AI-Powered Supply Chains Cluster (Scale AI)
Canada
Funding to enhance supply chains with AI
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Retail trade
- Transportation and warehousing
- Health care and social assistance
grant_single|grantors
- Scale AI Cluster
- Global Innovation Clusters (GIC)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
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.
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
The AI-Powered Supply Chains Cluster (Scale AI) provides financial support to approved projects focused on AI adoption or commercialization, enhancing their value chains. Funding is tailored to eligible project expenses, with no requirement for repayment.
- Reimbursement of up to 40% of eligible expenses for approved projects.
- Eligible expenses include salaries, wages, or contracts, as well as costs for purchasing or renting equipment, supplies, or services critical to the project.
- Dissemination costs vital for the project's performance and capital expenditures linked to project objectives are covered.
- Reimbursement occurs on a quarterly basis for selected projects.
- No minimum or maximum funding limit per project, permitting flexibility.
grant_single_labels|projects
Projects eligible for the AI-Powered Supply Chains Cluster grant should focus on applying AI to enhance value chains across various industries. Such projects should demonstrate innovation, collaboration, and incremental AI development.
- AI projects targeting adoption or commercialization for improved value chains.
- Collaborative initiatives with contributions from multiple stakeholders, including at least one SME.
- Efforts creating new foreground IP and novel AI applications beyond routine business activities.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 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
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific criteria focusing on the applicant's role in AI technology adoption and value chain enhancement.
- The applicant must be a value chain operator or AI solutions provider.
- The applicant can belong to a wide range of sectors such as consumer goods and retail, industrial goods and manufacturing, transport and logistics, healthcare, and infrastructure and construction.
- Projects must include more than one participant, with at least one being a Small or Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) with fewer than 500 full-time employees.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Scale AI funding is available to value chain operators and AI solutions providers across various sectors, including but not limited to consumer goods and retail, industrial goods and manufacturing, transport and logistics, healthcare, and infrastructure and construction. Eligible projects must be innovative and collaborative, leveraging AI technologies to enhance value chains with participation from at least one small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) with fewer than 500 full-time employees.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The grant covers specific eligible expenses that are essential to the project.
- 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 the performance of the project.
- Capital expenditures linked to the objectives of the project agreement and vital for the success of the project.
grant_single_labels|criteria
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%).
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 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.
- Step 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.
- Step 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.
- Step 4: Review Process
- Engage with the Scale AI investment team during the selection process.
- Respond promptly to any feedback or requests for additional information.
- Step 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.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
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.
grant_single_labels|contact
info@scaleai.ca
Apply to this program
Unlock AI Potential with Scale AI Funding
The Scale AI funding initiative empowers industry-led projects by offering financial support for the adoption and commercialization of AI technologies focused on improving value chain effectiveness. This grant significantly aids eligible projects by covering up to 40% of expenditures, fostering innovation, collaboration, and incremental AI development.
Extensive Insights into Scale AI Funding Opportunities
The Scale AI grant program serves as a crucial catalyst in bringing artificial intelligence technologies from the conceptual stage into practical, field-based applications that enhance and optimize industry value chains. In an era where AI innovation is pivotal to maintaining a competitive edge, Scale AI places a strong emphasis on enabling businesses and organizations to develop AI-based products and services, refining go-to-market strategies to bolster revenues and overall competitiveness.
Understanding the vast applicability of AI, Scale AI is committed to supporting projects across varied sectors, including consumer goods, industrial manufacturing, transportation, logistics, healthcare, construction, and more. Each funded project is expected to generate significant industry impacts by increasing productivity through AI integration. This is crucial for businesses aiming to scale their operations and introduce disruptive technologies that address existing market challenges.
Participation in this grant program requires more than innovative ideas. Projects must effectively collaborate among stakeholders, ensuring that benefits extend throughout the value chain and include small to mid-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are instrumental in driving economic growth. Furthermore, projects must present incremental advances in AI application, contrasting current solutions while paving the way for generating new intellectual property. The uniqueness of the projects implies delivering beyond regular business undertakings, ensuring readiness through executive endorsements and technical feasibility validations.
Part of what distinguishes the Scale AI initiative is its rigorous yet supportive selection process. Once project viability is established through a comprehensive proposal, the application undergoes a one-month evaluation phase focused on strategic alignment, ecosystem impact, and potential business influence. With no set limits on funding amounts or project duration, the flexibility offered allows for adaptive approaches to project management and execution.
Collaboration is essential to the success of Scale AI projects. Not only does the initiative fund aspects critical to project development, such as salaries, equipment procurement, and foundational costs, but it also actively facilitates networking and partnership opportunities among its members. This integrated community approach ensures that AI advancements contribute broadly across Canada's economic landscape.
Project leaders are empowered to manage their intellectual property, ensuring that new developments may be protected or shared as they see fit. Scale AI provides experienced guidance from its IP lawyers to help navigate the complexities of intellectual property management, allowing businesses to retain control over their innovations while fostering an environment where the wider ecosystem can also benefit.
Scale AI's commitment extends beyond funding, offering resources not only to execute project strategies but also to amplify their impact. The initiative organizes educational sessions and provides access to technical advice, helping to maximize the success and outreach of AI projects. For applicants eager to be a part of pioneering AI technologies, connecting with Scale AI through informational webinars and leveraging the available tools and community support is an invaluable step towards achieving their groundbreaking objectives.
Ultimately, Scale AI is more than just a funding body. It represents a keystone in Canada's AI ecosystem, inspiring innovation, efficiency, and sustainable growth across industry sectors. By backing projects that harness AI to transform business processes and improve industry value chains, Scale AI is sowing the seeds for a more competitive, technologically advanced future.
