Acceleration
Accelerating AI startups to enrich Canada’s AI ecosystem
A program by Canada’s AI Global Innovation Cluster
The Acceleration program puts funding on the table to help finance the growth of AI startups and SMEs across Canada. The program targets those initiatives that:
- promote the growth of startups applying AI to value chains
- strengthen collaboration between Canada’s top AI incubators and accelerators
- attract additional venture capital and investment in AI to Canada
- encourage top AI talent to establish their business in Canada
- support the emergence of new global AI leaders
The goal of the Acceleration program is to support the growth of the future giants of AI emerging from Canada’s promising ecosystem.
The Acceleration program does not directly fund individual AI startups or SMEs. Rather, Scale AI provides funding to organizations that do.
Who the Acceleration program supports
- Incubators focused on next-generation technologies
- Accelerators supporting AI-based startups
- Innovation centres aimed at increasing collaboration across industry
- Accelerators supporting AI-based startups
- Innovation centres aimed at increasing collaboration across industry
- Corporate labs and open-innovation initiatives
- Any other supporting organization with initiatives aimed at scaling up Canadian AI startups and SMEs that build applied AI products and services for value chains
FAQ
How can I apply for funding from the Acceleration program?
You can benefit from Scale AI’s support by participating in one of the accredited programs offered by partnering organizations across Canada. For any questions, register at the following link for one of our webinars.
I’m a startup. How can I take part in one of the programs supported by Acceleration?
I'm an organization with a program I'd like to submit for funding consideration. What’s the procedure?
Refer to our Acceleration section for more information on funding.
You can also join Scale AI to get access to our online community where you can learn more about our programs, leverage resources, make connections with other members, and submit a program for assessment.
What types of organizations are eligible for funding through the Acceleration program?
Scale AI’s Acceleration program targets organizations across Canada that offer programs and supporting activities, such as incubation, coaching, mentorship, customer and sector business development support, IP and commercialization support, product expansion, and access to capital facilitation. For example:
- Incubators focused on next-generation technologies
- Accelerators supporting AI-based startups
- Innovation centres aimed at increasing collaboration across industries.
- Corporate labs and open innovation initiative
How does Scale AI deploy funds to partner organizations?
All funding granted by the Acceleration program is based on reimbursement of costs and expenditures. We assess each program’s operating costs as well as its benefit to startups.
What types of expenses are eligible for reimbursement by Scale AI?
To be reimbursable by Scale AI under the Acceleration program, expenses must meet our funding guidelines and include expenditures made in Canada relating to program activities. For a complete list/guide of eligible expenses, please consult our eligible expenses guideline.
Are grants or seed investments considered eligible expenses?
No. Although they are of a direct benefit to startups, our funding guidelines do not allow us to consider them as an eligible expenditure.