How to Apply to SCALE AI — Acceleration: Complete Application Guide
SCALE AI — Acceleration provides reimbursement funding to Canadian partner organizations that deliver high-quality programs for AI startups and SMEs focused on value and supply chains. Up to $50,000 per supported startup or SME is available as a reimbursement of eligible costs, with funds allocated to each certified program based on the number of graduates. Startups and SMEs do not apply directly to Scale AI; they access support by joining an accredited partner program.
This guide explains how to apply to Scale AI Acceleration as a partner organization (incubators, accelerators, innovation centres, corporate labs) and how startups and SMEs can access funding by enrolling in accredited cohorts. It covers eligibility, required documents, the step-by-step application process, timelines, reimbursement, tips, and common mistakes. Information is current as of December 1, 2025.
Overview of SCALE AI — Acceleration
The Scale AI Acceleration initiative supports the growth of Canadian AI startups and SMEs building applied AI products and services for value chains and supply chains. It funds organizations that deliver acceleration and incubation activities, mentorship, commercialization support, and industry collaboration.
Key program features:
Funding model: reimbursement of eligible costs incurred in Canada
Amount: up to $50,000 per supported startup or SME
Allocation: based on the number of startups/SMEs graduating from each certified program
Beneficiaries: partner organizations are funded; startups benefit by participating in accredited programs
Geographic scope: pan-Canadian (Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and more)
Examples of accredited programs across Canada include:
Ontario: ventureLAB (Accelerate AI), Toronto Metropolitan University – The DMZ (Supply AI Program), MaRS Discovery District (Supply Chain AI)
Quebec: CEIM (Scale AI Québec), Le CAMP (Propulsion), HEC Montréal – École des dirigeants (Supply Chain Stream), The Holt Xchange
Alberta: Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (AMII) – Supply Chain AI West
Nova Scotia: Volta – Volta AI
New Brunswick: Propel ICT – Propel Virtual Accelerator
Eligibility Requirements
Use this checklist to self-assess before starting the application.
Organization eligibility (partner programs apply)
You are an organization established in Canada (e.g., accelerator, incubator, innovation centre, corporate lab, open-innovation initiative).
Your initiative supports AI startups/SMEs building applied AI solutions for value/supply chains.
You can deliver structured programming (cohorts or rolling intake) including mentorship, coaching, commercialization/IP support, customer access, sector development, and access to capital facilitation.
You can track and report outputs and outcomes (e.g., cohort size, graduation numbers, traction metrics).
You can incur and document eligible costs in Canada related to program activities.
You can comply with Scale AI funding guidelines, contribution agreements, and audit requirements.
Startup and SME eligibility (to benefit through accredited programs)
The company is based in Canada.
The company develops applied AI products or services relevant to value/supply chains (e.g., logistics, manufacturing, retail, e-commerce, agriculture, health supply chains).
You can meet the selection criteria of the accredited program (varies by partner: stage, traction, sector fit).
You can participate in and complete the program (graduation is tied to fund allocation).
Expense and activity eligibility (high level)
Expenses must be incurred in Canada and directly tied to delivering the partner program’s activities.
Cash grants or seed investments to startups are not considered eligible expenditures under Acceleration funding guidelines.
Required Documents
Prepare the following materials to streamline your application and review. Requirements may vary; confirm specifics during intake.
For organizations seeking certification
Organization profile and legal status (name, address, registration/incorporation details, Canadian establishment).
Program description:
Objectives, value-chain/supply-chain AI focus, target sectors and stages.
Delivery model (cohort cadence, curriculum, mentorship structure, industry partnerships).
Expected results (number of startups/SMEs supported and graduating).
Budget and eligible cost breakdown:
Forecast by category (e.g., salaries/wages for program staff and mentors, contractor services for curriculum/mentorship, space/equipment tied to delivery, communications and outreach, reporting and evaluation).
Cost-incurred-in-Canada confirmation.
Team and governance:
Key personnel bios, roles, and capacity.
Advisory board/mentor network and conflict-of-interest practices.
Outcomes and performance:
KPIs and measurement plan (e.g., graduation, commercialization milestones, customer introductions, IP progress).
Past results and case examples (if available).
Compliance and controls:
Financial controls, procurement approach, record-keeping and audit readiness.
Policies relevant to EDI, IP, and data governance.
Partner evidence:
Letters of intent or support from industry, investors, or academic partners (if applicable).
For startups/SMEs applying to accredited programs
Company overview (Canadian address, business number, incorporation or registration).
Product and AI description (problem, solution, AI approach, data sources).
Market and traction (customers, pilots, revenue, pipeline).
Team bios and roles.
Sector fit and value-chain relevance statement.
Supporting materials required by the program (pitch deck, demo, references).
Step-by-Step Application Process
There are two pathways: one for organizations seeking to become certified partner programs and another for startups/SMEs seeking to access support by joining accredited cohorts.
A) For organizations: Apply to become a certified Acceleration partner
1) Confirm strategic fit
Validate that your program focuses on AI startups/SMEs serving value/supply chains and that all eligible costs will be incurred in Canada.
2) Assemble your application dossier
Compile the documents listed above, including program plan, budget, KPIs, team, and reporting approach.
3) Engage with the Scale AI investment team
Participate in information sessions or webinars when available to confirm expectations, timelines, and eligibility nuances.
Prepare concise answers to typical due diligence questions (cohort design, capacity, industry partnerships, risk management).
4) Submit your application for assessment
Provide your organization profile, program description, financial forecast, and evidence of delivery capacity.
Clearly state projected cohorts, expected number of graduates, and anticipated per-startup support.
5) Respond to due diligence
Provide clarifications, supporting documents, or revisions requested by reviewers (e.g., refined budgets, KPIs, EDI and governance details).
6) Receive provisional decision and finalize a contribution agreement
If selected, review the contribution agreement outlining:
Funding ceilings and conditions (e.g., up to $50,000 per supported startup or SME).
Eligible cost categories and documentation standards.
Claim schedules, reporting frequency, audit rights, and branding/acknowledgment requirements.
7) Launch delivery and track results
Recruit your cohort, deliver programming, and maintain detailed records (invoices, payroll, proof of payment, timesheets, attendance, mentorship logs).
8) Submit reimbursement claims
File claims according to the agreement schedule with complete supporting documents.
Reconcile actual graduates against allocation rules; funding disbursements reflect completion/graduation.
9) Report outcomes and close out
Submit periodic and final reports with KPIs and outcomes.
Prepare for potential audits; maintain document retention per agreement.
B) For startups/SMEs: Access funding via an accredited program
1) Identify a suitable accredited program
Review partner options across provinces (e.g., ventureLAB, DMZ, MaRS in Ontario; CEIM, Le CAMP, HEC Montréal, Holt Xchange in Quebec; AMII in Alberta; Volta in Nova Scotia; Propel ICT in New Brunswick).
2) Check program-specific eligibility
Confirm stage, sector, and fit (validation, efficiency, scale; supply-chain relevance; AI depth).
3) Prepare your application
Build a concise deck and summary describing your product, AI approach, traction, and value-chain use cases.
4) Apply directly to the partner program
Follow the partner’s intake requirements (forms, interviews, pitch sessions).
5) Complete the cohort
Participate fully and meet graduation requirements; allocations and reimbursements are tied to graduation counts.
6) Keep records
Maintain documentation of your participation and results, as partners may require supporting materials for claims and reporting.
Application Timeline
Intake cadence: Partner program intakes are typically rolling or cohort-based throughout the year. Organizations seeking certification should anticipate intake windows aligned with budget availability.
Review periods: Assessment and due diligence timelines vary; allow sufficient time for clarifications and agreement negotiation.
Delivery periods: Accredited cohorts usually run 3–12 months, depending on the program.
Claims: Reimbursement typically follows agreed claim schedules during and after delivery. Specific dates and intervals are defined in the contribution agreement.
Tip: Build a 6–12 week buffer from submission to agreement to account for due diligence and contracting. Timelines may vary based on program complexity and volume.
How Reimbursement Works
Model: All funding is provided as reimbursement of eligible costs incurred in Canada and tied to program activities.
Ceiling: Up to $50,000 per supported startup or SME, with allocations based on the number of graduates from each certified program.
Documentation: Claims generally require:
Detailed cost ledger and category summaries.
Invoices and receipts; proof of payment (bank statements or payment confirmations).
Payroll records and timesheets for salaries/wages charged to the program.
Contracts and deliverables for contractors/mentors.
Evidence of program delivery (agendas, attendance, mentorship logs).
Timing: Claim frequency and processing timelines are defined in the contribution agreement.
Ineligible items: Cash grants or seed investments to startups are not eligible expenditures under Acceleration. Any cost outside the approved categories or incurred outside Canada is typically ineligible.
Tips for a Successful Application
Anchor to value chains: Explicitly connect your curriculum, mentorship, and industry access to value/supply-chain use cases.
Be outcomes-driven: Define clear KPIs (graduation targets, pilots, customer intros, IP milestones, investment readiness).
Demonstrate delivery capacity: Show experienced staff, mentor bench strength, and established processes for selection, coaching, and follow-up.
Budget with precision: Align costs to eligible categories and Canadian-incurred rules; avoid ambiguous overhead lines.
Evidence of demand: Include letters of support, industry partners, or pipeline data to validate strong cohort recruitment.
Plan for measurement: Present a robust data collection and reporting plan aligned to the agreement’s requirements.
Prepare for audit: Establish documentation workflows and retention timelines before delivery begins.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Assuming direct startup grants: Scale AI does not fund startups directly through Acceleration; funding flows to certified programs.
Vague value-chain focus: Applications that are generic “AI” without clear supply/value-chain relevance score poorly.
Weak graduation logic: Allocations rely on graduates; ensure your cohort design supports completion.
Ineligible cost assumptions: Cash awards to startups or costs incurred outside Canada are not eligible.
Insufficient documentation: Missing invoices, proof of payment, or timesheets can delay or reduce reimbursements.
Overly optimistic KPIs: Set realistic and defensible targets; be ready to explain your assumptions.
What Happens After You Apply
For organizations:
Review and due diligence: Expect clarifications and potential iterations on budgets, KPIs, and delivery plans.
Decision and contracting: Successful applicants finalize a contribution agreement defining funding ceilings, eligible costs, and claim/reporting schedules.
Delivery and claims: Begin programming, maintain records, submit claims per schedule, and report on outcomes.
For startups/SMEs:
Partner decision: Accredited programs communicate admissions decisions and onboarding steps.
Program participation: Engage fully to meet graduation criteria; your completion supports the partner’s reimbursement allocation.
Post-cohort: Continue working with connections and resources accessed through the program; your outcomes may be tracked for reporting.
Conclusion
SCALE AI — Acceleration funds Canadian partner programs that help AI startups and SMEs scale solutions for value and supply chains. Organizations apply to become certified partners and receive reimbursement of eligible, Canada-incurred program costs—up to $50,000 per supported startup or SME, tied to graduates. Startups and SMEs do not apply to Scale AI directly; they join accredited programs across Canada and benefit through those cohorts. By aligning with value-chain use cases, preparing strong documentation, and planning for measurement and audit, applicants can navigate the Scale AI Acceleration application process with confidence.
