Closed
Source verified April 9, 2026
ventureLAB — Accelerate AI
AI acceleration program for startups and scale-ups
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
August 6, 2023
Opened July 2, 2023
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
A 6-month AI acceleration program for startups and scale-ups. It supports the development and commercialization of applied AI and machine learning products through mentoring, IP support, and access to ventureLAB resources.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Attract or retain talent
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- 500 employees maximum
Audience
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Development and commercialization of applied AI products and services
- Technology development for AI and machine learning solutions
- Customer acquisition and access to capital support
Documents Needed
- Expression of Interest form
- Accelerate AI Application Form
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Incorporated companies
- AI and machine learning startups
- Scale-ups and later-stage companies
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Selection criteria
- Fit with the program’s applied AI focus
- Demonstrated problem-solution fit for an identified market
- Stage of development, including MVP and early traction
- Alignment with the industry sectors and value chain categories in the application form
How to apply
- Step 1
- Fill out the Accelerate AI Application Form.
- Step 2
- The program team reviews the application and contacts selected applicants for a review panel.
- Step 3
- Pitch your startup during the review panel, if invited.
- Step 4
- Wait for the final decision after rolling review and approval.
Processing and Agreement
- Submit the Accelerate AI Application Form
- Application is reviewed by the Accelerate AI team
- Qualified applicants are contacted for a review panel
- Final decisions are made after review and approval
- Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis
Additional information
- Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
- Early submission is recommended.
- The program takes no equity in participating companies.
- Applicants can come from across Canada.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the ventureLAB — Accelerate AI Program
What is the ventureLAB — Accelerate AI?
A 6-month AI acceleration program for startups and scale-ups. It supports the development and commercialization of applied AI and machine learning products through mentoring, IP support, and access to ventureLAB resources.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was August 6, 2023.
Who is eligible for the ventureLAB — Accelerate AI program?
To be eligible for the ventureLAB — Accelerate AI program, you must:
Incorporated in Canada
Applied AI-focused
MVP or initial traction
What expenses are eligible under ventureLAB — Accelerate AI?
Development and commercialization of applied AI products and services
Technology development for AI and machine learning solutions
Customer acquisition and access to capital support
Who can I contact for more information about the ventureLAB — Accelerate AI?
You can contact ventureLAB by email at accelerateai@venturelab.ca or by phone at 905-248-2727.
Where is the ventureLAB — Accelerate AI available?
The ventureLAB — Accelerate AI program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the ventureLAB — Accelerate AI a grant, loan, or tax credit?
ventureLAB — Accelerate AI is a Other Support