Scale AI — AI Supply Chain Supercluster
Co-funded AI projects — up to $3M for supply chain intelligence
Overview
Up to $3M for AI projects that optimize Canadian supply chains
Scale AI is one of Canada's five Innovation Superclusters. It funds AI projects that improve supply chain operations — logistics, inventory, demand forecasting, quality control, autonomous systems.
Projects must involve collaboration between at least two organizations (company + company, or company + university). Scale AI co-funds up to 50% of project costs, with the consortium covering the rest.
This is for companies building real AI solutions, not integrating off-the-shelf tools. If your team is training models, building inference pipelines, or developing novel algorithms for supply chain problems, Scale AI is relevant.
Who Qualifies
Hard Gates — Must Have
AI/ML core technology
Project must use artificial intelligence or machine learning as the primary technology
Supply chain application
Must address a supply chain optimization challenge
Consortium required
Minimum 2 organizations collaborating
Canadian operations
Lead applicant must be Canadian
Soft Gates — Nice to Have
Deployable solution
Projects with clear deployment plans and industry partners score higher
Quebec operations
Scale AI is headquartered in Montreal — Quebec projects have a natural advantage
How Much
Range
$500K – $3M
Rate
Up to 50% co-funded
Example Recovery
$1M from Scale AI
Scale AI contributes up to 50% of total project costs. The consortium covers the remainder through cash and in-kind contributions.
Worked Example
Your spend
$2M AI demand forecasting project
You recover
$1M from Scale AI
Note
50% co-funding, consortium covers remaining $1M
Application Process
Expression of Interest
Submit EOI through Scale AI portal with project concept and consortium partners.
Full proposal
If invited, submit detailed technical plan, budget, and partnership agreements.
Technical review
Scale AI expert panel evaluates AI methodology, feasibility, and impact.
Negotiation
Finalize contribution agreement and milestone schedule.
Execution
Project runs with quarterly reporting and milestone-based disbursements.
Common Mistakes
Applying without a consortium partner
Scale AI requires collaboration. Solo applications are rejected. Find at least one partner before applying.
Generic AI application
The project must specifically address supply chain. A general-purpose AI tool that could be used in supply chain isn't enough.
Underestimating the timeline
From EOI to funding can take 6+ months. Start the process well before you need the money.
Key Deadlines
Intake
Periodic calls for proposals
Scale AI opens application rounds 2-3 times per year. Watch their announcements.
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