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
Yes, there are eligible projects and activities for this grant.
- Developing intelligent supply chain products or services using applied AI
- Participating in business advisory services provided by MaRS
- Engaging in capital and talent intensive programs
- Utilizing market intelligence insights and services
- Accessing AI/ML consulting services
- Taking part in the MaRS Supply AI event series and demo days
- Connecting and networking with peers and mentors in the Supply AI industry
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$60,000
Toronto
Develop a predictive analytics tool for supply chain optimization using AI.
$50,000
Vancouver
Implement an AI-driven inventory management system for small retail businesses.
$40,000
Montreal
Create a machine learning algorithm to optimize procurement processes.
$70,000
Calgary
Develop a blockchain-based supply chain transparency tool.
$65,000
Ottawa
Create an AI-driven platform for real-time supply chain monitoring.
$60,000
Winnipeg
Develop a scalable AI-based demand forecasting system for e-commerce.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
To be eligible for this grant, ventures must meet specific criteria related to incorporation, focus area, age, affiliation, and market readiness.
- 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, or has had 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.
- At the validation stage with a minimum viable product (MVP) and able to demonstrate it solves a real problem for an identified market, or at the efficiency stage with initial traction in a receptive market.
- Falls under one of the industry sectors and supply chain categories outlined in the application form.
- Must demonstrate evidence of customer interest and traction.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Yes, there are specific types of companies eligible for this grant. The eligibility criteria are defined based on the company's location, focus, size, and stage of development.
- 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 has had 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.
- At the validation stage with a developed minimum viable product (MVP) and able to demonstrate evidence that its technology solves a real problem for an identified market.
- Falling under one of the industry sectors and supply chain categories outlined in the application form.
- Demonstrating 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|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
- Step 1: Ensure the venture is incorporated, based, and operating in Canada.
- Step 2: Verify that the venture is focused on applied AI and intelligent supply chain products and/or services.
- Step 3: Check that the venture is less than two years old, or employs fewer than 500 globally, or has had an average annualized revenue growth rate of greater than 20 percent over the past three years.
- Step 4: Confirm that the venture is an existing MaRS Growth Services venture company at the time of application, or is part of and referred by an incubator, accelerator, or other entrepreneurial program within Canada.
- Step 5: Make sure the venture is at the validation stage with a minimum viable product (MVP) or at the efficiency stage, with initial market traction.
- Step 6: Confirm that the venture falls under one of the industry sectors and supply chain categories outlined in the application form.
- Step 7: Demonstrate evidence of customer interest and traction.
- Step 8: Apply for the grant by contacting MaRS at the provided contact details, submitting the necessary application forms and documentation.
grant_single_labels|contact
ageary@marsdd.com
Apply to this program
Summary of Supply AI at MaRS Grant
Supply AI at MaRS supports Canadian ventures focused on integrating AI into supply chains, providing hands-on mentorship, market insights, and connections to capital and customers. This program aims to accelerate the development of global leaders in supply chain AI technologies.
In-Depth Explanation of the Supply AI at MaRS Grant
Supply AI at MaRS is an eminent program dedicated to advancing the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) across the supply chain industry in Canada. The initiative seeks to support promising Canadian ventures that are developing applied AI and intelligent supply chain products and services. By fostering innovative solutions, the program aims to nurture the emergence of global leaders in the AI-powered supply chain arena. The program is carried out in partnership with Scale AI, a specific initiative derived from the AI-Powered Supply Chains Supercluster and backed by the Government of Canada. This collaboration is designed to provide participating ventures with growth and scale-up support services, thereby amplifying their potential to become global frontrunners in the supply chain AI sector.
How is MaRS Involved in the Supply AI Program?
MaRS, as a partner of the Supply AI program, plays a pivotal role in supporting a cohort of up to 12 eligible ventures that are applying AI to various facets of supply chains. MaRS offers extensive hands-on advice, mentorship, market insights, and subject matter expertise. Additionally, it provides marketing opportunities and facilitates critical connections to capital, talent, and customers. The goal is to equip these ventures with the robust framework they need to scale up and innovate effectively.
Specifically, the support from MaRS includes:
- Business advisory services: Providing strategic advice to help ventures refine their business models and go-to-market strategies.
- Market intelligence insights: Offering data-driven insights to better understand market trends and needs.
- AI/ML consulting services: Providing expertise in AI and machine learning to optimize product development and implementation.
- PR and creative services: Supporting ventures in public relations and creative strategies to enhance visibility and market penetration.
- Networking opportunities: Facilitating connections with prospective customers, investors, and peers within the Supply AI industry through events and demo days.
Through these comprehensive support mechanisms, MaRS not only helps ventures grow but also fosters an ecosystem where innovations in AI for supply chains can thrive.
Program Objectives
The Supply AI at MaRS program is designed with several key objectives:
- Empowering Future Leaders: Support the next generation of global leaders in supply chain AI technologies by providing them with the tools and mentorship needed to succeed.
- Attracting Investment: Enhance the appeal of the supply chain AI sector to venture capitalists and investors, thereby ensuring sufficient funding for innovative projects.
- Retaining Top Talent: Encourage highly skilled individuals to work with supply chain AI startups, ensuring these ventures have access to the best talent in the industry.
- Economic Education: Educate the broader tech ecosystem about the substantial economic potential of AI in supply chain and manufacturing, promoting awareness and adoption.
- Ongoing Support: Continue providing support to ventures through MaRS Growth Services even after the completion of the program, ensuring sustained growth and development.
Participant Benefits
Ventures selected to participate in the Supply AI at MaRS program will benefit from an array of resources and support services, in addition to MaRS Growth Services. The specific benefits include:
- Business advisory services: Tailored advice to help ventures navigate business challenges and optimize their operations.
- Capital and talent-intensive programs: Access to programs designed to address the capital and talent needs of high-growth ventures.
- Market intelligence insights and services: Detailed market analysis and insights to help ventures stay ahead of industry trends.
- AI/ML consulting services: Expert guidance on implementing and optimizing AI/ML solutions for supply chain applications.
- PR and creative services: Support in public relations and creative marketing to enhance brand visibility and engagement.
- Event participation: Opportunities to participate in the MaRS Supply AI event series and demo days, connecting with potential customers and investors.
- Networking: Access to exclusive Supply AI cohort sessions and events, providing opportunities to connect with industry peers and mentors.
Program Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for ventures wishing to apply for the Supply AI at MaRS program include:
- The venture must be incorporated, based, and operating in Canada.
- The focus must be on applied AI and intelligent supply chain products and/or services.
- The venture should be less than two years old, or employ fewer than 500 people 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 developed minimum viable product (MVP) and evidence that its technology addresses a real problem for an identified market, or at the efficiency stage, experiencing 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.
By adhering to these criteria, the program ensures that only the most promising and relevant ventures are selected for participation, enhancing the likelihood of successful outcomes.
Conclusion
The Supply AI at MaRS program stands as a crucial initiative for advancing AI integration within the supply chain industry in Canada. By providing comprehensive support to high-potential ventures, MaRS and Scale AI are fostering the development of innovative solutions that have the potential to become global leaders in the field. Through its multifaceted support structure, the program not only helps ventures grow and scale but also contributes to a broader understanding of the economic potential of AI in supply chains. By attracting investment, retaining top talent, and promoting education within the tech ecosystem, Supply AI at MaRS is at the forefront of technological advancement and economic growth in Canada.
