Scale AI, Canada’s global innovation cluster for artificial intelligence, is investing $98.6 million to support 23 new applied AI projects.
The funding aims to accelerate the adoption of advanced AI technologies across a variety of industries, including aviation, retail, manufacturing and recycling. Quebec-based businesses are leading many of the initiatives, with use cases ranging from forecasting retail demand and scheduling aircraft maintenance to deploying AI-driven sorting systems at recycling centres.
The projects, backed by a two-to-one ratio of private investment to public funds, reflect a growing recognition of AI’s potential to boost productivity and national competitiveness.
“AI is one of the most powerful drivers of Canada’s future economy. By investing in real-world applications through Scale AI, we’re turning Canadian innovation into productivity—across manufacturing, transport and beyond. This is how Canada leads: by building, adopting, and scaling homegrown solutions,” said Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation.
The announcement took place at Scale AI’s Montreal headquarters, where Solomon engaged with major enterprises, SMEs and startups advancing Canadian AI technologies.
Julien Billot, CEO of Scale AI, said the funding marks a turning point in Canada’s AI ecosystem.
“This announcement clearly illustrates the accelerating adoption of AI across Canada. AI is no longer confined to a small circle of tech players — it is now emerging as a strategic lever across an increasingly diverse range of sectors,” he said. “This momentum confirms that AI is becoming a cross-cutting and lasting driver of competitiveness for the Canadian economy.”
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