Canada Launches $1.5 Million AI Funding Program to Boost Energy Innovation

The Canadian government has unveiled a major new funding initiative. The Artificial Intelligence for Canadian Energy Innovation program aims to accelerate clean energy technology development. It will provide between $500,000 and $1.5 million per project.

This initiative seeks to lower costs and reduce development time for new energy solutions. The program is open to a wide range of Canadian entities, from for-profit companies to Indigenous organizations. The goal is to fuse national AI expertise with the energy sector’s most pressing challenges.

Major Investment in AI and Energy Collaboration

This call for proposals represents a significant financial commitment. The Energy Innovation Program (EIP) will fund up to 75% of total project costs for successful applicants. Project funding will be available from April 2026 through March 2030.

Eligible projects must develop and use novel AI solutions. These solutions should advance the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of a pre-commercial energy technology. The program specifically targets energy innovations currently at early to mid-development stages, around TRL 2-6.

The initiative aims to create powerful partnerships. It will bring together AI specialists and energy technology innovators. This collaboration is designed to promote knowledge exchange and strengthen Canada’s position in both fields.

Eligibility and Application Process Details

A diverse range of organizations can apply. Eligible recipients include for-profit and not-for-profit organizations, academic institutions, and various levels of government. Indigenous communities, governments, and majority-owned Indigenous organizations are also strongly encouraged to apply.

The application process involves two distinct phases. All eligible applicants must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). Only those invited after the EOI review will be asked to submit a Full Project Proposal.

The deadline for submissions is strict. Applicants must complete and submit their Expression of Interest via the official portal by 1:00 p.m. ET on December 4, 2025. This timeline allows for a thorough review process before the 2026 funding period begins.

This strategic funding program underscores Canada’s commitment to leveraging homegrown AI talent for a sustainable energy future. The Canadian AI funding initiative is a concrete step toward reducing innovation costs and accelerating the deployment of clean energy technologies nationwide.

Info at your fingertips

What is the main goal of this funding program?

The program aims to develop and use AI solutions to lower the cost and time of advancing new energy innovations. It also seeks to bring together AI and energy experts. A key objective is promoting better data availability across Canada’s energy ecosystem.

Who is eligible to apply for this funding?

Eligibility is broad and includes for-profit and not-for-profit organizations, academic institutions, and governments. Indigenous communities and majority-owned Indigenous organizations are also eligible. All applicants must be validly incorporated or registered in Canada.

What is the maximum funding amount available?

The maximum contribution from the program is $1.5 million per project. The minimum funding amount is $500,000. The program can fund up to 75 percent of a project’s total eligible costs.

What types of projects are eligible?

Projects must develop an AI solution to advance a pre-commercial energy technology’s readiness level. The energy solution should start between TRL 2 and 6. Projects must demonstrate how the AI approach is more effective than conventional methods.

What is the application deadline?

The deadline for the mandatory Expression of Interest is December 4, 2025. It must be submitted by 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The full project proposal phase is only for applicants invited after the EOI review.