Closed
Last Update: April 9, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Open Date : July 2, 2023
- Closing date : August 6, 2023
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
A 6-month AI acceleration program for startups and scale-ups. No funding amount is stated; the program provides tailored support for product development, talent, customer acquisition, and access to capital.
/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
Timeline
- Open Date : July 2, 2023
- Closing date : August 6, 2023
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Retail trade
- Transportation and warehousing
- Information and cultural industries
- Finance and insurance
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Health care and social assistance
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 of applied AI and machine learning products or services
- Support for product development and commercialization
- Growth activities related to talent, customers, and capital access
Documents Needed
- Expression of Interest form
- Accelerate AI Application Form
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Incorporated companies
- AI and machine learning startups
- Scale-ups and later-stage companies
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Processing and Agreement
- Submit the Expression of Interest form
- Program staff review fit and schedule a review call or panel
- Invited applicants complete the full application form
- Applications are reviewed and approved 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
Here are answers to the most common questions about the ventureLAB — Accelerate AI. 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 ventureLAB — Accelerate AI?
A 6-month AI acceleration program for startups and scale-ups. No funding amount is stated; the program provides tailored support for product development, talent, customer acquisition, and access to capital.
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 startup
MVP or early traction
What expenses are eligible under ventureLAB — Accelerate AI?
Development of applied AI and machine learning products or services
Support for product development and commercialization
Growth activities related to talent, customers, and capital access
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