SCALE AI — Acceleration

Q: How much funding can be received?

SCALE AI — Acceleration Funds up to 50000% of admissible expenses.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Q: Is the SCALE AI — Acceleration a grant, loan, or tax credit?

SCALE AI — Acceleration is a Grant and Funding

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the SCALE AI — Acceleration?

SCALE AI — Acceleration is funded by Scale AI Cluster

Q: Who is eligible for the SCALE AI — Acceleration program?

To be eligible for the SCALE AI — Acceleration program, you must: • Startups or SMEs must be based in Canada. • Must focus on building applied AI products and services for value chains.

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the SCALE AI — Acceleration?

You can contact Scale AI Cluster.

Q: Where is the SCALE AI — Acceleration available?

The SCALE AI — Acceleration program is available the province of Quebec.

Q: Are startups eligible for the SCALE AI — Acceleration program?

Yes, startups are eligible to apply for the SCALE AI — Acceleration program.

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

Scale AI Cluster

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Apply to this program

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 expenses are eligible under SCALE AI — Acceleration?

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.