Digital Technology Supercluster AI Skills & Adoption Call for Proposals: How to Apply

Many Canadian businesses want to use AI but are held back by a lack of trained staff or a clear adoption plan. The Digital Technology Supercluster (DIGITAL) AI Skills & Adoption Call for Proposals aims to close this gap. It funds collaborative projects that build AI skills and support real-world AI use across Canada.

This guide explains who can apply, what types of projects are eligible, and how the application process works—so you can see if this call suits your business.

What Is the AI Skills & Adoption Call for Proposals?

The AI Skills & Adoption Call for Proposals is a funding program run by the Digital Technology Supercluster (DIGITAL). It supports projects that help Canadian organizations train workers, upskill teams, and adopt AI technologies in real work settings.

Key features of this call:

Focus on applied AI: Projects must show clear, real-world use of AI. Pure research projects are not the target.
Consortium-based projects: Applications are usually submitted by a group of partners working together.
Cost-shared funding: DIGITAL funding covers part of the total costs. Partners contribute the rest.
Non-repayable support: Funding is provided as non-repayable contributions.

The call is currently open and accepts proposals during set intake periods.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

Eligibility depends more on your project partners than on your business size.

Eligible applicants usually include:

For-profit businesses, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
Post-secondary institutions
Training and skills organizations
Non-profits and community organizations
Industry associations

Important points:

Single companies rarely apply alone. Most projects are submitted by a consortium with several partners.
SMEs can join, but usually as part of a larger project team.
Academic and training institutions are common partners, especially for skills-focused projects.

If you are unsure if your group qualifies, tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter AI and technology programs by province, industry, and your role in a consortium.

What Types of Projects Get Funded?

The AI Skills & Adoption call supports projects that mix skills development with practical AI use.

Project types often funded include:

Workforce AI training and upskilling programs
Projects that help employees use AI tools in daily work
Industry-led efforts that remove barriers to AI adoption
Training linked directly to real business needs
Collaborative platforms or frameworks that can be reused in different sectors

Projects that are only research or theoretical are less likely to be funded unless they clearly lead to applied AI results.

How Much Funding Is Available?

DIGITAL does not set a fixed maximum grant amount for this call. The funding amount is decided during the proposal review process and depends on:

The project’s size and length
The number and type of consortium partners
The expected economic and workforce benefits
The total eligible project costs

Funding is provided as cost-shared, non-repayable contributions. Partners must cover part of the project budget. For the latest details, see the Digital Technology Supercluster AI Skills & Adoption Call for Proposals guidelines.

How the Application Process Works

The process usually includes:

Form a consortium
Find business, academic, and training partners early.
Develop your project concept
Define the AI use case, the skills gap, and the outcomes you expect.
Submit your proposal
Send a detailed application through DIGITAL’s online portal during the call window.
Review and due diligence
DIGITAL checks eligibility, impact, feasibility, and whether your partners are ready.
Approval and contracting
If approved, projects move to contribution agreements and set up reporting.

See also: What Happens After You’re Approved for a Grant? Reporting and Reimbursement Explained

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applying without strong partners
Solo applications or weak teams are rarely chosen.
Vague AI outcomes
DIGITAL wants clear, applied AI results—not just high-level goals.
Ignoring skills outcomes
Projects must show how people will gain hands-on AI skills, not just install new technology.
Underestimating partner contributions
Cost-sharing is required. Unrealistic budgets can delay or end your application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who can apply to the AI Skills & Adoption call for proposals?
Applicants are usually consortia that include businesses, training providers, and academic or community partners. SMEs are eligible but usually as part of a larger team.

Q: Is this funding available to small businesses in Canada?
Yes. Small and medium-sized businesses can take part in eligible projects, often as industry partners in a consortium.

Q: What types of AI skills projects are funded?
Projects focused on workforce training, upskilling, and practical AI use in real business settings are prioritized.

Q: How much funding does DIGITAL provide?
There is no fixed maximum. The funding amount depends on the project’s scope and is decided during the proposal review process.

Q: Is Digital Technology Supercluster funding repayable?
Funding is generally non-repayable and is structured as cost-shared contributions.

Next Steps

If your business wants to use AI but lacks in-house skills, the Digital Technology Supercluster AI Skills & Adoption Call for Proposals could be a good fit—especially if you start building your consortium early.

GrantHub tracks hundreds of grant programs across Canada, including AI and technology funding calls. Checking which programs match your business profile can help you decide whether to join a consortium or lead a future proposal.

Digital Technology Supercluster AI Skills & Adoption Call for Proposals: How to Apply