The federal government will award a total of $11 million to six Ottawa technology companies working to advance wireless technology and artificial intelligence (AI).
Jenna Sudds, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Member of Parliament for Kanata-Carleton, and Yasir Naqvi, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health and Member of Parliament for Ottawa Centre, made the announcement Monday at Lanovus' Ottawa headquarters.
The government says the funding is aimed at growing the AI ​​sector and filling gaps in the education, mental health, semiconductor, business advisory, digital sensors and wireless industries.
“Ottawa is one of Canada's largest technology hubs thanks to our competitive, cutting-edge businesses. By making repayable investments in these six companies today, we are leveraging talented and skilled talent to improve the way Canadians and their families live, work and do business,” said Sudds.
The six companies will receive a share of the $11 million announced on Monday.
Lanovus will receive $4.8 million as the government says it is working to expand annual production of the Odin 8 chip to about 100,000 units at its Kanata facility and to commercialize its own production.
ThinkRF is investing $2 million to expand its automated wireless monitoring solutions, including its Spectrum Experience product, in response to growing economic and public safety reliance on wireless networks.
Larus Technologies has received $1.5 million to develop advanced software-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions using AI and machine learning for retailers and businesses specializing in e-commerce, complex supply chains and consumer brands.
TryCycle Data Systems has secured $1 million to expand and strengthen its mental health technology platforms, TetherAll and Talking Stick, and to ramp up staffing to enter new markets, including Indigenous and veteran communities, first responders and students in Canada, the U.S. and overseas.
TutorOcean is getting $1 million to bring new AI capabilities to its personalized Student Success learning platform.
Armstrong Monitoring is receiving $700,000 to upgrade its facilities and develop technology to detect hazardous gases.
“The potential of Ottawa and Southern Ontario is enormous, particularly in the technology sector. Today we are investing in the potential to develop more innovative solutions to support the well-being of Canadians,” Naqvi said.
Ottawa is home to more than 1,800 technology companies, employing more than 88,000 people.
