Deadline: December 4, 2025
The Artificial Intelligence for Canadian Energy Innovation 2026 programme is now open for applications. Managed by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), this initiative supports the research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) of artificial intelligence (AI) solutions that accelerate energy innovation across Canada. The call aims to harness AI technologies to lower the cost, time, and energy required to develop and deploy advanced energy solutions.
Applications must be submitted by 1:00 p.m. ET on 4 December 2025, with projects expected to begin on 1 April 2026 and conclude by 31 March 2030.
About the Opportunity
The Artificial Intelligence for Canadian Energy Innovation 2026 call is designed to fund projects that integrate AI into the Canadian energy innovation ecosystem. The programme encourages collaboration between AI developers, energy innovators, and researchers to enhance efficiency, improve data access, and promote knowledge exchange.
Projects must address all three of the following objectives:
- Develop and use AI solutions to reduce cost, time, and/or energy use of traditional methods in advancing new energy innovations.
- Facilitate collaboration between AI and energy-technology innovators to strengthen knowledge exchange and integration.
- Improve Canadian energy data availability, accessibility, and security across the entire innovation landscape.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants include:
- For-profit and not-for-profit organisations incorporated or registered in Canada.
- Community groups.
- Academic and research institutions.
- Provincial, territorial, regional, and municipal governments or departments.
- Indigenous communities, governments, and majority-Indigenous-owned organisations.
Project eligibility requirements:
- Projects must develop an AI solution and use it to advance a pre-commercial energy innovation by at least one Technology Readiness Level (TRL) increment.
- Eligible energy technologies must be within TRL 2-6 (pre-commercial stages).
- Demonstrations must show the AI solution applied within an energy innovation setting rather than a commercial deployment.
- The AI solution should be newly developed under the project or represent a first-time application of an existing prototype with a strong justification.
- Proposals must demonstrate how the AI solution provides measurable cost, time, or energy efficiency compared to traditional methods.
- Applicants must have access to, or plans to generate, productive data sets early in the project.
Funding and Support
The Artificial Intelligence for Canadian Energy Innovation 2026 programme provides significant financial support to successful applicants.
- Funding contribution: Up to 75% of total eligible project costs.
- Minimum funding request: CAD $500,000.
- Maximum funding request: CAD $1,500,000.
- Project duration: From 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2030.
Projects must demonstrate strong potential to advance Canadian energy innovation through the strategic application of AI technologies.
Application Process
The application process consists of two phases:
- Expression of Interest (EOI): Open to all eligible applicants. This initial phase screens projects for alignment with programme objectives and readiness.
- Full Project Proposal (FPP): By invitation only. Applicants whose EOIs are successful will be invited to submit detailed proposals, including budgets, work plans, and partnership details.
Applicants are encouraged to prepare early, ensuring their project goals, AI methodologies, and data strategies clearly align with the programme’s objectives.
Key Dates
- Application deadline: 1:00 p.m. ET, 4 December 2025
- Project start date: 1 April 2026
- Project end date: 31 March 2030
Selection Process
Projects will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Relevance to programme objectives (cost/time/energy reduction; collaboration; data innovation).
- Technical feasibility and innovation level of the AI solution.
- Strength and diversity of project partnerships.
- Data management and security measures.
- Cost effectiveness and anticipated impact on Canada’s energy innovation ecosystem.
Additional Information
Applicants must demonstrate readiness to begin projects within the specified funding timeline. Proposals should detail how outcomes will contribute to Canada’s broader energy transition goals, promote collaboration, and strengthen national data infrastructure.
All funded projects must comply with NRCan’s reporting and accountability requirements, including progress updates, financial reports, and final results documentation.
How to Apply
Interested applicants are encouraged to prepare their Expression of Interest as soon as possible to meet the December 2025 deadline. Ensure all eligibility criteria are satisfied and that the proposal demonstrates clear, measurable outcomes related to AI-driven energy innovation.
👉 Read more about the programme
Contact us for proposal drafting, refining and review.
