Industrial AI Readiness Program

Artificial Intelligence offers manufacturers significant opportunities to improve production processes. However, the integration of AI in manufacturing systems is complex. This program aims to raise awareness about the managerial, skills, data, and technology requirements for successful integration and use of AI to improve manufacturing processes. It is intended to assist NRC-IRAP eligible small and medium-sized (SME) manufacturers across Canada in adopting AI to improve the productivity, health and safety, and environmental performance of their production systems.

Eligible manufacturers will receive a reimbursement of up to $15,000 to offset the professional fees charged by AI service providers in undertaking feasibility studies to evaluate their AI readiness and developing AI implementation plans to improve their production processes.

Who is eligible to apply?

• Manufacturers with fewer than 500 employees that are incorporated and operating in Canada.
• Manufacturers must be NRC-IRAP eligible and obtain a reference from a local NRC-IRAP Industrial Technology Advisor (ITA).

What will the program support?

• The program will assist manufacturers select AI partners drawn from Canada’s AI4Manufacturing cluster with proven real-life use cases in Industrial AI implementations.
• Standardized evaluations of the readiness of manufacturers to adopt AI in their production processes based on the managerial, technological, data, and skills requirements for successful adoption.
• The development of Industrial AI implementation plans based on readiness evaluations.

What are the intended outcomes of the program?

• Speedier and more successful adoption of AI to improve production processes.
• Implementation plans that manufacturers can use for further funding and investment.

What are some examples of the AI implementations the program will support?

• Quality improvement – fewer defects, less rework
• Equipment operating efficiency – reductions in downtime
• Process efficiency – time and cost savings leading to increased throughput
• Process automation – real time autonomous control
• Energy efficiency – leading to cost savings and emission reductions

What costs are eligible for reimbursement?

• Professional fees from AI service providers incurred by manufacturers in carrying out readiness evaluations and developing implementation plans.
• Up to $15,000 in eligible costs will be reimbursed upon completion of an Industrial AI readiness evaluation and implementation plan and receipt of a final report.

How will costs be reimbursed?

• Up to $15,000 in eligible costs will be reimbursed upon completion of an Industrial AI readiness evaluation and implementation plan and receipt of a final report.

Protection of Information

• All private and commercially sensitive information will be protected by non-disclosure agreements undertaken among the applicant manufacturer, AI partner, and NGen.
• Progress reports and the final report on the implementation plan will be designed not to disclose private or commercially sensitive information.

How long is the window for applications open?

• Applications will be received until funds expire. They will be reviewed and considered for funding on a first-come first-served basis.

Next steps:

• Manufacturers can apply by providing the following information and submitting a reference email from a NRC-IRAP Industry Technology Advisor.
• Applications will be used to solicit expressions of interest from participating AI service providers.
• Manufacturers will select their preferred AI partner based on expressions of interest they receive from AI service providers.
• Once an AI service provider is selected, applications must be signed by both the manufacturer and AI service provider to be considered for funding.
• Successful applicants will be asked to conclude a project agreement with NGen specifying the terms and conditions of the funding.
• Projects must conclude with final reports filed by the end of December 2026.

This program is managed by NGen with financial support from NRC-IRAP.