The federal government has announced more than $7 million in funding to Ottawa-based tech companies in an effort to grow Canada’s technology and artificial intelligence sectors.
Liberal cabinet minister Jenna Sudds, the MP for Kanata-Carleton, made the announcement Monday on behalf of Ruby Sahota, the minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario on a visit to InPho in Kanata.
InPho, which manufactures fiber optic chips, is getting $3 million to support production.
“InPho’s success is a testament to the power of the Canadian government’s support for high technology startups,” said InPho CEO Joe Costello in a news release. “Our world speed record fiber optic chips would not have been possible without Canadian investment in our R&D work over the last four years. FedDev Ontario funding will enable us to go from lab to revenue in less than 18 months, which would not have happened without FedDev Ontario.”
Five other companies are also receiving a share of the dollars, including Aerial Vehicle Safety Solutions Inc. (AVSS), Communication Components Antenna Inc. (CCAI), Mission Control, NORTAC Defence, and Trualta Care Network (Trualta). The government says the spending is meant to help the companies scale-up and commercialize new products and services.
“The Ottawa region is one of the largest tech hubs in Canada, with immense potential, especially in AI. With today’s investment in these six Ottawa companies, we are capitalizing on our brightest minds as they develop innovative solutions to support next-generation digital technologies,” said Sudds.
CCAI is receiving $2.1 million towards commercializing a unified 5G and Wi-Fi small cell platform that could help provide internet connectivity for rural and Indigenous communities.
AVSS is receiving just under $1.1 million towards its drone avalanche monitoring technology.
Trualta is getting $750,000 for its online AI-enabled caregiver education and support platform.
NORTAC Defence is receiving $250,000 toward its Android app designed for military personnel and first responders.
Mission Control is receiving $150,000 to expand its Spacefarer platform to command and monitor remote assets in space and on Earth and launch its Spacefarer AI platform.
“Artificial intelligence and technology is changing our world, and our local businesses are at the forefront of this growing ecosystem. Today’s announcement for the Ottawa region builds on the strengths of our AI and tech industries, and helps businesses access the support they need to commercialize the critical technologies of the future,” Sahota said.
