Federal AI funding open to Prairie businesses

People across the Prairies who intend to adopt artificial intelligence in their businesses can get help through a regional federal agency.

The goal of a recent injection of money is to “help businesses and organizations responsibly adopt and integrate AI technologies to improve productivity, competitiveness and resilience,” a statement said. The country’s regional development agencies are getting $500 million over five years as part of a plan to expand AI use.

“The question is not whether AI will reshape our economy,” said Evan Solomon, the artificial intelligence and digital innovation minister. “It is whether Canada will capture the opportunity” and ensure “that the technology, talent and economic value we create remain anchored in Canada and under Canadian control.”

Artificial intelligence can help “farmers improve yields, manufacturers boost productivity and energy businesses operate more efficiently,” added Eleanor Olszewski, whose cabinet responsibilities include Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan).

The measure is focused mainly “on sectors where Canada has strong expertise and economic potential, such as health and life sciences, energy and natural resources, transportation, agriculture, manufacturing and robotics,” the statement said. It will also help entrepreneurs “gain customers, attract investment and commercialize and scale up Canadian-made products and services.”

Prairie applications will be accepted until Dec. 31, 2029, or until the money has been fully committed, a PrairiesCan document says. Applicants should submit expressions of interest as soon as possible, and all projects must be completed by March 31, 2031.