SMEs innovating with AI

For Canadian small and medium-sized businesses exploring how artificial intelligence can drive growth, getting from idea to implementation can be complex and resource-intensive. The SMEs Innovating with AI initiative, delivered through the National Research Council of Canada’s Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP), is designed to help innovative companies turn AI concepts into practical, competitive solutions. With a national reach and applicability across industries, the program supports businesses that are looking to integrate technologies like generative AI and deep learning into their products or services.

This initiative focuses on helping SMEs navigate the technical and strategic challenges of AI development, from early research through to testing and validation. Beyond financial support, which is provided as non-repayable contributions and varies depending on the scope of the project, businesses also gain access to NRC IRAP’s network of industrial technology advisors. These advisors can help companies identify the right expertise, computing resources, and tools needed to develop AI solutions responsibly and effectively, with an emphasis on safe and ethical deployment.

For growth-oriented Canadian businesses that see AI as a core part of their future offerings, this program can reduce risk and accelerate development timelines. Understanding how the funding works, what types of projects are supported, and how to engage with NRC IRAP is an important next step for determining whether this opportunity aligns with your innovation goals.