable and seeking transformative growth ### 💰 Funding Details - Grant Amount: Varies by project scope and regional allocation (typically ranges from $50,000 to $500,000+) - Matching Requirements: Co-investment/matching funding typically required (percentage varies by project eligibility and regional stream) - Repayability: Non-repayable grant (subject to verification of deliverables and milestones) - Funding Type: Contribution/grant (non-dilutive, does not require equity or debt repayment) - Budget Coverage: Partial funding of eligible project costs; businesses must cover gap through own investment or other sources ### 🛠️ Approved Expenses - AI technology development and R&D payroll - Software development and AI model creation - Technology adoption and implementation costs - Equipment and infrastructure for AI deployment - Professional services (consultants, developers, engineers) - Training and workforce development in AI competencies - Commercialization activities and market readiness - Intellectual property development and protection - Pilot projects and proof-of-concept initiatives - Digital transformation related to AI integration ### ⚠️ Conditions & Milestones - Project Timeline: Typically 12–36 months (varies by program stream) - Reporting Requirements: Regular progress reports, milestone verification, and financial accountability - Deliverables: Defined project outcomes (e.g., functional AI prototype, technology adoption completion, commercialization plan) - Eligible Use: Funds must be used exclusively for approved expenses; misuse results in clawback - Regional Focus: Priority given to projects in designated regional economic zones - Competitive Application: Merit-based selection process; not