Alberta’s Machine Intelligence Institute is expanding regional programming thanks to additional funding.
The expansion, powered by $2.5 million in support from Prairies Economic Development Canada, aims to equip more small and medium-sized enterprises across Alberta with Amii’s world-leading machine learning.
The additional funding will see Amii partner directly with more than two dozen Prairie-based businesses.
Through hands-on Advanced Technology Projects, SMEs will work alongside Amii’s scientists and embedded project ML residents to co-create bespoke AI architectures while building critical internal expertise, according to chief executive officer Cam Linke.
“A robust innovation ecosystem depends on equipping Prairie-based SMEs with the practical AI tools and capabilities needed to scale competitive Canadian businesses,” he said. “Thanks to PrairiesCan’s renewed investment, we can continue to strengthen our regional hub of innovation, create local opportunities, and empower businesses across the Prairies to scale their impact and drive long-term prosperity across Canada.”
The collaborative model ensures technology transfer, giving regional businesses in-house capabilities to maintain their own operational systems and scale while keeping innovation, talent, and IP anchored in the Prairies, according to Eleanor Olszewski, the Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada.
“Alberta is a global hub for innovation, driven by world-class researchers, entrepreneurs, and organizations like the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute,” Olszewski commented. “As artificial intelligence continues to create new opportunities, our government is investing in the people, partnerships, and technologies that demonstrate the strength and the leadership of Alberta and the Prairie Provinces.”
“This additional support will strengthen the AI ecosystem across the region, accelerate the commercialization of cutting-edge research, and help businesses adopt innovative solutions that drive productivity, economic growth, and high-quality jobs,” the minister stated.
Since the initial launch in 2024, Amii has partnered with 30 regional SMEs to optimize operations and commercialize AI solutions.
Earlier this year, Alberta revealed a $50-million, five-year investment into Amii.
The investment “enables Amii to strengthen the foundations of Alberta’s AI ecosystem by supporting startups, accelerating AI adoption across industry and the public sector, and building the AI literacy needed to prepare the workforce of the future,” according to Linke.
The investment followed Alberta’s first Technology and Innovation Strategy.
“Alberta has spent two decades building a world-class AI sector, and now we’re putting that advantage to work,” stated Premier Danielle Smith in July.
“This investment will help improve public services, support Alberta businesses and create more high-value jobs while keeping Alberta at the forefront of one of the world’s fastest-growing industries,” she remarked.
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