SCALE AI announces a $24-million investment in five new projects
by CM Staff
Projects receiving funding include companies in healthcare, agriculture, supply chain and retail.
MONTRÉAL — SCALE AI, Canada’s supercluster dedicated to strengthening artificial intelligence (AI) and data science projects, announced it is investing $24 million to support five AI projects. This follows previously announced funding of nearly $130 million since the start of the 2021–2022 fiscal year, which has contributed to the development of a number of projects.
Key industry players and AI experts alike will be speaking about those impacts at the AI Meetings, organized by SCALE AI, the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal and the Forum IA Québec, an event taking place on April 8 in Montréal and presented with simultaneous translation.
François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, says: “AI can help us solve some of the most difficult challenges we face, create good jobs and improve the lives of all Canadians. The projects announced today highlight how cutting-edge AI solutions can strengthen the supply chains of Canadian companies across our economy. With investments of over $24 million, the government is proud to support SCALE AI and the role it plays in ensuring Canadian innovators can benefit from opportunities in AI, at home and abroad.”
Julien Billot, CEO, SCALE AI, explains: “SCALE AI is currently funding more than 40 industry projects across Canada with a total investment value of nearly $300 million, in sectors ranging from retail business to transport, healthcare and energy. When a company stands out in its industry segment by leveraging artificial intelligence solutions, it prompts others to follow suit, and the resulting ripple effect propels companies upward. AI is a genuine economic and social lever for all of Canada and we are pleased to support companies in their digital transition here at home, so that they can also shine internationally.”
The five AI projects receiving funding are:
- Smart platform for optimizing agricultural yield
Partners: Adastra, GoodLeaf Farms,
University of Guelph, SunGro, Johnny’s Selected Seeds
SCALE AI investment: $1 million
Total investment: $2.5 million - AI-driven retail sales forecasting
Partners: Bombardier Recreational Products, IVADO Labs, Performance NC, Motor Sports World, Energy Powersports
SCALE AI investment: $2.1 million
Total investment: $4.4 million - Predictive modelling and optimization algorithms for home care delivery
Partners: AlayaCare, CIUSSS du Nord-de-l’Île-de-Montréal, Bien Chez Soi, Polytechnique Montréal
SCALE AI investment: $800,000
Total investment: $1.7 million - AI-powered supply chain model focused on demand, from supplier to customer
Partners: London Drugs Limited, Deloitte, TAP, Sanctuary AI, Atlantia
SCALE AI investment: $3 million
Total investment: $13.8 million - AI-based NDT platform for improving productivity across the steel sheet products supply chain
Partners: InspecTech Analygas Group, Impact AI, QA Consultants, TWB Company, Magna International, Royal Military College of Canada
SCALE AI investment: $700,000
Total investment: $2.1 million
