
SCALE AI — Acceleration
Last Update: July 31, 2025
QC, Canada
Supports Canadian AI startups and SMEs focused on value chains
At a glance
Eligible Funding
- Max. $50,000
Timeline
- Unspecified
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
- Transportation and warehousing
- Professional, scientific and technical services
Funds Providers
Unspecified
Program status
Open
Overview
The SCALE AI — Acceleration program provides up to $50,000 in reimbursed eligible costs per Canadian AI startup or SME developing applied AI products and services for value chains. The program aims to finance the growth of AI-driven businesses by supporting incubators, accelerators, and innovation centres offering activities such as incubation, mentorship, commercialization, and access to capital.
Financing terms and conditions
- Funding of up to $50,000 per eligible AI startup or SME, provided as reimbursement of eligible costs.
Activities funded
- Programs that foster the growth of startups applying artificial intelligence to value chains.
- Initiatives that strengthen collaboration between Canadian AI incubators and accelerators.
- Activities aimed at attracting additional investment and venture capital into Canada's AI sector.
- Efforts to support the establishment of AI-focused startups and SMEs in Canada.
- Initiatives that help propel new Canadian AI businesses toward becoming global leaders.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 48,500
Building an AI-driven supply chain optimization tool for retailers
$ 49,000
Networking and mentorship program for AI based agri-food startups
$ 47,500
Establishing network for AI business matchmaking and investment attraction
$ 48,000
Expanding an AI-powered waste sorting product to manufacturing SMEs
$ 47,000
Incubation of an AI-enabled translation service for logistics firms
$ 47,000
Accelerating IP protection and go-to-market for AI medical triage app
Eligibility
- The applicant must be a startup or SME focused on building applied AI products and services for value chains.
- The business must be based in Canada.
- The company must participate in a certified program recognized by Scale AI’s Acceleration program.
Who is eligible?
- AI startups focused on developing applied artificial intelligence products and services for value chains
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) based in Canada working on applied AI for value chains
- Organizations such as incubators, accelerators, innovation centres, and corporate labs that support the growth and scaling of Canadian AI startups and SMEs
Who is not eligible
- The Scale AI Acceleration program does not directly fund individual startups or SMEs; only organizations offering incubation, acceleration, or innovation programs can receive funding to redistribute.
- Companies that are not based in Canada are not eligible for funding through an accredited program.
- Expenditures in the form of direct grants or seed investments are not considered eligible costs in the program.
Eligible expenses
- Expenses incurred in Canada related to incubation program activities, support, mentoring, assistance for business development, intellectual property, and commercialization, product expansion, and facilitation of access to capital.
- Operating costs of programs supporting startups and SMEs in AI applied to value chains.
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
- Alberta
- New Brunswick
- Nova Scotia
- Ontario
- Quebec
How to apply
1
Confirm eligibility requirements
- Review eligibility criteria for your organization or startup
- Determine if you are a startup seeking support or an organization wishing to apply for program funding
- Verify if your business or program is Canadian-based and focused on applied AI for value chains
2
Select the appropriate partner program
- For startups: Identify accredited partner programs supported by Scale AI
- For organizations: Review Acceleration section for program submission guidelines
- Explore different partner organizations and their offerings
3
Gather application information
- Visit the website of the selected partner program
- Review specific application process, deadlines, and requirements
- Prepare necessary documents as required by the chosen program
4
Submit application to partner program
- Submit your application through the selected partner’s process
- Ensure all required documents and forms are included
- Keep copies of all submissions for your records
5
Wait for application results
- Await feedback or decision from the partner organization
- Respond promptly if additional information is requested
- Monitor communications for updates on your application status
Additional information
- Funding is provided in the form of reimbursement of eligible costs.
- The Acceleration program supports initiatives via accredited partner organizations, not through direct grants to startups or SMEs.
- Each participating certified program is allocated a specific number of eligible startups and SMEs that can benefit from funding.
- Questions about participation can be addressed through webinars organized by Scale AI.
Frequently Asked Questions about the SCALE AI — Acceleration Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the SCALE AI — Acceleration. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the SCALE AI — Acceleration?
How much funding can be received?
What is the deadline to apply?
Is the SCALE AI — Acceleration a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Who are the financial supporters of the SCALE AI — Acceleration?
Who is eligible for the SCALE AI — Acceleration program?
Who can I contact for more information about the SCALE AI — Acceleration?
Where is the SCALE AI — Acceleration available?
Are startups eligible for the SCALE AI — Acceleration program?

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