Backgrounder: Government of Canada announces support for artificial intelligence innovation and commercialization in Alberta

The Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII), delivered by Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) in the Prairie provinces, is part of the Government of Canada’s strategy to help businesses across Canada compete and grow in an evolving global economy. The RAII provides $200 million to help businesses bring new AI technologies to market and speed up adoption in critical sectors such as agriculture, clean technology, healthcare, and manufacturing. This repayable and non-repayable interest-free funding is part of the government’s 2024 budget commitment to ensure Canada is a world leader in AI.

Today, PrairiesCan announced support under the RAII for the following five projects in Alberta, representing a total federal investment of $6,800,000:

• Darkhorse Emergency Corp. $1,000,000 (repayable)
  Darkhorse Emergency’s AI powered analytics platform and services will expand exports that optimize both risk analysis and resource allocation in emergency response management services for fire and emergency departments.
  

• Localintel Inc. $500,000 (repayable)
  Localintel will commercialize its Location Intelligence Content Platform (LICP), which transforms complex and fragmented location data into branded, narrative‑ready content through interactive visualizations and automated tools for municipalities and economic development organizations.

• NTWIST Inc. $1,000,000 (repayable)
  NTWIST will accelerate the commercialization and marketplace adoption of its AI‑powered solutions to improve productivity and competitiveness in high‑mix, low‑volume advanced manufacturing sectors. 

• University of Alberta $3,000,000 (non-repayable)
  The Canadian AI Compute Vault (CAICV) initiative at the University of Alberta will strengthen Canada’s sovereignty in artificial intelligence by delivering secure, high performance compute infrastructure and expertise that accelerates the commercialization of AI technologies. The project will provide businesses and innovation ecosystem partners with trusted access to advanced cloud environments, enabling the development and deployment of AI solutions in priority areas including defence, security, dual-use, deep tech and other strategically significant sectors.

• Vertical City Inc. $1,300,000 (repayable)
  Vertical City will scale its AI and machine learning software to support global market expansion. This will improve the technology for deployment on external systems, enhance compatibility and performance, and contribute to increased export revenues and job creation. 

Related products

• News release: Government of Canada announces support for artificial intelligence innovation and commercialization in Alberta

Associated links

• Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan)
• Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII)