Government of Canada backs Manitoba companies using AI to scale, compete and lead

From: Prairies Economic Development Canada

News release

A photo of a computer programmer working on a laptop in front of large screens displaying lines of computer code, with text: “$10.2 million to support AI and digital technology innovation and expansion in Manitoba”.

PrairiesCan announces more than $10.2 million in federal funding to support six innovative Manitoba businesses expanding their use of AI and digital technology

July 7, 2026 – Winnipeg, Manitoba – PrairiesCan

In a rapidly changing and increasingly competitive global economy, artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries and reshaping how businesses operate, creating new opportunities for innovation, productivity and economic growth. Across Manitoba, businesses are adapting to this new reality and finding practical ways to use artificial intelligence and digital technology to solve problems, improve productivity and compete in new markets.

As part of Canada’s AI for All strategy, the Government of Canada is helping small and medium-sized businesses adopt these tools, scale their operations, create good jobs and keep more talent, innovation and economic value here at home.

Today, the Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, joined The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce (WCC) to talk about what Canada’s new AI strategy means for local businesses.

While at WCC’s event, Minister Solomon, on behalf of the Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), announced over $10.2 million in funding to support six Manitoba organizations developing and using AI in the province.

The funding announced today will support the creation of more than 170 jobs in Manitoba and assist 35 SMEs across multiple industries, including agriculture, construction, manufacturing, advertising and support services.

A full listing of today’s announced projects can be found in the linked backgrounder.

Quotes

“AI for All means making sure businesses, workers and communities across the country can use these technologies to solve real problems and share in the benefits. Manitoba businesses are already finding practical ways to use artificial intelligence to improve productivity and compete in a changing economy. Our government is investing in that momentum, helping local companies adopt new technologies, scale their operations, create good jobs and build more of Canada’s economic strength here at home.”
–The Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan)

“Businesses and innovators are the backbone of our economy, and many are looking to use artificial intelligence to unlock productivity. Our government is committed to scaling up our country’s AI industry, driving AI adoption and building a sovereign digital infrastructure. By harnessing AI and building trust in how it is developed and deployed, we are driving growth and shared prosperity in Manitoba and across the country.”
–The Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

“Thrilled to partner with PrairiesCan and see them continue to support tech and innovation in the province. Throughout Taiv's history, we have promised to create jobs in Manitoba and have since followed through; creating over 75 jobs since 2025. This funding will let us continue to support the local economy as we build Taiv into a key part of Manitoba's tech ecosystem. We're grateful for the support and excited for what lies ahead.”
–Noah Palansky, CEO & Co-Founder, Taiv Inc.

Quick facts

  • On June 4, 2026, the Government of Canada launched Canada’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy: AI for All.

    • The strategy will help ensure Canada leads in AI innovation while grounding the development and use of AI in trust, responsibility and national sovereignty.
    • AI for All will help position Canada as a global leader in responsible AI while ensuring the benefits of this transformation are broadly shared. It is about making sure AI works for Canadians—strengthening our economy, improving public services, supporting Canadian companies and giving Canada greater control over its digital future.

  • Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP) and Regional Innovation Ecosystems (RIE)  funding applications are accepted on an ongoing basis with no deadline.

  • Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) funding applications will be accepted until December 31, 2028, or until funding has been fully committed or otherwise announced.

Related products

Associated links

Contacts

Soraya Lemur
Press Secretary
Office of the Hon. Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada
soraya.lemur@ps-sp.gc.ca
343-574-6781

Leela Polushin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
leela.polushin@ised-isde.gc.ca
343-543-5391

Jess Borys
Communications Advisor
Prairies Economic Development Canada
jess.borys@prairiescan.gc.ca
431-336-9097

Stay connected

Follow PrairiesCan on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn

Toll-free number: 1-888-338-9378
TTY (telecommunications device for the hearing impaired): 1-877-303-3388

Page details

2026-07-07