Canada Scale AI Supercluster 2026
Scale AI is Canada's AI-powered supply chains supercluster, providing funding for AI projects in manufacturing, retail, logistics, and supply chain management. The supercluster connects industry partners with AI companies and research institutions to build world-class supply chain AI capabilities.
- Consortium of minimum 4 Canadian organizations
- At least one AI technology provider and one industrial end-user
- Research institution participation (university or research center)
- Projects focused on AI for supply chains, manufacturing, or logistics
- Demonstrated commitment from industry partners (co-funding required)
- Form consortium with industry, AI tech provider, and research partners
- Develop project concept addressing supply chain challenge with AI
- Submit Letter of Intent during open call period
- If selected, develop full proposal with detailed budget and IP plan
- Undergo technical and business evaluation by Scale AI
- Present to Scale AI Investment Committee for approval
- Negotiate consortium agreement and IP ownership terms
- Sign funding agreement with milestone-based disbursement
- Execute project with quarterly reporting to Scale AI
- Final deliverables and impact assessment upon completion
Scale AI, one of Canada's five Innovation Superclusters, focuses specifically on AI applications for supply chains across sectors. The supercluster funds collaborative projects between AI companies, industrial partners, and research institutions.
Priority AI application areas include supply chain optimization and demand forecasting, manufacturing AI for quality control and predictive maintenance, logistics and warehouse automation using computer vision and robotics, retail AI for inventory optimization and personalized experiences, procurement AI including supplier risk assessment and contract intelligence, and traceability AI for blockchain-based supply chain transparency.
Scale AI funding structure requires industry-led consortiums with minimum 4 partners including AI technology providers developing the AI solution, industrial end-users implementing the AI in their operations, research institutions contributing AI expertise, and Canadian SMEs involved in development or deployment.
Funding covers 50% of eligible project costs up to $5M per project, with projects typically 18-36 months duration. Eligible costs include AI development and customization, hardware and cloud infrastructure, personnel costs for project team, and technology transfer and training activities.
Projects must demonstrate supply chain focus and commercial application, collaboration across industry, technology, and research sectors, strong economic benefits including productivity gains, Canadian IP development and retention, and scalability beyond initial implementation.
Applications undergo competitive review process with 2 annual call for proposals. Projects are evaluated on supply chain impact and measurable productivity improvements, quality of consortium and partnership strength, technical innovation and feasibility, commercial viability and scale-up potential, and Canadian economic benefits including jobs and GDP impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Scale AI requires consortium approach with industry partners who will implement the AI solution. This ensures real-world validation and commercial adoption. Scale AI can help connect AI companies with potential industrial partners through their network.
Scale AI funds up to 50% of project costs; consortium partners must contribute the remaining 50% through cash or in-kind contributions (personnel time, facilities, data). This demonstrates partner commitment and ensures projects have commercial backing.
IP terms are negotiated within the consortium and documented in the Consortium Agreement. Typically, background IP remains with original owners while foreground IP (developed during project) is shared based on contribution. Scale AI does not claim IP ownership.
Majority of project work and benefits must occur in Canada with Canadian partners. International partners can participate in minor roles, but Scale AI funding goes exclusively to Canadian consortium members and Canadian activities.
- •AI for Supply Chain Optimization
- •Consortium Building for Innovation Projects
- •Manufacturing AI and Predictive Maintenance
- •Computer Vision for Warehouse Automation
- •Supply Chain Traceability with AI and Blockchain
- •Scaling AI Projects from Pilot to Production
Explore AI consulting, training, and solutions in Canada.
View Canada hub