In Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality News
January 14, 2020 – Scale AI, a driving force in projects for the application of artificial intelligence at Canadian-based companies, has announced CAD $27 million in investments to support 10 projects (CAD $22.6 million from the Government of Canada and CAD $4.2 million from the Government of Quebec). Including these companies’ own contributions, the investment amounts to CAD $75 million committed to modernizing processes for productivity enhancement through creativity and Canadian-developed solutions.
In sectors ranging from shipping to retail, and including aeronautics, healthcare and supply chain management tools applicable to a wide range of industries, the projects show the diversity of practical and immediate applications of artificial intelligence being deployed in Canada.
Julien Billot, CEO of Scale AI, noted, “We are excited by the diversity and quality of the projects submitted to Scale AI’s financing program for applied artificial intelligence projects. Funding of $27 million, out of a total of more than $75 million invested in 10 projects, will help accelerate the adoption of AI at the participating companies and will inspire others to follow suit.”
Of the 10 projects being supported, one involves ‘object detection and augmented reality’ from Quebec-based OVA, which creates training and skill-building immersive experiences for businesses. The investment will go towards OVA’s virtual and augmented reality technology that applies artificial intelligence to identify defective aircraft equipment and components, which significantly reduces repair times for Aircraft Fleet Operators and optimizes the process as a whole, according to the company.
Harold Dumur, Founder and CEO at OVA, commented: “Empowering aerospace professionals with the capacity to optimize and improve Operator trainings, as well as the repair process itself, is vital to the aerospace industry. The solution developed by OVA came in response to this urgent need.”
Scale AI’s investment totals CAD $400,000, making up 50% of a total CAD $800,000 investment for OVA. OVA’s project partners are Canadian aerospace and automotive manufacturer, Bombardier Inc., and CiMMi, a technology transfer center specializing in the development of digital image processing technologies.
The other nine projects to receive investments include AI-based solutions relating to supply-chain, retail, planning, and patient care markets. Altogether, nine organizations and 40+ key partners have taken part in the rollout of the projects, including the participating companies, consultancies, research centers and business partners (customers and suppliers).
The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Canadian Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, stated, “With the announcement of these new projects, it is clear that the Scale AI supercluster has momentum. Scale AI is inspiring companies of all sizes to take the leap toward artificial intelligence and is helping establish Canada as a global leader in this emerging technology. These new projects will help tackle important industrial challenges in Canada’s areas of economic strength. They present new opportunities to generate prosperity for Canadian families through new and innovative high-quality jobs.”
Image credit: OVA/Scale AI
About the author
Sam Sprigg
Sam is the Founder and Managing Editor of Auganix. With a background in research and report writing, he has been covering XR industry news for the past seven years.
