Supply Chains and Logistics Excellence AI (SCALE.AI) Supercluster
Receive up to 50% of Project Costs in Grant Funding.
Canada is one of the strongholds for artificial intelligence (AI) and home to some of the world’s most advanced AI organizations and companies. The Supply Chains and Logistics Excellence AI (SCALE.AI) supercluster is a government funding program that enhances Canada’s existing supply chain practices by boosting economic development through faster adoption and integration of artificial intelligence (AI). It seeks to connect researchers and industries to establish Canada as a global AI development hub.
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Funding Amount
Access up to 40% of eligible project costs (up to 50% for costs in Québec), with no minimum or maximum investment allocated per project.
Eligible Applicants
Canadian supply chain operators and AI solutions providers across a broad range of sectors are eligible to apply.
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Amount of Funding
The SCALE.AI Supercluster program provides non-repayable funding covering up to 40% of eligible project costs, with funding support increasing to up to 50% of eligible costs for qualifying project expenditures incurred in Québec.
Unlike many traditional grant programs, SCALE.AI does not establish a fixed minimum or maximum funding amount per project. Funding is determined based on the project’s scope, strategic importance, consortium structure, and anticipated impact on Canada’s supply chain ecosystem.
The program is designed to accelerate the adoption, commercialization, and deployment of artificial intelligence technologies that improve supply chain performance, productivity, and competitiveness.
Funding levels are evaluated based on:
- Total eligible project costs
- Number and type of consortium partners
- Technology readiness and commercialization potential
- Expected economic impact
- Supply chain transformation outcomes
- Alignment with SCALE.AI’s strategic priorities
Applicants are expected to contribute a portion of project costs through internal resources or other eligible funding sources.
Eligible Applicants
The SCALE.AI Supercluster supports collaborative projects involving Canadian organizations that are developing, commercializing, or adopting artificial intelligence solutions for supply chain applications.
Eligible applicants may include:
- Supply chain operators
- Manufacturers
- Retailers
- Transportation and logistics companies
- Warehousing and distribution businesses
- Technology developers
- Artificial intelligence solution providers
- Research institutions
- Post-secondary institutions
- Industry organizations
To qualify, projects must generally include:
- A minimum of two contributing partner organizations
- At least one small or medium-sized enterprise (SME)
- At least one organization acting as the technology adopter
- Meaningful collaboration among project participants
Applicants must demonstrate how the project will create value for both participating organizations and Canada’s broader supply chain ecosystem.
All organizations receiving funding are required to become SCALE.AI members upon project approval.
Projects that bring together large enterprises, SMEs, technology providers, researchers, and academic institutions are strongly encouraged.
Eligible Activities
SCALE.AI funds collaborative projects that accelerate the adoption and commercialization of artificial intelligence technologies within Canadian supply chains.
Eligible projects should focus on making supply chains more efficient, resilient, and data-driven through the use of advanced technologies.
Common project areas include:
- Artificial intelligence implementation
- Machine learning applications
- Predictive analytics
- Supply chain optimization
- Inventory management systems
- Demand forecasting solutions
- Logistics and transportation optimization
- Warehouse automation
- Procurement and sourcing technologies
- Digital supply chain transformation
To be considered for funding, projects must satisfy several key criteria.
Transformational Impact
Projects should create significant operational improvements or competitive advantages for participating organizations and demonstrate meaningful economic benefits.
Ecosystem Benefits
The project should provide value beyond the participating companies and contribute to strengthening Canada’s broader supply chain and AI ecosystems.
Commercialization and Adoption
Projects should support the deployment, scaling, or commercialization of AI-enabled products, services, or technologies with a clear path to implementation.
Global Competitiveness
Initiatives should help Canadian businesses improve productivity, strengthen supply chain resilience, and compete more effectively in domestic and international markets.
Successful projects typically combine technological innovation with measurable business outcomes and long-term economic benefits.
Program Deadline
Speak with a member of our team to find the latest intake period info for this program or subscribe to our newsletter to be notified.
CALE.AI evaluates project proposals through an ongoing intake process, allowing organizations to submit applications throughout the year.
Because project reviews are conducted on a rolling basis, businesses are encouraged to engage with SCALE.AI and begin consortium development as early as possible. Collaborative projects often require significant planning, partner coordination, and project design before submission.
Applicants should be prepared to provide:
- Detailed project plans
- Consortium partner information
- Technology implementation strategies
- Commercialization and adoption plans
- Project budgets and cost-sharing arrangements
- Economic impact forecasts
- Performance metrics and expected outcomes
Given the collaborative nature of the program, organizations should allow sufficient time to develop strong partnerships and clearly define project objectives before applying.
Speak with a Ryan government funding advisor to confirm current program requirements, consortium eligibility, and funding opportunities available through the SCALE.AI Supercluster.
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Successfully applying for the right funding program at the right time, focusing on the right topics is no easy challenge. We provide an average 95% time savings to our clients, compared to businesses that apply for funding in-house.
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