Canadian artificial intelligence for sustainable supply chains technology research and development partnering delegation to Singapore
Request for Expression of Interest
Delegation dates: October 28 to 31, 2024
Global Affairs Canada (GAC), through the High Commission of Canada to Singapore and in collaboration with the National Research Council of Canada's Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) invites you to apply to participate in the "Canadian artificial intelligence for sustainable supply chains technology research and development partnering delegation to Singapore" under the Canadian International Innovation Program (CIIP).
The Partnership Development Activity (PDA) will take place in-person from October 28 to 31, 2024, in Singapore.
Please note that interested companies must apply no later than July 8, 2024.
Note: This delegation is being planned as an in-person event which will require travel to Singapore. Travel, however, must be consistent with both Singapore and Canada's international travel advice and advisories. If these advisories recommend against travel to Singapore at the time of the delegation, it may take place virtually. This means that all B2B meetings and speaking opportunities would be held virtually and some elements of the program may have to be cancelled. In addition, any funding approved for participant travel to the delegation would be withdrawn.
Delegation objective
The delegation objective is to foster partnerships between Canadian small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with potential Singaporean SMEs, research institutions, and large corporations for purpose of R&D collaboration in artificial intelligence (AI) for sustainable Supply Chains. The delegation will focus on technology solutions that use AI to solve problems, increase efficiencies, drive reductivity and boost competitiveness in supply chain areas included but not limited to:
- Augmented sourcing and procurement
- Demand forecasting and planning
- Automated in-plant logistics/warehousing
- Capacity, resource utilization and inventory planning
- Scheduling and predictive disruption analysis
- Real-time data integration traceability and visibility
Examples of R&D collaboration include, but are not limited to the following:
- validation of the suitability of Canadian technology to the Singaporean market and/or other markets
- adaptation of Canadian technology to meet Singaporean and/or other market characteristics
- joint development of new products and/or services by combining Canadian and Singaporean technologies.
Canadian delegation profile
Canadian participants in the delegation should meet the following requirements:
- Profit-oriented, small- or medium-sized enterprise (SME) incorporated in Canada
- Previous experience in commercializing technology for domestic and/or international markets
- Capacity and interest to co-develop technology with Singaporean and Southeast Asian partners
- Sufficient working capital and human resources to undertake multi-year R&D collaboration and commercialize the results.
Note: Participation of Canadian organizations that do not meet the requirements mentioned above may be considered but will not be eligible for financial support.
Delegation itinerary
The program in Singapore will take place between October 28 and 31, 2024.
Program Plans in Singapore (*schedules and times may vary)
Monday, October 28
- Briefing session and market overview
- Prearranged B2B meetings with Singaporean AI companies participating at the TechInnovation technology brokerage event being featured during the Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology.
- * The High Commission of Canada will assist Canadian participants in setting up B2Bs meetings with participants at the Tech Innovation Showcase.
Tuesday, October 29
- Prearranged B2B meetings with Singaporean AI companies participating at the TechInnovation technology brokerage event being featured during the Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology.
- The High Commission of Canada will assist Canadian delegates in setting up B2Bs meetings with participants at the Tech Innovation Showcase.
- Networking Reception for Canadian companies to meet with stakeholders in the Singaporean AI Ecosystem
Wednesday, October 30
- Prearranged B2B meetings with Singaporean AI companies participating at the TechInnovation technology brokerage event being featured during the Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology.
- The High Commission of Canada will assist Canadian participants in setting up B2Bs meetings with participants at the Tech Innovation Showcase.
Thursday, October 31
Under development
Why Singapore?
Singapore's ambitious investment into artificial intelligence over the next five years, as outlined in its 2024 National Budget, signals a strategic commitment to fortifying its position as a global business and innovation hub. By focusing on key areas such as talent development, securing access to advanced chips, and supporting SMEs in AI adoption, the government aims to catalyze growth and innovation across various sectors. Realizing the potential of the technology and its impact on society, the Singaporean government has unveiled an updated version of its AI strategy (NAIS2.0), which will focus on making Singapore a leader in the field of AI. That includes promoting a thriving AI industry and sustaining it with world-leading infrastructure and research that ensures AI serves the public good.
Financial support to participate in the delegation
The Canadian International Innovation Program (CIIP) may provide financial support to eligible Canadian SMEs participants for up to 50% of all eligible expenses (see application process below) that include but are not limited to the following:
- economy class airfare
- local transportation
- accommodation
- meals (per diems)
- conference registration fees
Consult the Canadian International Innovation Program (CIIP) Applicant Guide for the complete list of eligible expenses. To access the CIIP Applicant Guide contact the CIIP team at innovation@international.gc.ca.
How to Apply for participation
- Interested companies and organizations should request an application form from the CIIP team at Global Affairs Canada: innovation@international.gc.ca.
- Completed application forms are due by July 8, 2024 to the CIIP team at Global Affairs Canada: innovation@international.gc.ca.
- Global Affairs Canada, the High Commission of Canada to Singapore, and NRC-IRAP will select Canadian companies that will participate in the delegation. Selected applicants can expect to be notified by July 19, 2024.
- Companies formally selected to participate in the delegation will be invited to apply for travel funding support.
- Companies who apply for travel support will be notified of the funding decision by August 8, 2024.
Important notes
Participation is limited. Applications submitted will be assessed and vetted to determine eligibility based on the quality of the information provided. In addition to the technical merits of the proposed technology, the company's internal capacity to adequately support and manage an international R&D project with Singaporean partners will also be assessed.
Academia, Research Technology Organisations (RTOs), Incubators, Industry Associations are welcome to apply for the delegation but will not be eligible for financial support for travel expenses.
If you have any questions concerning the application process, please see the Canadian International Innovation Program (CIIP) webpage and/or email the CIIP team at innovation@international.gc.ca.
Canadian International Innovation Program (CIIP)
Global Affairs Canada in collaboration with the National Research Council Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP) delivers the Canadian International Innovation program (CIIP) in Singapore. CIIP supports industrial R&D partnership development activities between Canadian SMEs and companies in key markets, including Singapore.