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AI-Powered Supply Chains Cluster (Scale AI)
Funding for collaborative AI value-chain projects
Funding available
Up to 40% of project cost
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Canada
Overview
Get funding to support collaborative AI projects for value chains. Up to 40% of eligible project expenses can be reimbursed for approved projects focused on AI adoption or commercialization.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
Eligible Funding
- Up to 40% of project cost
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- 500 employees maximum
Audience
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
Activities funded
- AI adoption projects for value chains.
- Commercialization of AI-based products.
Sources and recorded changes
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Value chain operators.
- AI solutions providers.
- Consumer goods and retail.
- Industrial goods and manufacturing.
- Transport and logistics.
Eligible expenses
- Salaries, wages, or contracts for carrying out project activities.
- Costs of purchasing or renting equipment, supplies, or services critical to the project.
- Dissemination costs vital for performance of the project.
- Capital expenditures linked to the objectives of the project agreement and vital for the success of the project.
Selection criteria
- In scope with SCALE AI’s strategy of boosting industry productivity by leveraging AI technologies to improve value chains.
- Collaborative projects with meaningful contributions and benefits for multiple stakeholders in the value chain, including at least one SME (<500 FTEs).
- Incremental AI development created in the project, with foreground IP that differs from regular business undertakings.
- Executive endorsement, technical feasibility validation, and sufficient AI expertise in the consortium.
- Team and project management plan (25%), business impact (20%), strategic alignment to Scale AI’s strategic plan (30%), and ecosystem impact (25%).
How to apply
- Join the weekly info session on Thursdays at 15h EST.
- Use the session to validate that your project meets the selection criteria.
- Meet with the Investment Team, which will suggest next steps.
Processing and Agreement
- After submission, Scale AI’s investment team works with the applicant to develop a detailed proposal.
- The proposal is then submitted to the selection committee.
- Selected projects are presented to the ratification board.
- The board reviews recommendations to ensure the project selection process was conducted according to the guidelines, transparently, clearly, and fairly.
Additional information
- Projects usually last from 12 to 18 months, but there is no maximum duration as long as the timeline in the project agreement is adhered to.
- Funding from Scale AI is not repayable.
- Non-Scale AI members can submit a project for evaluation, but selected projects require membership to receive funding.
- Scale AI funds are available to value chain operators and AI solutions providers across a broad range of sectors, including consumer goods and retail, industrial goods and manufacturing, transport and logistics, healthcare, and infrastructure and construction.
Frequently Asked Questions about the AI-Powered Supply Chains Cluster (Scale AI) Program
What is the AI-Powered Supply Chains Cluster (Scale AI)?
Get funding to support collaborative AI projects for value chains. Up to 40% of eligible project expenses can be reimbursed for approved projects focused on AI adoption or commercialization.
How much funding can be received?
AI-Powered Supply Chains Cluster (Scale AI) Funds up to 40% of admissible expenses.
What is the deadline to apply?
The program is accepting continuous intake
Who is eligible for the AI-Powered Supply Chains Cluster (Scale AI) program?
To be eligible for the AI-Powered Supply Chains Cluster (Scale AI) program, you must:
Collaborative project with more than one participant.
At least one participating SME.
Project work must be carried out in Canada.
What expenses are eligible under AI-Powered Supply Chains Cluster (Scale AI)?
Salaries, wages, or contracts for carrying out project activities.
Costs of purchasing or renting equipment, supplies, or services critical to the project.
Dissemination costs vital for performance of the project.
Capital expenditures linked to the objectives of the project agreement and vital for the success of the project.
Who can I contact for more information about the AI-Powered Supply Chains Cluster (Scale AI)?
You can contact Global Innovation Clusters (GIC).
Where is the AI-Powered Supply Chains Cluster (Scale AI) available?
The AI-Powered Supply Chains Cluster (Scale AI) program is available across Canada.