More than $1.3 million in federal funding granted to Sask. companies to adopt AI

WATCH: More than $1 million in federal funding will go towards local Sask. companies looking to innovate with AI. Brittany Poitras explains.

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.

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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.