AI-Powered Supply Chains Cluster (Scale AI)
Highlights
This program is designed to help your business thrive by supporting the adoption and commercialization of AI technologies. You can receive up to 50% reimbursement for approved project expenses, making it easier to integrate AI into your operations. This funding can cover essential costs such as salaries, equipment, and dissemination efforts, ensuring you have the resources needed to succeed.
Why should you apply? This program offers a unique opportunity to enhance your value chain, boost productivity, and increase competitiveness. Unlike other financing options, this is a grant, meaning you do not need to repay the funds. Additionally, as a member, you gain access to expert guidance from the Scale AI investment and intellectual property teams, and opportunities to collaborate with other members.
What’s in it for you? By being approved, you not only receive financial support but also become part of a network dedicated to advancing AI in Canada. This can lead to new partnerships, increased market visibility, and a stronger position in your industry. The application process is straightforward, and with no maximum investment limit, your project can receive the support it needs to make a significant impact.
Financing Details
Type of Financing: Grant
Repayment Terms and Interest Rates:
- No repayment required. This is a non-repayable grant.
Eligible Expenses:
- Salaries, wages, or contracts for carrying out project activities.
- Costs of purchasing or renting equipment, supplies, or services critical to the project.
- Dissemination costs vital for the performance of the project.
- Capital expenditures linked to the objectives of the project agreement and vital for the success of the project.
Ineligible Expenses:
- General operating expenses not directly related to the project.
- Costs already covered by other government funding.
- Expenses incurred outside the project’s scope and objectives.
Fees:
- No fees associated with the program.
Qualifications
- Must be a value chain operator or AI solutions provider.
- Must be operating in Canada.
- Project must be aligned with Scale AI’s strategy.
- Project must be new and not funded by another government entity.
- Project must include more than one participating entity.
- Must involve at least one small or medium-sized enterprise (SME).
- Project must have the endorsement of the applicant’s CEO or other executive.
Project must be ready to launch shortly after an investment decision is made.
Disqualifications:
- Projects already funded by another government entity.
- Projects without multiple participants.
- Projects without SME involvement.
- Projects not executed in Canada.
Description
This program offers a fantastic opportunity for your business to enhance its AI capabilities. You can receive up to 50% reimbursement for expenses on approved projects aimed at adopting or commercializing AI. This means you can invest in AI without bearing the full financial burden.
Eligible expenses include:
- Salaries and wages for project activities
- Costs for purchasing or renting essential equipment and supplies
- Dissemination costs crucial for project performance
- Capital expenditures vital for project success
The funding is provided as a grant, so you do not need to repay it. This support can help your business boost productivity, improve competitiveness, and drive revenue growth. By participating, you also position your business as a leader in intelligent value chains, contributing to Canada's AI ecosystem.
Program Steps
Submit Initial Project Proposal: Send your initial project proposal to Scale AI for assessment. This step determines if your project is eligible for funding.
Prepare Documentation: Gather and prepare the necessary documents for your detailed proposal. These documents include:
- Business plan
- Financial statements
- Project plan
- Endorsement letter from your CEO or other executive
- Details of participating entities and their roles
- Proof of SME involvement
Work with Scale AI Team: Collaborate with the Scale AI team to refine and submit your detailed project proposal. This step ensures your proposal meets all requirements and aligns with Scale AI’s strategic objectives.
Become a Member: If you are not already a member, you must become a Scale AI member to receive funding for an approved project. Membership also provides additional benefits such as guidance and networking opportunities.
Submit Detailed Proposal: Once your proposal is refined, submit the comprehensive, detailed project proposal to Scale AI for final review.
Participate in Review Process: Engage with Scale AI during the review process. Be responsive to feedback and provide any additional information requested to support your application.
Approval and Agreement: Upon approval, discuss and finalize the project agreement with Scale AI. This agreement will outline the funding details, project timeline, and reporting requirements.
Project Execution: Begin your project as per the agreed timeline. Ensure all project activities are carried out in Canada and adhere to the terms of the project agreement.
Quarterly Reporting: Submit quarterly reports to Scale AI detailing project progress and eligible expenses. This step is essential for the reimbursement of up to 50% of approved project expenses.
Completion and Final Report: Upon project completion, submit a final report to Scale AI. This report should summarize the project outcomes, impact, and any lessons learned.