Latest news with #PrairiesCan
Cision Canada
6 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
Minister Olszewski announces support for agriculture sector in Saskatchewan Français
Investments in manufacturing, agri-food, research and development, and value-added ag will boost innovation and expand the agriculture sector SASKATOON, SK, Aug. 12, 2025 /CNW/ - Saskatchewan is a world leader in agricultural production and innovation. To advance the Government of Canada's commitment to building a stronger, more resilient one Canadian economy, PrairiesCan is investing to help Saskatchewan to capitalize on those strengths. Today, the Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), announced over $4.2 million to support Saskatchewan's leading role in Canada's agriculture sector. These investments will enable advanced breeding capabilities for crops and livestock, expand local grain bin manufacturing, increase food processing opportunities, and promote value-added agriculture: The Global Institute for Food Security at the University of Saskatchewan (GIFS) to develop a genomic selection-based accelerated breeding program, through over $1.6 million in federal support. Venlaw Manufacturing Ltd. is receiving funding of $2.1 million to install novel automation equipment for new grain bin manufacturing. The Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre Inc. (Food Centre) is receiving an investment of $420,000 to purchase equipment and renovate to increase co-packing capabilities and incubation space. Ag-West Bio Inc. will leverage funding of $20,000 to deliver the Agri-Value Forum in 2025 and 2026, an event to promote value-added agriculture in Saskatchewan. Quotes "In today's global landscape, food security and economic stability are top of mind — and Saskatchewan's agri-food sector is ready to lead. With deep expertise and a drive to innovate, producers and processors are driving economic growth and creating good jobs here at home while also strengthening Canada's position on the world stage. Our government's investments in the agri-food sector through PrairiesCan are helping grow one strong Canadian economy that works for Saskatchewan." –The Honourable Eleanor Olszewksi, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada "Saskatchewan farmers and agri-businesses know how to turn potential into results, and these investments in local innovation will help our producers grow more, process more, and sell more — right here at home and around the world." –The Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State (Rural Development) and Member of Parliament for Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River "PrairiesCan's latest investment builds on its earlier investment into GIFS, strengthening our outcomes-driven, team-based model. By integrating cutting-edge platforms - high-throughput genotyping, engineering biology and data analytics - we deliver real-world impact through market-facing programs like our FCC Accelerated Breeding Program and Biomanufacturing. Our unique model—unmatched in Canada and uncommon globally—closes a critical innovation gap, reducing risk and accelerating the path from discovery to market for partners." –Dr. Steven R. Webb, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Global Institute for Food Security. "The Global Institute for Food Security at the University of Saskatchewan is committed to providing innovative solutions to feed the world's growing population. By building a robust accelerated breeding program, we aim to further enhance the inroads we've made in this growing field. These enhancements would not be possible without the continued support of PrairiesCan, and we thank them for their support and dedication to advancing and elevating the positive impact for Canada's agri-food sector." –Baljit Singh, Vice President Research, University of Saskatchewan "Moving our business from importing and retailing grain bins to manufacturing our own product in Watson, Saskatchewan is an extremely capital-intensive venture. PrairiesCan is crucial to businesses like ours that must make massive capital cost investments to create Canadian products and jobs." –Rebecca Paszt and Tom Dooley, Co-owners, Venlaw Manufacturing Ltd. Quick facts Saskatchewan accounts for almost 40% of the country's total farm area and a value-added ag sector that has more than doubled over the past 10 years. Investments announced today are expected to create over 30 new jobs, $7 million in export revenue, and $51 million in new commercialization revenue growth. Backgrounder PrairiesCan is investing $4,201,298 for four projects in Saskatchewan through the Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP) program and the Regional Innovation Ecosystems (RIE) program. Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP) program – $2,100,000 The BSP program supports high-growth businesses that are seeking to improve productivity, scale-up, and commercialize technology. It offers interest-free, repayable funding to incorporated businesses that have been in operation for a minimum of two years. PrairiesCan announced an investment for one project under BSP: Venlaw Manufacturing Ltd. - $2,100,000 Venlaw is installing novel automation equipment for manufacturing new grain bins in Watson, Saskatchewan. PrairiesCan funding will help Venlaw purchase equipment for the manufacturing scale-up of a roof roll forming and sidewall line, material handling equipment for finished goods preparation, a finished goods cold storage building and costs around export market development. This investment will reduce imports of manufactured products and replace them with Canadian-made products that utilize Canadian steel and local supply chains. Regional Innovation Ecosystems (RIE) program - $2,101,298 The RIE program helps create, grow, and nurture inclusive regional ecosystems. Through RIE, targeted investments in not-for-profit organizations assist businesses in priority sectors to innovate, grow, and compete globally. PrairiesCan announced investments for three projects under RIE: Global Institute for Food Security at the University of Saskatchewan (GIFS) - $1,661,298 GIFS is developing a genomic selection-based accelerated breeding program that will extend advanced breeding capabilities to companies and breeding organizations, bringing higher-yielding and higher-quality livestock, pulses, and other crops to market quicker. This investment builds on previous support to GIFS, including $2.5 million in 2022 which helped build Canada's only biomanufacturing facility advancing sustainable agriculture and innovative food ingredients. Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre Inc. (Food Centre) - $420,000 The Food Centre will purchase equipment and renovate their space to increase co-packing capabilities and incubation space for the value-added agriculture sector in the Prairies. PrairiesCan has proudly supported the Food Centre as they have grown over the years to expand food processing in Saskatchewan, including an investment of $1 million in 2023 to enhance their co-packing capacity for agri-food clients. Ag-West Bio Inc. - $20,000 Ag-West Bio is receiving support to deliver the Agri-Value Forum in 2025 and 2026, an event including a conference, workshops, and tours to promote value-added agriculture in Saskatchewan. The Agri-Value Forum has been supported by PrairiesCan since 2021 and attracts more than 200 attendees each year from across the province and Canada. Recently the Forum has added an additional half day of learning workshops to assist small and medium sized enterprises addressing specific current challenges, such as cybersecurity, workforce training, and environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues. Associated links Global Institute for Food Security Venlaw Manufacturing Ltd. Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre Inc. Ag-West Bio Inc. Stay connected Follow PrairiesCan on X and LinkedIn Toll-Free Number: 1-888-338-9378 TTY (telecommunications device for the hearing impaired): 1-877-303-3388 SOURCE Prairies Economic Development Canada
CTV News
11-08-2025
- Business
- CTV News
More than $1.3 million in federal funding granted to Sask. companies to adopt AI
Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada Eleanor Olszewski announces funding for AI adoption in Regina on Aug. 11, 2025. (Courtesy: Jason Delesoy) Three ventures in Saskatchewan will be receiving substantial funding to help adopt artificial intelligence as part of a federal initiative from Prairie Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan). On Monday, the Minister responsible for PrairiesCan, Eleanor Olszewski, made the announcement in Regina. The $1.3 million investment will be spread across three businesses in the province. The money is expected to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence and the 'digital transition' of Canada's economy. 'Across Saskatchewan, businesses are proving that prairie innovation can solve big challenges,' Olszewski said. 'By adopting advanced technologies like AI, they're scaling up, creating high-quality jobs, and competing globally. According to the government, $586,900 will go towards Ground Truth Agriculture to commercialize a new grain grading system, while $425,000 will be given to Greenwave Innovations Inc. to enhance its energy monitoring platform for commercial and industrial buildings. Finally, Offstreet Technology Inc. will receive $300,000 to improve its cloud-based guest registration parking technology and to grow its market. 'Helping local businesses adopt AI and new digital tools can be a real-game changer,' MP for Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River Buckley Belanger explained. 'Whether it's improving grain grading or saving energy, these kinds of investments create jobs and support stronger communities across Saskatchewan.' The Ground Truth Agriculture and Greenwave Innovations investments were provided through the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII). According to the federal government, the initiative is providing a total of $200 million to speed up AI adoption in key sectors such as agriculture, clean technology, healthcare and manufacturing.
Cision Canada
11-08-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Minister Olszewski announces funding to help Saskatchewan businesses lead in AI innovation
Investments will help businesses use artificial intelligence to innovate and grow the economy REGINA, SK, Aug. 11, 2025 /CNW/ - Canada is on the leading edge of research into artificial intelligence. Achieving greater AI adoption is the next step. Helping small- and medium-sized enterprises leverage AI to innovate and boost their productivity is a key to Canada's economic success in a rapidly changing environment. Today, the Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), announced over $1.3 million for three businesses in Saskatchewan. These strategic investments will help accelerate AI adoption and the digital transition of Canada's economy. By catalyzing AI, companies can improve products and services for Canadians while driving sustainable economic growth. Today's investments reflect this commitment and include: Enabling Ground Truth Agriculture to complete and commercialize a new grain grading system. They are receiving $586,900. Supporting Greenwave Innovations Inc. to enhance their energy monitoring platform for commercial and industrial buildings. They are receiving $425,000. Helping Offstreet Technology Inc. to enhance their cloud-based guest registration parking technology and grow their market in North America. They are receiving $300,000. Quotes "Across Saskatchewan, businesses are proving that Prairie innovation can solve big challenges. By adopting advanced technologies like AI, they're scaling up, creating high-quality jobs, and competing globally. These investments also position Canada for long-term success in key sectors like value-added agriculture, defence, critical minerals, and nuclear energy. Through these PrairiesCan investments, we're helping to build on that momentum and grow one strong Canadian economy that's secure, resilient, and ready for the future." – The Honourable Eleanor Olszewksi, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada "Helping local businesses adopt AI and new digital tools can be a real-game changer. Whether it's improving grain grading or saving energy, these kinds of investments create jobs and support stronger communities across Saskatchewan." – The Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State (Rural Development) and Member of Parliament for Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River "Support from PrairiesCan is a vote of confidence in the importance of consistent grain quality data from farm to destination. It accelerates our ability to deliver insights that directly impact key decision making in the supply chain." – Kyle Folk, Chief Executive Officer, Ground Truth Agriculture Inc. Quick facts Today's announcement of over $1.3 million is funded through PrairiesCan's Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) and the Business Scale-up and Productivity program (BSP). The Government of Canada announced $2.4 billion in Budget 2024 to secure Canada's AI advantage, including investments to accelerate job growth in Canada's AI sector and beyond, boost productivity by helping researchers and businesses develop and adopt AI, and ensure this is done responsibly. Expanding Canadian leadership in AI is a key priority of the Government of Canada. On May 13, 2025, Prime Minister Mark Carney named the Honourable Evan Solomon as Canada's first Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation. Investments announced today will create 50 jobs and $30.5 million in revenue growth, including $5.6 million in exports. Backgrounder PrairiesCan is investing $1,311,900 for three projects in Saskatchewan to catalyze innovation using artificial intelligence (AI). The projects announced today will leverage AI advantages to help commercialize a new grain grading system, enhance energy monitoring for buildings, and expand markets for a guest parking platform. Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) – $1,011,900 The RAII provides $200 million to help businesses bring new AI technologies to market and speed up adoption in critical sectors such as agriculture, clean technology, healthcare, and manufacturing. This repayable and non-repayable interest-free funding is part of the government's 2024 budget commitment to ensure Canada is a world leader in AI. PrairiesCan announced investments for two repayable projects under the RAII: Ground Truth Agriculture Inc. - $586,900 Ground Truth Agriculture will complete and commercialize an artificial intelligence driven benchtop and on-combine grain grading system for grain quality assessment and predictive grading. Ground Truth's developed technology allows farmers, commercial grain buyers, and food processors to unite with fully transparent data to maximize efficiency and actionable decisions. Their technology analyzes grains for disease, damage and more so that reliable, real-time data about grain quality is available at commercial facilities and on the farm too. Greenwave Innovations Inc. - $425,000 Greenwave will use artificial intelligence to enhance their energy monitoring platform for commercial and industrial buildings. Greenwave's platform helps users conserve energy and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, enhance building life and safety systems, eliminate waste, and streamline maintenance. With this project, Greenwave will implement AI-driven features that will optimize routine maintenance and proactively identify equipment issues prior to failure. AI will also be used to identify gas and water leaks triggering alerts and automated shut-off valves in buildings. Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP) program – $300,000 The BSP program supports high-growth businesses that are seeking to improve productivity, scale-up, and commercialize technology. It offers interest-free, repayable funding to incorporated businesses that have been in operation for a minimum of two years. PrairiesCan announced one investment under BSP: Offstreet Technology Inc. - $300,000 Offstreet helps universities and private parking operators streamline their guest parking management, resolving issues and saving time for both visitors and hosts. PrairiesCan's support enables Offstreet to enhance their cloud-based guest registration parking technology and grow their market in North America. Associated links Ground Truth Agriculture Inc. Greenwave Innovations Inc. Offstreet Technology Inc. Business Scale-up and Productivity Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative Stay connected Follow PrairiesCan on X and LinkedIn Toll-Free Number: 1-888-338-9378 TTY (telecommunications device for the hearing impaired): 1-877-303-3388 SOURCE Prairies Economic Development Canada Contacts: Mathis Denis, Director of Communications, Office of the Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, [email protected]; Tunde Oyateru, Communications Manager, Prairies Economic Development Canada, [email protected]
Calgary Herald
24-06-2025
- Business
- Calgary Herald
Liberal cabinet minister announces $11 million for Alberta businesses
Article content Edmonton Centre Liberal MP and cabinet minister Eleanor Olszewski brought the federal bacon home Tuesday with $11 million in funding to support high tech for seven Alberta businesses and organizations to leverage artificial intelligence (AI), digital adoption and advanced manufacturing. Article content It's the first official announcement from the PrairiesCan portfolio for Olszewski. Elected in April, the freshman member of Parliament was immediately catapulted to ministerial portfolios for emergency management and community resilience and Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) — a fit niche for a province growing its reputation as an innovation hub, tapping her background as a local trailblazer for women as the first female partner at an Edmonton law firm. Article content Article content Article content Olszewski said Canadian companies face 'unprecedented global uncertainty, unprecedented economic unpredictability,' on market access, hiring, and supply chains — not just from tariffs being imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. Article content Article content 'It's the unpredictability that goes with whether or not there'll be more, whether they'll be higher, whether they'll affect different sectors,' she said. Article content Opportunities come with the challenges, as well as cause for great optimism, she said. Article content 'We've been able to capitalize on some great opportunities and build on leadership that Alberta companies are showing to Alberta, to Canada and to the world,' Olszewski said, citing the seven 'high-growth' companies included in the package. Article content 'Sponsoring companies like this, companies that are advancing technology and innovation, it's really more than bringing just a product or just a service to market because, ultimately, it's really about empowering people and our communities to be resilient, to be adaptable and to be prosperous. Article content Article content 'Whether it's equipping farms in southern Alberta with AI to increase their productivity, or introducing automated production lines to a commercial bakery in Edmonton, today's investments are really about unleashing the incredible ingenuity of Alberta innovators,' she said. Article content Article content PrairiesCan is investing $10,901,711 in repayable and non-repayable funding for seven projects in Alberta to enhance productivity, scale up, boost production efficiencies, and tackle challenges with innovative technologies. Article content These include $1.15 million for 48Hour Discovery, and $2 million for Crust to relocate and install advanced automated production lines. Article content Corey Smith, president and CEO at RAM Elevators + Lifts, said the capital-intensive industry will make good use of $2 million to expand manufacturing capacity. Article content 'All three areas are exploding in North America because people are thinking about aging in place and public accessibility is as top as top of mind as ever. Almost every state or province has legislation around when public spaces need to be accessible by. So this little Edmonton company is well poised to take advantage of the North American market,' Smith said.
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Minister Olszewski announces support to help Alberta businesses diversify, scale up and thrive
These targeted investments will help seven Alberta businesses and organizations in various sectors navigate a rapidly evolving economic landscape EDMONTON, AB, June 24, 2025 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), announced federal investments of over $10.9 million for seven Alberta-based businesses and organizations leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), digital adoption and advanced manufacturing. These investments will help them grow, diversify and adapt to a rapidly evolving economic landscape. Building on the Prairies' established strengths in areas such as artificial intelligence and technology, today's announcement reinforces the province's reputation as an innovation hub. They include: Over $1.9 million for RAM Elevators + Lifts to expand the manufacturing capacity of its elevators and lifts for home and commercial spaces. $1.8 million for samdesk to commercialize and accelerate marketplace adoption of its AI-powered platform for crisis and travel risk management. $2.5 million for Promise Robotics to establish a robotics-driven homebuilding factory that will support the production of sustainable and affordable homes. This strategic investment advances the Government of Canada's commitment to building a stronger, more resilient Canadian economy. Quotes "The world is changing fast, and Alberta businesses are rising to meet that challenge with innovation and ambition. 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. These are the kinds of forward-looking investments that create good jobs and position Canada for long-term success in a shifting global economy."–The Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) "As a proud Canadian company, samdesk is thrilled to be recognized among Alberta's most innovative businesses. This support helps us accelerate the global adoption of our AI-powered crisis and risk intelligence platform – technology that's already proving critical in helping governments, enterprises, and humanitarian organizations respond faster to wildfires, natural disasters, geopolitical disruptions, and more. From defence to disaster response, our AI is enabling smarter, real-time decisions when they matter most."–James Neufeld, CEO and Founder, samdesk "At RAM Elevators + Lifts, we have a vision of making 10,000 more buildings accessible by 2028. With the support of PrairiesCan's Business Scale-Up funding, we will be able to move into a larger plant to increase our manufacturing capacity, invest in modern equipment that will enhance our productivity, and add key people to our team, all of which will help make this goal a reality."–Corey Smith, President & Chief Executive Officer, RAM Elevators + Lifts "This kind of investment is exactly what Alberta needs to compete and thrive in a changing economy. 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. The Edmonton Chamber applauds this commitment to innovation and economic growth—and the confidence it shows in Alberta's potential."–Doug Griffiths, CEO, Edmonton Chamber of Commerce Quick facts Today's announcement of over $10.9 million is through PrairiesCan's Business Scale-up and Productivity program, the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative, and the Regional Homebuilding Innovation Initiative. The investments announced today are expected to support approximately 200 jobs. Backgrounder PrairiesCan is investing $10,901,711 in repayable and non-repayable funding for seven projects in Alberta through the Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP) program, the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII), and the Regional Homebuilding Innovation Initiative (RHII). These targeted investments will help businesses and organizations access diverse funding opportunities to enhance their productivity, scale up, boost production efficiencies, and tackle challenges with new and innovative technologies. They are expected to support approximately 200 jobs and enable Alberta businesses to capitalize on new opportunities. Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP) program – $5,189,535 The BSP program supports high-growth businesses that are seeking to improve productivity, scale-up, and commercialize technology. It offers interest-free, repayable funding to incorporated businesses that have been in operation for a minimum of two years. PrairiesCan announced investments for three projects under BSP: 48Hour Discovery ($1,149,504)Enhance the organization's drug discovery platform through AI to gain access to new markets. Crust Craft ($2,040,270)Expand commercial baking capacity in Edmonton by relocating and installing advanced automated production lines. RAM Elevators + Lifts ($1,999,761)Expand the manufacturing capacity of its elevators and lifts for home and commercial spaces in North America, including the introduction of the Flex Lift to market. Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) – $3,212,176 The RAII provides $200 million to help businesses bring new AI technologies to market and speed up adoption in critical sectors such as agriculture, clean technology, healthcare, and manufacturing. This repayable and non-repayable interest-free funding is part of the government's 2024 budget commitment to ensure Canada is a world leader in AI. PrairiesCan announced investments for three projects under the RAII: Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network ($494,000)Establish and launch a technology demonstration program to support the commercial adoption of AI-based agriculture technology. Phoenix Farms Ltd. ($918,176)Adopt an optical sorter with AI detection to grade and sort potatoes to expand on-farm efficiency and quality market offerings. samdesk ($1,800,000)Commercialize and accelerate the marketplace adoption of an AI-powered platform for crisis and travel risk management. Regional Homebuilding Innovation Initiative (RHII) – $2,500,000 Through the RHII, the Government of Canada is investing $50 million over two years to support innovative housing solutions across the country. The RHII provides repayable interest-free funding to pursue new approaches for building houses, including designing and upscaling modular homes, using 3D printing, leveraging panelized construction, as well as implementing net-zero and climate resilient homebuilding practices. PrairiesCan announced investment for one project under the RHII: Promise Robotics Inc. ($2,500,000)Establish a robotics-driven homebuilding factory in Calgary that will support the production of sustainable and affordable homes. Associated links Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP) program Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) Regional Homebuilding Innovation Initiative (RHII) Stay connected Follow PrairiesCan on X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn Toll-Free Number: 1-888-338-9378 TTY (telecommunications device for the hearing impaired): 1-877-303-3388 SOURCE Prairies Economic Development Canada View original content to download multimedia: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
