
SCALE AI — Acceleration
Last Update: July 31, 2025
QC, Canada
Supports Canadian AI startups and SMEs focused on value chains
SCALE AI — Acceleration 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
Grant Providers
- Scale AI Cluster
Program status
Open
Overview of the SCALE AI — Acceleration program
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.
Eligible projects & activities
- 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 criteria of the SCALE AI — Acceleration program
- 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 to the SCALE AI — Acceleration program
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.
Apply to this program

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