Ottawa gives $11M to several Alberta businesses leveraging AI, advanced manufacturing

Alberta's provincial flag flies on a flagpole in Ottawa, Monday July 6, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

Ottawa has announced over $10.9 million for several Alberta-based businesses that are leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), digital adoption and advanced manufacturing.

• The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App

The initiative comes from Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and the Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada.

Over $1.9 million will go to RAM Elevators and Lifts to expand manufacturing capacity of elevators and lifts for home and commercial spaces.

• Premier Smith to announce details surrounding promised Alberta Next panel

Samdesk will receive $1.8 million to commercialize and accelerate marketplace adoption of its AI-powered platform for crisis and travel risk management.

Two-point-five million dollars will be allocated to Promise Robotics to establish a robotics-driven homebuilding factory that will support the production of sustainable and affordable homes.

• ‘Count me as skeptical’: Eby open to conversations with Smith on pipelines, doubtful private proponent will come forward

“The world is changing fast, and Alberta businesses are rising to meet that challenge with innovation and ambition,” said Olszewski in a statement issued Tuesday. “Our new government is investing in high-growth companies so they can harness AI, robotics and advanced manufacturing—not just to stay competitive, but to lead.”

The statement said the funding announced Tuesday is expected to support about 200 jobs.

Economy, Trade and Immigration Minister Joseph Schow said the province is pleased to see companies choosing to invest in Alberta with the support from the federal government.

“The funding announced today shows that Alberta-based companies continue to be leaders in innovation and that our province remains the best place to do business,” said the minister in a statement following the announcement.

• Premiers Moe, Smith call for end to ‘federal interference’ in resource development