The Government of Canada is doubling down on its commitment to AI innovation, announcing a $2.4 million investment in the Toronto Region Board of Trade’s new AI Business Catalyst (AIBC) program. The initiative, unveiled today by Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation Evan Solomon and Spadina–Harbourfront MP Chi Nguyen, is designed to equip 75 businesses and 460 participants with the tools and expertise needed to adopt artificial intelligence solutions across a range of industries.
With this funding, the AIBC program will connect small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to cutting-edge AI technologies, mentorship, and training, helping them boost productivity, drive innovation, and sharpen their competitive edge on the global stage. The move is part of a broader federal strategy to strengthen Canada’s AI ecosystem and ensure the country remains a leader in the rapidly evolving digital economy.
“The Toronto region is a global leader in AI research and development, providing a competitive advantage for Canadian businesses to lower costs, strengthen competitiveness and position themselves for international markets,” said Giles Gherson, President and CEO of the Toronto Region Board of Trade.
This latest investment underscores Canada’s ambition to not only accelerate responsible AI adoption but also to create higher-paying jobs and foster long-term economic growth in a technology-driven world