$10M in federal funding to support AI expansion in Manitoba

Ottawa is throwing its weight behind several Manitoba companies to help expand the artificial intelligence sector in the province.

New funding from the federal government will help expand artificial intelligence in Manitoba.

At a Tuesday news conference, Federal Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation Evan Solomon announced $10.2 million to be split across six local companies developing AI in the province.

This includes $5 million for Taiv Inc.; $2.3 million for ExpensePoint; $1.14 million for the Manitoba Construction Sector Council; $800,000 for mode40 Ltd.; $500,000 for Aryval Ltd.; and $471,000 for Construction Clock.

“Companies and organizations are using innovation, ideas and tools like AI,” Solomon said. “In construction we’re seeing it, in manufacturing we’re seeing it, in agriculture, in health care especially, in life sciences, in export markets, in business operations.

“They are not treating AI as a threat…but they are using it as a tool to benefit their customers.”

According to the government, the money will help create over 170 jobs and support organizations that span numerous industries, including agriculture, construction, manufacturing and advertising.