Open
Last Update: May 28, 2026
Funding available
$ 50,000
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Canada
Overview
The Acceleration program provides up to $50,000 in reimbursed eligible costs per Canadian AI startup or SME focused on building applied AI products and services for value chains. It supports incubators, accelerators, innovation centres, and other organizations running programs that help scale AI ventures.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop a new program or service
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 50,000 $
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
- Transportation and warehousing
- Professional, scientific and technical services
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Canadians
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
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.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Incubators focused on next-generation technologies
- Accelerators supporting AI-based startups
- Innovation centres
- Corporate labs and open-innovation initiatives
Who is not eligible
- Individual AI startups and SMEs cannot apply directly.
- Organizations outside Canada are not eligible.
- Grants and seed investments are not eligible expenses.
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.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Grants to startups (cash grants).
- Seed investments in startups.
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
- Alberta
- New Brunswick
- Nova Scotia
- Ontario
- Quebec
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed through Scale AI’s certification process.
- Submitted programs are assessed using pre-set criteria and a transparent, objective process.
- Selected projects are then presented to the ratification board for review.
- Applicants can join a webinar to learn more about the process.
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?
The Acceleration program provides up to $50,000 in reimbursed eligible costs per Canadian AI startup or SME focused on building applied AI products and services for value chains. It supports incubators, accelerators, innovation centres, and other organizations running programs that help scale AI ventures.
How much funding can be received?
SCALE AI — Acceleration Funds up to $50,000 of admissible expenses.
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.
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.
Where is the SCALE AI — Acceleration available?
The SCALE AI — Acceleration program is available across Canada.
Is the SCALE AI — Acceleration a grant, loan, or tax credit?
SCALE AI — Acceleration is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the SCALE AI — Acceleration?
SCALE AI — Acceleration is funded by Scale AI Cluster