How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $50000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Who are the financial supporters of the AI-Powered Supply Chains Cluster (Scale AI)?

AI-Powered Supply Chains Cluster (Scale AI) is funded by Scale AI Cluster, Global Innovation Clusters (GIC)

What are AI-Powered Supply Chains Cluster (Scale AI)'s eligibility criterias?

The project must align with Scale AI's strategy of improving value chains through AI technologies. The project must be collaborative, involving multiple stakeholders and at least one SME with fewer than 500 FTEs. The project must propose incremental AI developments that are distinct from existing solutions and include a plan for creating new IP.

AI-Powered Supply Chains Cluster (Scale AI)

Last Update: April 19, 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)

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

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.

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.

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.

Review Process

Engage with the Scale AI investment team during the selection process.
Respond promptly to any feedback or requests for additional information.

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.