Ottawa awards $6.8 million to five Alberta AI projects
The federal government is investing $6.8 million in five Alberta-based artificial intelligence projects through the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative. Eleanor Olszewski, Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, announced the funding Tuesday in Edmonton.
The projects are expected to support more than 70 jobs in Alberta while helping businesses commercialize AI technologies and compete globally.
Where the money goes
The University of Alberta receives $3 million for the Canadian AI Compute Vault initiative, which will provide businesses with secure cloud-based computing environments for AI development and strengthen Canada's AI infrastructure.
Four companies also received funding:
- Darkhorse Emergency Corp.: $1 million for AI tools in emergency response management
- NTWIST Inc.: $1 million for AI-powered manufacturing solutions
- Vertical City Inc.: $1.3 million to scale machine learning software for global markets
- Localintel Inc.: $500,000 to commercialize location intelligence software for municipalities and economic development organizations
Part of broader strategy
The Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative is part of the federal government's AI strategy from Budget 2024, which allocated $2.4 billion to strengthen Canada's position in the global AI sector. Prairies Economic Development Canada received $33.8 million over five years to deliver the initiative across the Prairie provinces, beginning in 2024-25.
Applications remain open for the program.
Government professionals involved in AI policy or funding decisions may benefit from understanding the broader context. Learn more about AI for Government or explore the AI Learning Path for Policy Makers.
Your membership also unlocks:
