Government of Canada fuels AI growth for businesses in southern Ontario
News release
FedDev Ontario investment helps 20 businesses and organizations bring new and enhanced AI technologies to market and accelerate AI adoption
December 17, 2025 – Toronto, Ontario
Southern Ontario is home to a strong and growing community of businesses and research institutions using artificial intelligence (AI) to solve real-world problems and bring new technologies to market. To keep Canada at the forefront of global innovation, the Government of Canada is investing in businesses and the organizations that support them to help Canadian innovations grow, scale and compete globally.
Today, the Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) and Chi Nguyen, Member of Parliament, Spadina–Harbourfront, visited the Ontario Brain Institute, a Toronto-based not-for-profit that connects researchers, clinicians, industry and patients to accelerate discoveries and improve care for Canadians with brain disorders.
While there, Minister Solomon announced a combined investment of over $19 million for 20 growing AI and tech businesses and organizations to help adopt AI across industries and bring new solutions to market faster: A.I Vali Inc., Applied Brain Research, Armilla AI Inc., B3 Systems Inc., Cardea Health Inc., Cogent Real-Time Systems / Skkynet, Ecosystem Informatics Inc., Fairly AI (o/a Asenion), Heirlume Inc. (o/a Haloo), Islands, JSI, Leni, Lumeto/Spatial Industries Group, Mesh Scheduling Inc., Okos Smart Homes Inc., Ontario Brain Institute, SigmaRPA Inc., Sibli, Spoonity Inc., and Zighra Inc. For information on the projects funded through the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative, refer to the backgrounder.
As part of this investment, the Ontario Brain Institute is receiving $2 million to strengthen Ontario’s AI ecosystem by expanding its Centre for Analytics (CfA) program that will provide companies with secure, bias-free AI tools to implement brain health solutions.
Supporting the safe and responsible adoption of AI is key to strengthening Canada’s economy and long-term competitiveness. The Government of Canada is committed to helping ensure Canada remains competitive into the future.
Quotes
“Today’s combined investment of over $19 million in 20 growing AI and tech businesses and organizations across southern Ontario marks a pivotal step toward a future defined by innovation and opportunity. These homegrown solutions are driving economic growth and strengthening Canada’s position as a global leader in AI.”
- The Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
“The Government of Canada is committed to supporting companies across southern Ontario as they leverage AI to develop cutting-edge, made-in-Canada technologies. Through today’s investments, we are helping to drive AI innovation, improve the lives of Canadians, create jobs, and strengthen our economy for the future.”
- Chi Nguyen, Member of Parliament, Spadina–Harbourfront
“This investment accelerates the creation of a leading AI platform that empowers innovators to develop safe and trustworthy neurotechnology. By providing secure tools, high-quality data environments, and expert support alongside our clinical, academic, and industry partners, we’re strengthening Ontario’s AI ecosystem and ensuring people living with brain disorders benefit directly from safe, effective, cutting-edge solutions.”
- Dr. Tom Mikkelsen, President and Scientific Director, Ontario Brain Institute
Quick facts
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Incorporated in 2010, the Ontario Brain Institute is a not-for-profit organization that accelerates discovery and innovation in brain research and supports SMEs to develop and commercialize neurotech solutions.
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The Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative is helping bring new AI technologies to market and speeding up AI adoption in sectors across the country.
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Since 2015, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has invested over $450 million in projects related to the artificial intelligence sector.
Associated links
Contacts
Sofia Ouslis
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Artificial Intelligence, Digital Innovation and the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
sofia.ouslis@ised-isde.gc.ca
Media Relations
FedDev Ontario
media@feddevontario.gc.ca
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