NGen invests $55M in AI for manufacturing projects

HAMILTON — Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen), has announced $19 million in Global Innovation Cluster funding for 12 AI for manufacturing projects valued at a total of $55 million.

NGen’s AI for Manufacturing Challenge was designed to build advanced manufacturing capacity and enhance the commercialization of artificial intelligence and machine learning innovations across manufacturing sectors in Canada.

“NGen is helping close the gap to commercial success for our home-grown AI providers,” said Jayson Myers, CEO, NGen. “By connecting our leading-edge technology firms to our domestic manufacturing base, NGen is helping to develop a suite of unique solutions that will have tremendous commercial potential in global markets.”

AI4M funding is provided from the Government of Canada’s Pan-Canadian AI Strategy Commercialization program. It is intended to support the development and scale-up of solutions involving Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning as well as the steps required by manufacturers for their successful implementation. The program aims to enhance the competitiveness of Canadian manufacturers, enable the development of new commercial opportunities for AI solution providers and manufacturers alike, develop a diverse and inclusive workforce highly skilled in AI applications in manufacturing, and contribute to environmental sustainability, supply chain resilience, and the health and safety of Canadians.

The following project consortia represent the cohort of successful applicants to NGen’s AI4M program:

Next Generation Factory Acceptance Test
Ballard Power Systems Inc. (Burnaby, BC)
Acerta Analytics Solutions Inc. (Kitchener, ON)

AI/Machine Vision Quality Control
Keirton Inc. (Surrey, BC)
Organigram Inc. (Moncton, NB)

Smart, Connected and Collaborative Canadian Robotic Framework
Kinova Inc. (Boisbrand, QC)
Labforge Inc. (Waterloo, ON)
Inertia Manufacturing (Toronto, ON)
Linamar Corporation (Guelph, ON)

High Speed AI Powered 3D Inspection
Apera AI Inc. (Vancouver, BC)
Stronach Centre for Innovation – Magna International (Aurora, ON)

A Flexible, Scalable AI Manufacturing Quality System
Lantern Machinery Analytics Inc. (Vancouver, BC)
e-Zinc Inc. (Toronto, ON)

AI-Enabled Autonomous Manufacturing Equipment
Linamar Corporation (Guelph, ON)
Cyberworks Robotics (Oro-Medonte, ON)

Digital Manufacturing Production AI Engine
Mosaic Manufacturing (Toronto, ON)
AI-Innovative Solutions Inc. (Burlington, ON)
Matter and Form (Toronto, ON)

Using AI to Fast-Track Electrochemical Technology Developments
Ayrtron Energy (Calgary, AB)
Pulsenics Inc. (Toronto, ON)

AI-Driven Digital Twins to Accelerate and Enhance Life Sciences Manufacturing
Basetwo Artificial Intelligence Inc. (Mississauga, ON)
Genecis Bioindustries Inc. (Scarborough, ON)

AI in Manufacturing for the World’s First Digital Gynecology Platform
Cosm Medical Corp. (Toronto, ON)
SiteRocket Labs (Toronto, ON)
Hamilton Health Sciences Corporation (Hamilton, ON)
Objex Unlimited Inc. (Etobicoke, ON)

Enhanced AI Traceability for Manufacturing
Linamar Corporation (Guelph, ON)
Acerta Analytics Solutions Inc. (Kitchener, ON)

AI-Enabled Robotic Solution for Building Component Prefabrication
Promise Robotics Inc. (Toronto, ON)
Landmark Group of Companies Inc. (Edmonton, AB)

As NGen launches AI4M projects, the cluster is simultaneously seeking project applications to its Quantum Advantage program in support of Canada’s National Quantum Strategy. Interested parties are encouraged to visit https://quantumadvantage.ngen.ca/ for more information about the program and to submit project applications.

“Canada’s Global Innovation Clusters are key to supporting the commercialization of Canadian AI innovations,” said François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. “Canada is a leader in the responsible development and safe use of AI, and with the support from Canada’s Advanced Manufacturing Cluster, NGen, we are not only generating new commercial opportunities for Canadian AI providers but also developing world-leading technology capabilities for Canada’s manufacturing base.”