How much funding can be received?

The Scale AI Initiative for Generative AI offers funding of up to 50% of eligible project costs, supporting projects that integrate and commercialize generative AI solutions to enhance operational productivity across Canadian value chains. Eligible activities include the development of innovative generative AI applications in two categories: commercialization and adoption projects, with a minimum budget of $750,000.

grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions

This grant offers significant funding support tailored for the advancement of generative AI projects, ensuring that selected initiatives receive substantial backing for implementation. The financing modalities are comprehensive, allowing for varied contributions from partners and efficient resource allocation.

Funding covers up to 50% of eligible project costs, subject to maximum funding amounts based on project category and scope.
For adoption projects, at least 50% of the costs should be subcontracting costs paid to AI service provider(s) in the consortium.
For commercialization projects, end-user partners are encouraged to financially support the product company as a demonstration of commitment.
Projects require a minimum budget of $750,000 with no cap on the maximum project cost.
Eligible costs must be incurred by participants within Canada and be directly related to AI solution development or adoption, as defined by Scale AI’s Guidelines for Funding.

grant_single_labels|projects

The Gen AI Call for Projects supports innovative collaborations that leverage generative AI to boost productivity and operational efficiency within Canadian value chains. Eligible projects focus on both commercializing generative AI-enhanced products and improving operational processes through AI integration.

Commercialization projects aiming to enhance existing products with generative AI capabilities.
Adoption projects focused on integrating generative AI solutions to improve company operations.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$ 1,000,000

Implement generative AI to optimize warehouse logistics and inventory management in Montreal.

$ 900,000

Develop a generative AI tool for automatic report generation in the finance sector.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's location, project structure, and financial criteria.

The company leading the project and its partners must be located in Canada, and the work supported by Scale AI must be performed in Canada.
A letter of intent using the required template must be submitted, signed by an executive sponsor from the lead organization, the project manager for the proposed generative AI project, and an executive sponsor from each of the partner companies.
The project cost must not exceed 40% of the company's annual revenues to ensure financial viability.
The project must start no later than April 30, 2025, and end no later than April 30, 2026.
The project must align with Scale AI's strategy, focusing on supporting the commercialization and adoption of AI solutions in a well-identified value chain and democratizing AI for widespread access among Canadian organizations.
The project must be new or significantly expand, accelerate, or transform existing operations.
The project must involve at least two participants: the project lead and the partner, including at least one small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) with fewer than 500 employees.
The project must have a minimum budget of $750,000 in costs.
The project lead and partner must have conducted a preliminary feasibility study confirming the validity of the scientific approach and the accessibility of the required data.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

This program fulfills Scale AI's strategy of supporting commercialization and adoption of generative AI solutions, aiming to democratize AI across Canadian organizations to enhance operational productivity. The evaluation and selection criteria reflect this focus by assessing strategic alignment, team capabilities, potential ecosystem and business impacts.

Strategic Alignment (30%): Projects should align with Scale AI's objectives to encourage adoption, commercialization, and democratization of generative AI, address significant operational needs, develop new applied knowledge, pose technical challenges, and be technically achievable.
Team and Project Plan (25%): Evaluation of the technical credentials, expertise, realism of the project plan, cooperation among consortium members, project management clarity, and reasonable cost structure.
Ecosystem Impact (25%): Consideration of the project's scalability and benefits to the ecosystem, including intellectual property application, job creation, diversity principles, SME growth, and public dissemination of lessons learned.
Business Impact (20%): The project's plan should address operational or business needs with realistic commercialization plans and generative AI adoption for operational improvements and efficiencies.

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This grant does not specify exclusions for certain types of companies or industries based on their status or main activity. The focus is on the fulfillment of specific eligibility criteria provided by the grant call.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

Eligible expenses for this grant are those incurred by the project participants directly related to AI solution development or adoption.

Costs incurred in Canada by the project participants.
Subcontracting costs in adoption projects, at least 50% of which should be paid to the AI service provider(s) included in the consortium.
External costs, including those for AI service providers.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant is available for businesses with significant operational capacities in Canada, and only work conducted within Canada is eligible for funding. The focus on Canadian locations aims to support domestic innovation and economic growth.

Companies and partners located throughout Canada.

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.

Strategic Alignment: 30% - Evaluating how well the project aligns with Scale AI’s strategic objectives, addresses a significant operational need, develops new applied knowledge, poses a technical challenge, and is technically achievable.
Team and Project Plan: 25% - Assessing the technical credentials and expertise of the project team, the clarity and realism of the project management plan, cooperation between consortium members, and cost structure.
Ecosystem Impact: 25% - Considering the benefits to the ecosystem, including intellectual property application, contribution to job creation and diversity, SME growth, and dissemination of lessons learned.
Business Impact: 20% - Analyzing the project’s business plan, addressing operational or business needs, planning for realistic commercialization and adoption of AI, and achieving operational efficiencies.

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:

Step 1: Complete the Eligibility Form
Download and fill out the short eligibility form, providing details on how the project meets the criteria.
Obtain letters of intent signed by an executive sponsor from the lead organization, the project manager, and an executive sponsor from each partner company.
Step 2: Submit Eligibility Form and Letters of Intent
Ensure all documents are completed and submitted online by the deadline of November 8, 2024, at 6:00 PM, Montreal time.
Note that submissions are evaluated on a first-come, first-served basis, so early submission is encouraged.
Step 3: Await Phase 1 Evaluation Results
Wait for Scale AI to review your submission and provide feedback by November 29, 2024.
Only eligible projects will be invited to proceed to Phase 2.
Step 4: Submit Detailed Proposal (If Invited)
If invited, prepare a detailed project proposal using the template provided on the Scale AI portal starting December 2, 2024.
Ensure submission of the detailed proposal by January 31, 2025, at 6:00 PM, Montreal time.
Step 5: Phase 2 Evaluation and Feedback
The detailed proposal will be evaluated based on provided selection criteria.
Scale AI may request clarifications during the evaluation process.
Receive notification of selection decisions by March 14, 2025.
Step 6: Finalize Agreement and Commence Project
If selected, enter into a Master Project Agreement with Scale AI by April 30, 2025.
Begin your project as stipulated in the agreement to maintain funding eligibility.

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While there are no specific miscellaneous details, the program's process includes important dates and phases for application, as well as intellectual property conditions. Additionally, it outlines reimbursement rates and requirements for commercialization and adoption projects.

The application submission period opens on September 26, 2024, and the Phase 1 deadline is November 8, 2024.
Applications must be submitted by a lead organization with significant operational capacities in Canada, and work must be performed in Canada to be eligible for Scale AI funding.
Phase 2 involves submitting a detailed proposal from December 2, 2024, to January 31, 2025.
Project funding covers up to 50% of eligible costs; projects must have a minimum budget of $750,000.
Key dates include project start by April 30, 2025, and completion by April 30, 2026.
All IP generated in commercialization projects belongs to the product company, while in adoption projects, the IP belongs to the AI service provider.

Apply to this program

Empowering Canadian Businesses Through Generative AI

The Scale AI Initiative for Generative AI is an exceptional funding opportunity aimed at accelerating the adoption and commercialization of generative AI solutions within Canadian businesses. This initiative not only seeks to enhance operational productivity and efficiency but also positions Canadian enterprises at the forefront of global AI innovation.

Diving Deep Into the Scale AI Initiative for Generative AI

The Scale AI Initiative for Generative AI stands as a crucial pillar in promoting technological advancement across Canada's economic landscape. It focuses on integrating cutting-edge generative AI technologies to improve operational productivity within Canadian value chains. This initiative is poised to revolutionize how businesses operate, optimizing processes and improving resource management through innovative AI solutions. Through this funding opportunity, Scale AI aims to support projects that demonstrate substantial potential in transforming business operations, with measurable impacts that reflect on productivity, market competitiveness, and economic growth.

The program is structured to specifically address two major categories of projects—Commercialization Projects and Adoption Projects. Commercialization Projects focus on empowering product companies to integrate generative AI capabilities into their existing product lines, thereby offering enhanced services. On the other hand, Adoption Projects are crafted to help businesses seeking to incorporate AI solutions into their operational processes to optimize efficiency. In both project categories, collaboration is key: the lead company must team up with a corresponding partner, such as an AI service provider or an end-user, to drive successful outcomes.

The application process is designed to foster competitive selection, ensuring high-impact projects receive the necessary support. Eligibility for this call requires the involvement of Canadian-based entities with significant operational capabilities within the country. The structured application involves multiple phases, starting with an eligibility form submission that outlines the project’s strategic alignment with Scale AI’s objectives. Detailed proposals further delineate the technical and operational credentials of the participating teams, focusing heavily on innovation, ecosystem impact, and tangible business benefits.

Notably, the initiative places significant emphasis on strategic alignment with national AI goals—encouraging the adoption and democratization of AI solutions while promoting industry-academic collaborations. The chosen projects must exhibit potential for significant ecosystem impact, such as intellectual property creation, job generation, and enhancing educational frameworks within the AI domain.

From a financial perspective, Scale AI aims to support eligible projects by covering up to 50% of project costs, subject to a comprehensive assessment of the project’s financial plans and projected impacts. This funding mechanism allows for substantial financial backing, ensuring projects with robust financial models have the resources they need to succeed.

The Scale AI Initiative for Generative AI is not just about funding; it is about forging a community of innovators who are equipped and motivated to drive technological advancement across Canada. By integrating AI into the core of business operations, this initiative strives to create sustainable advancements that bolster Canada’s economic resilience and leadership in AI technology.