Canada Digital & AI Innovation Grants 2026: $1.2B+ Funding
Access active Canadian digital transformation & AI grants. Compare CDAP, Scale AI, and supercluster funding parameters.
Disclaimer: Program guidelines and funding pools are subject to change by administering agencies. Information provided is for research and estimation purposes only and does not constitute guaranteed funding approval.
How can Canadian companies fund AI and digital adoption?
The Short Answer: SMEs can leverage Scale AI matching funds for proprietary AI development, or secure a $100,000 interest-free BDC loan plus a $15,000 digital planning grant through CDAP to upgrade software, cybersecurity (SOC2), and cloud systems.
FSI Digital Research Brief
Verified funding decision brief
Decision summary
Scale AI offers up to 50% matching co-investment for AI integration projects. CDAP provides up to $15K digital advisory planning grants and $100K interest-free BDC loans.
What we verified
- Scale AI projects require collaboration with Canadian academic or industry consortium partners.
- CDAP BDC loans require at least $500,000 in gross revenue in one of the previous 3 tax years.
Scale AI and CDAP Intakes Active for 2026
Reviewed by Funding Analyst
Analyst Reviewed | Funding Intelligence Team
Last verified July 10, 2026
Official sources
"Am I Eligible?" Micro-Quiz
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Research note 1
Scale AI co-investment & digital supercluster parameters
Scale AI co-investments cover up to 50% of eligible costs for AI adoption and collaborative R&D. Projects must involve Canadian partners and demonstrate how AI solves operational inefficiencies in supply chain, manufacturing, or service sectors.
- Consortium model requires 2+ Canadian partners
- Grants cover up to 50% of eligible labor and subcontracts
- Proprietary AI development must be central to the project
Research note 2
CDAP Boost Your Business Technology matching loans
CDAP provides up to $15,000 to hire a certified digital advisor who drafts a digital adoption plan. Once approved, the business unlocks a $100,000 interest-free loan from BDC over 5 years plus a $7,300 youth wage subsidy.
- Get up to $15,000 for digital advisory roadmap
- Unlock $100,000 interest-free loan from BDC over 5 years
- Reimbursements are processed after advisor invoice validation
Typical Applicant Profile: General Business Scaling Grants & Loans
Key Qualifiers
- •Minimum 2 years of active incorporation & tax filings
- •Active local employment and payroll registrations
- •Clear business expansion or capital purchase plan
Rejection Risk Factors
- •Solopreneurs or newly registered hobby businesses
- •Unincorporated entities (sole proprietorships)
- •Weak credit score or unresolved business debt
How Does Your Business Compare?
Standard scaling programs check local payroll history and general corporate credit stability to qualify candidates for public funding. Estimate your Funding Match Score (e.g. 82/100) based on your team, location, and development activities.
Federal R&D Agency Selector
Select your project\'s Technology Readiness Level (TRL) to view the recommended agency track, funding caps, and solicitation timeline.
AI & Digital Stacking
Check AI Grant Eligibility
See if your technology roadmap qualifies for Scale AI co-investment or CDAP BDC loan structures.
- Scale AI cost-share parameters
- CDAP interest-free loan criteria
- SR&ED R&D credit matching
Frequently Asked Questions
Guided Funding Path
Digital & AI Grants Guide
Researching current status and program updates.
Technology Startup Grants Guide
Discover further R&D funding and student talent matching frameworks.
