AI-Powered Supply Chains Cluster (Scale AI)
Last Update: July 22, 2025
Canada
Funding to enhance supply chains with AI
AI-Powered Supply Chains Cluster (Scale AI) at a glance
Eligible Funding
- Max. $50,000
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Continuous Intakes
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Retail trade
- Transportation and warehousing
- Health care and social assistance
Grant Providers
- Scale AI Cluster
- Global Innovation Clusters (GIC)
Program status
Open
Overview of the AI-Powered Supply Chains Cluster (Scale AI) program
Get funding to cover up to 50% of the costs of collaborative projects that accelerate the adoption or commercialization of artificial intelligence (AI) for supply chains, when your SME partners with other Scale AI members.
Financing terms and conditions
- Reimbursement of up to 40% of eligible project expenses for approved projects targeting the adoption or commercialization of AI for value chains.
- There is no minimum or maximum investment allocated per project.
- Funding is disbursed on a quarterly basis, reimbursing a predefined portion of eligible project expenses.
Eligible projects & activities
- Projects deploying AI to enhance value chains across various industries.
- Innovative, collaborative AI projects that involve SMEs.
- Projects aimed at AI adoption or commercialization in supply chains.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 25,000
Implement real-time data integration for logistics management
$ 50,000
Integrate AI for demand forecasting in retail supply chains
$ 50,000
Develop AI system for predictive disruption analysis in transport
$ 45,000
Create AI system for improved sourcing and procurement
$ 50,000
Use AI for traceability and visibility in food supply chain
$ 45,000
Develop AI-powered scheduling system for manufacturing operations
Eligibility criteria of the AI-Powered Supply Chains Cluster (Scale AI) program
- The applicant must participate in a collaborative project involving multiple participants, with at least one SME (less than 500 full-time employees).
- The project must align with Scale AI’s strategy of enhancing industry productivity by leveraging AI technologies to improve value chains.
- The project must be incremental, generating new AI development beyond existing solutions and creating new foreground intellectual property.
- The project must demonstrate executive endorsement and show readiness, including technical feasibility validation and adequate AI expertise within the consortium.
- Eligible participants include value chain operators and AI solution providers across various sectors such as consumer goods and retail, industrial goods and manufacturing, transport and logistics, healthcare, and infrastructure and construction.
- Non-members can apply, but successful applicants must become Scale AI members to receive funding.
Who is eligible?
- Consumer goods and retail
- Industrial goods and manufacturing
- Transport and logistics
- Healthcare
- Infrastructure and construction
- AI solution adopters
- AI product companies
- AI service providers
- Academic institutions
- Consultants
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
Eligibility criteria of the AI-Powered Supply Chains Cluster (Scale AI) program
The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria with allocated point scores to ensure alignment with the grant’s objectives.
- Team and project management plan (25%).
- Business impact (20%).
- Strategic alignment to Scale AI’s strategic plan (30%).
- Ecosystem impact (25%).
How to apply to the AI-Powered Supply Chains Cluster (Scale AI) program
1
Participate in Info Session
- Register for and attend a Scale AI information webinar held every Thursday at 3:00 p.m. EST.
- Validate that your project meets the selection criteria during the session.
- Connect with the Scale AI investment team to discuss next steps and gather necessary details.
2
Develop Project Proposal
- Identify and collaborate with project partners, including at least one SME (<500 FTEs).
- Draft a comprehensive project proposal highlighting alignment with Scale AI’s strategic objectives.
- Ensure the proposal covers collaboration, incremental innovation, and project readiness.
- Prepare a project management plan and assess the business and ecosystem impacts.
3
Submit Application
- Compile all required documents and evidence supporting your project’s objectives and feasibility.
- Submit the application through the Scale AI platform as per their guidelines.
4
Review Process
- Engage with the Scale AI investment team during the selection process.
- Respond promptly to any feedback or requests for additional information.
5
Confirmation and Membership
- Upon selection, become a Scale AI member to access funding and further support.
- Receive detailed feedback on your project application and finalize funding agreements.
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- 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.
- The funding from Scale AI is in the form of a grant and does not need to be repaid.
- Non-members can apply for funding, but membership is required to receive funding if the project is selected.
- Scale AI does not require patent applications to be submitted for IP protection.
- Projects must have more than one participant, with at least one being an SME.
Contact Scale AI Cluster
info@scaleai.ca
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