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. 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
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 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
1
Expression of Interest
Fill out the Expression of Interest form available on the ventureLAB website.
2
Initial Contact
- The Accelerate AI Program Manager will contact you to schedule a review call.
- Discuss the opportunity and assess the fit for the program during the call.
3
Application Form Completion
Upon passing the initial evaluation, complete the Accelerate AI Application Form as per the invitation received.
4
Submission and Review
- All applications are subject to a rolling review process throughout the application period.
- Ensure application submission before the deadline.
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