Canada tops up Regional AI Initiative to $700 million

Canada confirmed a $500-million recapitalization of its Regional AI Initiative over five years, bringing total program funding to $700 million. Minister Eleanor Olszewski framed it as a response to business demand and a bid to keep Canada competitive in AI. Second-round applications are open until 2030 through seven regional agencies.

• The $500-million top-up is spread over five years
• Total RAII funding rises from $200 million to $700 million
• Second-round applications remain open until 2030
• Past recipients include Samdesk and Ground Truth Ag