Funding Your AI Project in B.C.: Grants & Programs (2025 Guide)

Integrating artificial intelligence into your business is easier when you tap into federal and provincial funding. B.C.’s Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) offers repayable contributions of $500,000 to $3 million for incorporated businesses and non‑repayable grants up to $5 million for not‑for‑profit organizations. To qualify you need to be an incorporated B.C. company operating for at least one year with 3–500 employees or a legally incorporated not‑for‑profit.

Steps to secure AI funding

1. Identify your project type – commercialization of AI technology, adoption of AI in your operations or advancing the provincial AI ecosystem.

2. Confirm eligibility – incorporated businesses must have staffed facilities in B.C., operate for at least one year and employ 3–500 people; not‑for‑profits include industry associations, post‑secondary institutions, Indigenous organizations and municipalities.

3. Prepare a compelling proposal – describe benefits for British Columbians, outline economic impacts such as jobs created and revenue growth, and provide a strategy for responsible AI development.

4. Secure matching funds – at least 50 % of your project costs must come from non‑government sources.

5. Apply early – RAII intake periods are limited. Explore additional programs like Innovate BC’s Ignite (up to $300 k for R&D projects) and the BC Fast Pilot (up to $200 k for SMEs to pilot technology innovations) to diversify funding.

Who qualifies for RAII?

- Incorporated businesses: Receive interest‑free repayable contributions of $500 k to $3 M per project with a lifetime maximum of $10 M. Projects can cover wages, equipment, marketing and technology development but must provide 50 % matching funds and repay contributions over five years.

- Not‑for‑profit organizations: Obtain non‑repayable grants of $500 k to $5 M for projects that support AI commercialization or adoption. Eligible applicants include industry associations, post‑secondary institutions and Indigenous organizations.

- Projects must last up to three years, deliver broad benefits for British Columbians and align with RAII objectives such as improving human health, environmental sustainability or economic resilience.

Other B.C. AI funding programs

- Ignite Program (Innovate BC): Awards up to $300 k to industry‑academic teams working on research and development projects in natural resources and applied sciences.

- BC Fast Pilot: Provides up to $200 k to help B.C.-based SMEs (less than 500 employees) pilot technology innovations with early adopters. Applicants must have a prototype ready and secure an NRC IRAP advisor.

- Federal tax incentives: Programs like SR&ED offer tax credits for research and development expenses; combining grants and tax incentives can maximize your funding.

Why invest in AI now?

Why invest in AI now?

B.C. small and mid‑sized businesses face persistent labour shortages and rising wages – many employers cannot find qualified candidates or match the compensation packages offered by larger companies. The living wage in Metro Vancouver is high, making hiring expensive. Automation and AI reduce these pressures: robotic process automation and AI can cut labour costs by 25–50 % and operate at significantly lower cost than human labour. Funding programs like RAII help offset the upfront investment so you can modernize operations and improve ROI.

Our approach

Rex Automaton specializes in helping B.C. businesses secure grants and build AI‑powered workflows. We assess your eligibility for RAII and other programs, design custom automation solutions using platforms like Make, n8n and Zapier, and manage the implementation so you meet reporting requirements and maximize ROI.

Summary

B.C.’s Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative offers repayable contributions of $500 k–$3 M for businesses and non‑repayable grants up to $5 M for not‑for‑profits. Eligible applicants must be incorporated in B.C., operate for at least one year and employ 3–500 people or be a not‑for‑profit organization. Complementary programs like Innovate BC’s Ignite and BC Fast Pilot provide additional funding for R&D and pilot projects. With labour shortages driving wages upward, investing in AI can significantly reduce costs and improve productivity. Contact us to explore funding options and build a scalable AI solution for your business.