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FedDev Ontario RAII for Southern Ontario businesses

Southern Ontario · Terms checked

The Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative helps eligible businesses integrate AI into their operations or bring Canadian-made AI products and services to market. FedDev Ontario offers interest-free repayable contributions of C$125,000 to C$5 million per business project.

Current application window

FedDev Ontario opened this intake on October 13, 2026. Apply by November 24, 2026 if your proposed project and eligible costs start before March 31, 2027. The final deadline is January 19, 2027 at 4:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. FedDev Ontario accepts one active application per business across its programs. FedDev Ontario application dates

Which stream fits your project?

FedDev Ontario lists for-profit businesses located and operating in Southern Ontario and First Nations, Métis or Inuit businesses as eligible applicant categories. Businesses must be incorporated and registered to do business in Canada or Ontario, demonstrate ownership or rights to the intellectual property required for the project, and show how they will use AI responsibly. FedDev Ontario eligibility criteria

AI Adoption

This stream is for businesses with at least three years of operations and at least five but fewer than 500 full-time equivalent employees overall. Projects must go beyond buying commonly available tools. Examples include deploying predictive analytics, upgrading the data systems that support an AI rollout, or integrating AI with production equipment. Priority may go to healthcare and life sciences, energy and natural resources, transportation, agriculture, and manufacturing and robotics. Eligible adoption projects

AI Commercialization and Scale-Up

This stream is for businesses with at least one year of operations, at least one full-time equivalent employee in Southern Ontario, and fewer than 500 full-time equivalent employees overall. Projects can bring a Canadian-made AI solution to market at technology readiness level 6 or higher, or scale an existing solution into new markets. Eligible commercialization projects

Cost sharing, reimbursement and repayment

FedDev Ontario can cover up to 50% of eligible costs. Applicants need to cover the remaining share and disclose other government assistance. At the maximum 50% cost share, a C$125,000 request implies at least C$250,000 in eligible project costs. If approved, expect to confirm matching funds and sign a contribution agreement within 30 days of notification. Repayment normally begins one year after project completion. FedDev Ontario funding terms

Build a cash-flow plan that can carry expenses before reimbursement. FedDev Ontario generally reimburses recipients for eligible expenses they have incurred and paid under a signed agreement. Keep invoices and proof of payment, and verify the eligible dates and claim schedule in the agreement. Spending before a funding decision is at the applicant’s risk. FedDev Ontario claims guidance

Prepare your application

  1. Choose the stream that matches your project. Define the current baseline, the outcome you will measure, and who will own delivery.
  2. Build a project budget with incremental costs, financing sources and milestones. The application guide describes which costs can qualify, including project-specific equipment, labour, technical expertise and training.
  3. Describe how the system will handle data and cybersecurity, where people will review its outputs, and who will be accountable for its use.
  4. Gather externally prepared financial statements and the other supporting documents for your stream. Submit the application and RAII supplemental form through FedDev Ontario.

FedDev Ontario assesses project merit, business capacity and available funding before making a decision. Business application guide · Forms and submission instructions

Related programs

Scope an AI integration project

Talk to Creatrixe to map your workflow, define what the integration needs to deliver and estimate the implementation effort.