Supports innovative, for-profit companies with non-repayable funding to accelerate AI adoption and strengthen business growth.

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The Ignite AI program provides for-profit innovative companies with non-repayable funding to support projects that accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI). These projects reduce the risk of exploring AI, encourage experimentation, and help businesses test applications that can increase efficiency, productivity, and market growth.


Eligible companies must meet IION’s innovation mandate. Companies must have invented or refreshed a product, process or service by having a proprietary product, software or technology that they are commercializing or significantly refreshing a process through artificial intelligence (AI). More information on IION’s eligibility can be viewed here.

Ignite AI supports projects where all costs are with a third-party contractor/vendor.

  • Integrate AI into day-to-day operations

  • Enable data-driven decision making

  • Support AI-enabled commercialization

The Ignite AI program will support 50% of eligible costs, before tax:

  • $20,000 grant for a minimum project spend before tax of $40,000 (company contributes $20,000; program contributes $20,000).

  • Minimum project size: $10,000 before tax (company contributes $5,000; program contributes $5,000).

Ignite AI is a competitive program with limited funding available. Unfortunately, not all applicants can be funded. Applications are collected throughout a specified intake period and will be reviewed by an external selection committee.

***Companies are eligible for one Ignite AI grant over the duration of the program.

Eligible projects must demonstrate measurable business results, with the potential to create jobs and increase revenues.

Examples of eligible projects

  • Adoption of AI tools to improve internal operations and efficiency.

  • Integration of AI software into existing products or services.

  • Development of AI-enabled prototypes or solutions.

  • Implementation of AI-driven process automation, robotics, or marketing automation (e.g., chatbots as part of a sales or customer funnel).

  • Purchase of AI infrastructure, licenses, or prepaid computing/token costs (must be tied to a broader AI adoption project).

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Eligibility:

Deadline for Intake 8 applications is July 31, 2026

Applications are reviewed monthly.

    • Innovative, growth-oriented for-profit companies.

    • Companies registered and operating in one of IION’s service districts: Nipissing, Timiskaming, Parry Sound, or Muskoka.

    • Companies must have a business model and strategy that validates forecasted sales and employment growth.

    • Companies seeking assistance for adopting, integrating, or scaling AI solutions, or commercializing an innovative product or process that has the potential to increase revenue and employment.

    • Companies operating as restaurants, wholesalers, distributors, or re-sellers.

    • Not-for-profits and municipalities.

    • Hobby and part-time businesses.

    • Companies registered outside of IION’s catchment area (districts of Nipissing, Timiskaming, Parry Sound, or Muskoka).

    • Any on-going operational costs including staff wages, rolling stock, or other internal costs associated with the project.

    • Stand-alone subscriptions, computing tokens, or credits without being tied to a larger AI adoption project.

    1. The company contacts the program lead (James Savard) to determine eligibility and discuss the proposed project(s).

    2. If the company and project(s) are eligible, the company must register as an IION client. Once this is completed, the application link will be emailed to the company. The company will complete the application and submit it online.

    3. The program lead will review one draft submission (with all required quotes) by providing comments about application completeness.

    4. The application deadline for each intake will be indicated on the program website. It is highly recommended companies submit applications in advance of this date to allow IION time to review the draft submission. Applications must be received prior to incurring costs associated with the project. If applicants choose to do so, they can begin incurring costs once IION has the final application submission. If the application is approved, the costs, up to the grant amount, will be reimbursed.

    5. The Ignite AI committee will review your application within the first 14 days of the review month.

    6. Once the review is complete, you will receive an email from IION to inform you if your application was approved or not.

    • Intake 1 (current): July 1 – October 31, 2025 (Applications reviewed in November).

    • Intake 2: November 1 – December 31, 2025 (short 2-month intake, reviewed in January).

    • Intake 3: January 1 – March 31, 2026 (reviewed in April).

    • Intake 4: April 1 – June 30, 2026 (reviewed in July).

    • Intake 5: July 1 – September 30, 2026 (reviewed in October — final intake).

    • Approved companies have six months to complete the project from date of approval.

    • The company is required to pay the project contractors 100% of invoices, including any HST applicable, then submit a claim to IION for 50% reimbursement, up to the grant amount (no HST).

    • Companies will be reimbursed via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) upon receipt of the claim with the final invoice(s) and proof of payment.

    • Successful applicants will be required to complete a mandatory Ignite AI survey as well as a mandatory annual survey.

    • Applications must be received prior to incurring costs associated with the project.

    • If applicants choose to do so, they can begin incurring costs once IION has the final application submission and the applicant receives an email indicating the application is being sent to the committee.

    • If the application is approved, the costs, up to the grant amount, will be reimbursed.

How do I get started?

If you are not an IION client please review the eligibility page. If you believe you may be eligible, complete the eligibility assessment and an IION representative will be in touch to confirm.

If you are currently an IION client and have questions about the program, and your project eligibility please contact James Savard.

📧 james@iion.ca
📞 (705) 491-5411

If your company and project(s) are deemed eligible, James will send you the application.