AI Project Funding (Industry-led Projects)

AI Project Funding

Funds Canadian companies' artificial intelligence projects through reimbursement of qualifying development and commercialization costs.

Scale AI — Canada's AI Global Innovation Cluster — co-invests in industry-led artificial intelligence projects through a flagship reimbursement grant that covers up to 40% of eligible project costs. The programme is funded by a federal contribution of CAD 284 million from the Government of Canada and CAD 53 million from the Government of Quebec, and Scale AI describes its collective portfolio as representing over CAD 500 million in project investment. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with periodic cohort closes; the most recent cohort reference noted a project start deadline of May 30, 2025, indicating that new intakes continue on an ongoing cycle.

The minimum total project value is CAD 1,000,000 — sub-scale projects do not qualify. Eligible applicants include Canadian companies developing AI products and organisations accelerating AI adoption across supply chains, manufacturing, retail, and value chains for demonstrable economic benefit. Applicants must be registered and operating in Canada. Scale AI reimburses eligible costs in arrears against milestones, meaning recipients must cover at least 60% of project costs from private sources. The programme aims to de-risk AI investments, establish roadmaps and KPIs, and connect applicants with Scale AI's delivery-partner network for project execution.

Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to attend a weekly investment director session — held every Thursday at 3 pm EDT — before submitting a formal application. These sessions serve as a pre-screening and relationship-building step that increases the probability of progressing through the cohort review. Applications are submitted via web-form registration at scaleai.ca. Projects that demonstrate measurable AI adoption impact across Canadian supply chains or that develop exportable AI products are the strongest fit for Scale AI's investment mandate.