Scale AI Supercluster
Eligibility & Details
What this program funds and who can apply
Program Description
Canada's AI Global Innovation Cluster, providing non-repayable co-investment funding covering up to 40% of eligible costs (50% in Quebec) for collaborative, industry-led consortia deploying AI across healthcare, energy, manufacturing, agriculture, retail, transportation, and infrastructure. Projects require a consortium of at least two companies (including one SME and one technology adopter). A startup-accessible Acceleration stream provides up to $50,000 through certified partner accelerators.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be a consortium of at least two Canadian companies (minimum one SME and one AI technology adopter or solution provider)
- Projects must deploy artificial intelligence solutions — pure research is not eligible
- Consortium must include at least one Canadian technology provider and one business applying AI in their operations
- Funding covers up to 40% of eligible project costs (50% in Quebec)
- Acceleration stream: startups can access up to $50,000 through certified Scale AI partner accelerators
- Project must have a clear commercial application in an eligible sector (healthcare, energy, manufacturing, agriculture, retail, or transportation)
Quick Assessment
Funding Details
- Amount
- Varies (project-based funding)
- Type
- Grant
- Level
- Federal
- Co-Funding
- Up to 40% of eligible costs
- Deadline
- Ongoing
Program Scorecard
Competition, effort, and approval at a glance
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How to Win
Insider tips, common pitfalls, and what successful applicants look like
Insider TipScale AI has quietly evolved from a supply-chain-only cluster into Canada's broadest applied AI co-investment platform -- if your project uses AI in healthcare, energy, agriculture, manufacturing, or public services, you now qualify. The biggest barrier is not the technology but building the consortium: start by attending their Thursday 3 PM EST webinars to connect with Scale AI investment directors who can help match you with consortium partners. Companies in Quebec get a meaningful advantage (50% vs. 40% funding rate). For startups not ready for the Industry-led program, the Acceleration stream provides $50K through certified partner accelerators -- a much easier entry point. Note that Scale AI's funding is cost-reimbursement, so budget for covering your project costs upfront before reimbursement flows.
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Rejection Pitfalls 10
- Solo applicant without a consortium -- minimum 2 companies (1 SME + 1 adopter) required
- Project does not deploy AI or does not demonstrate value chain / industry performance improvement
- Insufficient private co-investment capacity (cannot demonstrate 2:1 ratio / 60%+ cost share)
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Success Profile
Mid-to-large companies or growth-stage SMEs with a proven AI technology or clear AI adoption use case in one of Scale AI's target sectors (healthcare, energy, manufacturing, retail, transportation, agriculture, infrastructure). Successful applicants have existing relationships with potential consortium partners, can demonstrate clear commercial impact and value chain improvement, and have financial capacity to fund 60%+ of project costs alongside consortium partners. Quebec-based companies have a structural advantage (50% funding, proximity to HQ). Companies that are existing Scale AI members or have participated in previous projects have a significant edge. The ideal applicant brings both the technology (AI solution) and the business case (industry adopter partner willing to deploy it).
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Application Playbook
Step-by-step process, required documents, and expenses
Application steps not yet documented.
Required Documents 9
Deadline Notes
Scale AI operates on continuous intake for Industry-led Projects. They hold twice-weekly information webinars every Thursday at 3:00 PM EST. The December 2025 announcement of $128.5M across 44 projects confirms active investment. Renewed federal funding through 2028 ensures the program continues operating. The Acceleration program operates through certified partner organizations with their own intake timelines.
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Funding Stack Strategy
Compatible programs, clawback risk, and combined funding potential
Compatible Programs
Clawback Risk
Low RiskScale AI provides non-repayable grants. Specific clawback provisions are not publicly detailed, but failure to deliver on project milestones or misuse of funds would presumably result in withheld future reimbursements. All project work must be executed in Canada — offshoring activities would be a compliance breach.
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How Scale AI Supercluster Compares
Side-by-side with similar programs
| Program | Amount | Difficulty | Payment | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scale AI Supercluster | Varies (project-based funding) | Hard | Reimbursement | Ongoing |
| NRC IRAP Clean Technology Program | $100,000–$500,000 | Hard | Mixed (Advance + Reimb.) | Ongoing |
| Mitacs Accelerate | $15,000 per internship unit | Easy | Advance Payment | Ongoing |
| Strategic Response Fund (formerly Str... | Up to $50 million | Hard | Mixed (Advance + Reimb.) | Ongoing — continuous... |
| CanExport SMEs | Up to $50,000 | Moderate | Mixed (Advance + Reimb.) | Annual intake window.... |
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