Canada this week announced federal investments of $11 million for seven Alberta businesses and organizations leveraging modern technologies such as artificial intelligence, digitalization, and advanced manufacturing.
The funding, hailing from Prairies Economic Development Canada, is targeting growth and adaption of local businesses amid a “rapidly evolving economic landscape,” according to a statement from the government.
“The world is changing fast, and Alberta businesses are rising to meet that challenge with innovation and ambition,” commented Eleanor Olszewski, Minister responsible for PrairiesCan. “Our new government is investing in high-growth companies so they can harness AI, robotics, and advanced manufacturing—not just to stay competitive, but to lead.”
For example, through the Business Scale-up and Productivity program, 48Hour Discovery is getting $1.1M to enhance their drug discovery platform with AI tech. Edmonton’s Crust Craft will receive $2M to automate production lines.
“This kind of investment is exactly what Alberta needs to compete and thrive in a changing economy,” believes Doug Griffiths, who serves the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce as chief executive officer. “By supporting businesses that are scaling up, adopting advanced technologies, and creating high-quality jobs, PrairiesCan is helping to grow a more productive, resilient, and globally competitive Alberta economy.”
Powered by the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative, the Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network will apply $500K toward launching a demonstration program to support the commercial adoption of AI-based agriculture technology. Phoenix Farms will receive $900K to adopt AI tech for grading and sorting potatoes.
Samdesk, meanwhile, garnered $1.8M to commercialize an AI-powered platform for crisis and travel risk management.
“This support helps us accelerate the global adoption of our AI-powered crisis and risk intelligence platform,” stated samdesk founder James Neufeld. “From defence to disaster response, our AI is enabling smarter, real-time decisions when they matter most.”
Through the Regional Homebuilding Innovation Initiative, Promise Robotics intends to apply $2.5M toward establishing a robotics-driven homebuilding factory in Calgary.
The combined investments are expected to support a total of 200 new jobs.
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