Supply Chains and Logistics Excellence AI (SCALE.AI) Supercluster

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.