Up to $890 million will be raised to design, build and operate the system.
The Canadian government is looking for people to build a “sovereign AI supercomputing system.”
Applications are now open under the AI Sovereign Compute Infrastructure Program (SCIP) to build a large-scale, Canadian-owned AI supercomputer intended for use by Canadian researchers and “innovative Canadian companies.”
Applicants should include plans to integrate Canadian technology, products and services wherever possible.
The federal government said the program will improve access to advanced computing for the development of new AI solutions, scientific discovery and economic growth.
AI Minister Evan Solomon said in a statement that Canada is “already at the forefront of artificial intelligence” and now needs access to large-scale computing power.
“This initiative aims to build that capacity here in Canada and enable researchers, institutions and innovators to move faster, advance further and translate their leading ideas into real-world impact,” Solomon said.
The approximately $890 million program will support the design, construction, and continued operation of computing systems over a seven-year period beginning in fiscal year 2026-2027. According to the program guide, applicants must demonstrate a viable plan to provide “critical service delivery” within 18 months of selection and a target date for full operation.
Related: The year Canada recognized the need for sovereign technology
Consortiums led by Canadian not-for-profit organizations and/or higher education institutions are eligible to apply. Applicants should include plans to integrate Canadian technologies, products and services as much as possible, and approaches to partnering with Canadian companies, including start-ups. Application deadline is June 1, 2026 at 1:00 PM ET.
SCIP is an extension of the $2.4 billion Canadian Sovereign AI Computing Strategy that the federal government launched in Budget 2024 and strengthened with more funding in Budget 2025. SCIP is structured around two integrated layers: an infrastructure layer, which is targeted by this funding, and a services layer, which provides support, training, and skills development to infrastructure users.
Mr. Solomon has led efforts to revamp Canada’s AI strategy. In February, the department released a summary of key points from the national consultation, including the need to build a national computing and data infrastructure.
Feature image courtesy of ALL IN.
