The Government of Canada is opening the doors to cutting-edge AI innovation with the upcoming AI Compute Access Fund, launching in Spring 2025. With up to $300 million in funding available, the program is a cornerstone of Canada’s broader Sovereign AI Compute Strategy—designed to strengthen domestic AI infrastructure and empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to build, scale, and commercialize breakthrough technologies.
For Canadian companies eager to harness the power of high-performance computing, this fund offers substantial financial support, the potential for national economic impact, and a clear opportunity to level the playing field in the global AI race.
How Much Support Can You Get?
If approved, your company could receive:
- ✅ Up to two-thirds of your project’s cost (max $3.35 million) covered for Canadian-based cloud AI compute services
- ✅ Up to half of your project’s cost (max $2.5 million) for non-Canadian compute services
This funding offsets one of the biggest hurdles in AI development—compute cost—allowing Canadian innovators to focus on building smarter, faster, and more impactful solutions.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify, your company must:
- Be incorporated in Canada
- Employ fewer than 500 full-time staff
- Be revenue-generating or have received Series A funding
- Have an R&D team based in Canada
- Be developing AI products or services with a clear path to market
- Hold an existing AI compute service agreement
Projects can range from $100,000 to $5 million, with funding covering up to three years of development.
What Types of Projects Are a Good Fit?
Successful applicants will demonstrate how their AI project:
- Utilizes AI compute resources to advance research and product development
- Boosts innovation and productivity in its sector (e.g., new IP, tech breakthroughs)
- Drives broader economic benefits (e.g., job creation, revenue growth)
- Positively impacts Canadian communities, especially Indigenous and underserved regions
Target industries include life sciences, energy, and advanced manufacturing, though any high-impact AI project is welcome to apply.
How the Application Process Works
The process includes four key steps:
Step 1: Sign Up
Create an account and verify your identity on the AI Compute Access Fund portal.
Step 2: Submit Interest
Share basic project details and get notified when the full application window opens.
Step 3: Full Application (Invite-Only)
If selected, you’ll submit a detailed application including a commercialization plan, scaling strategy, and benefit analysis.
Step 4: Implementation & Monitoring
Once approved, you’ll sign a Contribution Agreement, claim eligible costs, and participate in ongoing progress check-ins.
Why This Matters
High compute costs and limited infrastructure have long hindered Canadian companies from fully participating in the global AI boom. The AI Compute Access Fund changes that by giving SMEs and innovators a powerful financial and strategic boost—and helping ensure that Canada’s AI future is sovereign, scalable, and sustainable.
With applications opening soon, this is the moment for startups, research labs, and AI-driven businesses to prepare their proposals and secure a head start in the AI economy of tomorrow.
Ready to Apply?
⏳ Visit the official program page
⏳ Questions? Contact ISED directly through the portal.
⏳ Don’t wait—the application window opens Spring 2025.
