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Source verified July 23, 2026
ventureLAB — Accelerate AI
AI acceleration program for startups and scale-ups
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Open continuously
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.
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
Who are the financial supporters of the ventureLAB — Accelerate AI?
ventureLAB — Accelerate AI is funded by ventureLAB