Canada invests $98.6M in 23 AI projects to boost industry adoption
A Quebec aerospace firm using AI to forecast aircraft maintenance. A recycling company deploying machine vision to inspect bales in real time. A Montreal tech firm helping retailers enhance online search.
These are just a few of the 23 projects receiving a share of nearly $100 million in federal funding announced Thursday by SCALE AI, Canada's artificial intelligence investment hub.
The $98.6-million investment aims to accelerate the deployment of artificial intelligence across sectors such as manufacturing, aerospace, retail and waste management.
Speaking at the announcement in Montreal, Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, emphasized the importance of supporting Canadian entrepreneurs and helping them scale their innovations at home.
'Staying in Canada doesn't limit your global influence,' he said. 'It can enhance it.'
Some notable projects in Quebec receiving funding include:
Avianor, which is using AI to predict aircraft part needs and streamline technician scheduling.
Industries Machinex, which is building an AI-powered auditing tool to improve recycling plant operations.
Coveo Solutions, which is enhancing AI tools to improve product discovery and recommendation for online retailers.
Each project is backed by a two-to-one ratio of private to public investment, a model intended to reduce risk and speed up real-world implementation.
Solomon added that the federal government must also adopt the tools it encourages others to use.
'We can't talk about AI and not be using it,' he said. 'Government has to walk the walk. That means using procurement to help scale up great Canadian companies and making government itself more productive.'
While decisions around the public service fall under another portfolio, he acknowledged the pressure to modernize.
'The prime minister has been very clear — government is going to have to be more productive and find efficiencies,' he said. 'But this isn't about replacing people. It's about giving workers better tools.'
The funding announcement also comes as Startupfest, Montreal's flagship tech and entrepreneurship festival, gets underway in the Old Port — drawing founders, investors and developers, many with their sights set on AI. This year's theme is 'Ambition+'.
Solomon, who said he visited, said the government's push goes beyond AI alone.
'This is the age of the entrepreneur.'
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