MaRS — Supply AI
Canada
Supply AI at MaRS accelerates Canadian ventures in AI-driven supply chain technologies with funding, mentorship, and market insights.
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|noCondition
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
Expert Advice
Other Support
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Manufacturing
- Transportation and warehousing
- Professional, scientific and technical services
grant_single|grantors
- MaRS Discovery District
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
The Supply AI at MaRS program supports high-potential Canadian ventures focused on building applied AI and intelligent supply chain products and services. It provides selected companies with hands-on advice, mentorship, market insights, and crucial connections to capital, talent, and customers, aiming to foster the next generation of global leaders in supply chain AI technologies. Eligible activities include business advisory services, AI/ML consulting, market intelligence, and participation in exclusive events and demo days.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant is specifically available to companies based and operating in Canada. The focus is on strengthening ventures within the Canadian economic ecosystem through the use of AI in supply chains.
- Companies must be based in Canada.
- Incorporated and operating within Canadian borders.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$70,000
Develop a blockchain-based supply chain transparency tool
$40,000
Create a machine learning algorithm to optimize procurement processes
$60,000
Develop a predictive analytics tool for supply chain optimization using AI
$65,000
Create an AI-driven platform for real-time supply chain monitoring
$60,000
Develop a scalable AI-based demand forecasting system for e-commerce
$50,000
Implement an AI-driven inventory management system for small retail businesses
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and proposed activities.
- The Venture must be incorporated, based and operating in Canada.
- The Venture must focus on applied AI and intelligent supply chain products and/or services.
- The Venture must be less than two years old, or employ fewer than 500 globally, or have an average annualized revenue growth rate of greater than 20 percent over the past three years.
- The Venture must be an existing MaRS Growth Services venture company at the time of application, or part of and referred by an incubator, accelerator, or other entrepreneurial program within Canada.
- The Venture must be at the validation stage with a minimum viable product (MVP) demonstrating evidence of solving a real problem for an identified market, or at the efficiency stage with initial traction in a receptive market.
- The Venture must fall under one of the industry sectors and supply chain categories outlined in the application form.
- The Venture must demonstrate evidence of customer interest and traction.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
This program is designed to assist high-potential Canadian ventures focused on AI and intelligent supply chain innovations through support and acceleration services.
- Focus on applied AI and intelligent supply chain products and/or services.
- Incorporated, based, and operating in Canada.
- The venture is less than two years old, or employs fewer than 500 globally, or has an annual revenue growth rate exceeding 20% over the past three years.
- An existing MaRS Growth Services venture company or a part of an incubator, accelerator, or other entrepreneurial program in Canada.
- At the validation stage with a minimum viable product demonstrating technology solving a real market problem, or at efficiency stage with initial market traction.
- Falls under one of the enumerated industry sectors and supply chain categories.
- Demonstrated evidence of customer interest and traction.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
There are no specific types of companies mentioned in the grant context that are not eligible for the grant.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
This grant supports projects that integrate AI into supply chains with the aim to foster emerging Canadian ventures in the supply chain AI sector. The focus is on accelerating growth and scaling high-potential supply chain products and services utilizing AI technology.
- Development of AI-driven supply chain products and services.
- Integration of AI in logistics to enhance efficiency and reliability.
- Creation of intelligent inventory management systems using AI.
- Implementation of AI-powered predictive analytics in supply chain operations.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The eligible geographic zone for this grant is Canada.
- Incorporated, based and operating in Canada
- Companies must be existing MaRS Growth Services ventures or referred by other Canadian entrepreneurial programs
grant_single_labels|criteria
Yes, there are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The criteria ensure that the applicant ventures are well-positioned to benefit from and contribute to the Supply AI program at MaRS.
- Incorporated, based, and operating in Canada.
- Focused on applied AI and intelligent supply chain products and/or services.
- Less than two years old, or employing fewer than 500 globally (including its affiliates), or having an average annualized revenue growth rate of greater than 20 percent over the past three years.
- An existing MaRS Growth Services venture company at the time of application, or part of and referred by an incubator, accelerator, or other entrepreneurial program within Canada.
- Must join the MaRS portfolio if selected for the program.
- At the validation stage, with a minimum viable product (MVP) and evidence that its technology solves a real problem for an identified market, or at the efficiency stage, experiencing initial traction in a receptive market to build a business in.
- Fall under one of the industry sectors and supply chain categories outlined in the application form.
- Demonstrate evidence of customer interest and traction.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
- Ensure your venture meets all eligibility criteria including incorporation and operation in Canada, focus on applied AI and intelligent supply chains, and status as an existing MaRS Growth Services venture or referred by a recognized Canadian program.
- Step 2: Assemble Required Documents
- Prepare documents demonstrating customer interest and traction.
- Gather proof of MVP development and evidence of problem-solving capabilities.
- Step 3: Application Through MaRS or Referral Program
- If not already listed, ensure your venture becomes a part of MaRS Growth Services portfolio or obtain a referral from a recognized incubator, accelerator, or entrepreneurial program in Canada.
- Step 4: Application Submission
- Contact ageary@marsdd.com for details on how and where to submit the application if specific application portal details are not provided.
- Step 5: Review and Confirmation
- Await confirmation of application receipt and any feedback or requests for further information from the Supply AI at MaRS team.
grant_single_labels|contact
ageary@marsdd.com
Apply to this program
Empowering AI-driven Innovation in Supply Chains
The Supply AI at MaRS grant supports high-potential Canadian ventures focused on AI applications in the supply chain sector. In partnership with Scale AI, this initiative aims to foster the emergence of global leaders by providing essential resources, mentorship, and market connections to eligible startups.
Detailed Insights into the Supply AI at MaRS Grant Initiative
The Supply AI at MaRS program is a pivotal initiative designed to accelerate the development and integration of artificial intelligence across the supply chain industry in Canada. Partnered with Scale AI, stemming from the AI-Powered Supply Chains Supercluster and backed by the Government of Canada, this grant underscores the vital role AI plays in transforming supply chain operations. It specifically targets Canadian ventures that are innovating with applied AI and intelligent supply chain solutions, providing a framework for the next generation of industry-leading technologies.
Eligibility for this program is tailored to ventures that are not only incorporated and operating within Canada, but also those that are at an early stage of development—having a minimum viable product and some evidence of market readiness. These requirements ensure that only the most promising companies, with innovative solutions and potential market traction, are supported.
Participating companies are expected to benefit immensely from the program's comprehensive offerings. Over six months, selected ventures will engage in an array of activities and services designed to bolster growth and innovation. These include personalized business advisory services, access to capital and talent-intensive programs, and extensive market intelligence insights. Additionally, the ventures will have the opportunity to receive AI/ML consulting services and participate in curated events such as the MaRS Supply AI event series and demo days, which serve as vital platforms for showcasing products to potential investors and customers.
The program also facilitates networking opportunities with peers and mentors within the Supply AI ecosystem, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages knowledge sharing and strategic partnerships. Furthermore, the program is designed to tackle common challenges faced by startups, such as scaling operations and accessing market opportunities, thereby enhancing their potential for success and longevity.
The overarching goal of the Supply AI at MaRS program is not just to nurture individual companies, but to stimulate broader economic growth across Canada's AI sector. By attracting venture capital and investment, the program endeavors to amplify the economic potential of AI in supply chains and manufacturing, ensuring that Canada remains at the forefront of global technological advancements.
For ventures ready to leverage this opportunity, accepting the grant signifies integration into the MaRS portfolio, which promises continued growth support beyond the program. This guarantees that participating companies can evolve with the full backing of an experienced network of advisors and industry experts.
In conclusion, the Supply AI at MaRS grant presents a formidable opportunity for AI-driven startups aiming to make significant strides within the supply chain sector. By participating, ventures are not only securing immediate growth resources but are also contributing to a transformative agenda that positions Canada as a leader in the global AI and supply chain innovation landscape.
