The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency opened a regional call for proposals backed by nearly C$40 million in additional federal funding for business artificial-intelligence projects.

Eligible small and medium-sized businesses may propose projects that introduce AI into operations or bring Canadian-developed AI products to market. The agency cites inventory management, production-line monitoring and commercialization as possible uses.

The regional allocation is part of an additional C$500 million over five years for the federal Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative, bringing the national initiative’s stated total to C$700 million.

Atlantic proposals must be valued at C$1 million or more and identify measurable outcomes such as productivity, competitiveness, commercialization or business growth. The call closes November 20; funding availability does not mean every applicant will receive an award.