SCALE AI: collaborative project funding
SCALE AI evaluates collaborative AI projects that improve value chains and create benefits for more than one participant.
The project needs more than a vendor purchase
SCALE AI’s published criteria include strategic fit, collaboration, incremental AI development, business impact and readiness. Projects need more than one participant and at least one SME. A single business procuring routine software should not assume that adding a supplier creates the collaboration the program requires.
Funding and obligations
The current project FAQ does not publish a universal minimum or maximum project investment. Selected projects receive reimbursement of an agreed portion of eligible expenses. The FAQ describes the funding as a grant and says successful applicants must become members to receive it. Confirm the current contribution, membership terms, eligible expenses and project agreement with SCALE AI.
Prepare for an initial discussion
- Identify the value-chain problem, participants and the contribution each makes.
- Explain what new AI development and foreground intellectual property the project will create.
- Show data readiness, technical feasibility, executive sponsorship and delivery expertise.
- Agree how partners will share costs, benefits, data access and IP responsibilities.
For one company’s operational adoption project, compare BDC LIFT. For experimental development, discuss IRAP. The right comparison begins with the work and collaboration required, not a headline funding percentage.