AI for All: Federal Support Accelerates Manitoba Innovation

The Canadian government has announced a landmark investment to help Manitoba businesses adopt artificial intelligence, launching a new phase of the national “AI for All” strategy. On July 7, 2026, Minister Evan Solomon and Minister Eleanor Olszewski unveiled more than $10.2 million in funding for six local companies, a move designed to boost productivity, create jobs, and keep Canadian talent and technology at home.

The funding will support over 170 new positions across the province and assist 35 small and medium‑sized enterprises in sectors ranging from agriculture and construction to manufacturing, advertising and support services. By providing capital for AI‑driven tools, training and technical support, the program aims to help firms solve real‑world problems, improve efficiency and compete in national and global markets.

Each recipient will receive a specific grant amount. Manitoba Construction Sector Council will establish a drone and sensor library with $1.14 million, giving construction firms access to advanced equipment and training. Aryval Ltd., a school enrollment platform, will get $500 000 to expand its services and strengthen cybersecurity. Construction Clock Inc. receives $471 352 to embed AI in its AutoClock platform, while ExpensePoint secures $2.32 million to modernize its expense‑management solution with embedded card services and AI automation.

Technology firms also benefit. Mode40 will allocate $800 000 to expand AI‑powered factory control software sales and support, and Taiv Inc. receives the largest award of $5 million to scale its AI‑driven ad‑replacement hardware across North America. These investments illustrate how targeted funding can turn innovative ideas into market‑ready products that drive economic growth.

Officials highlighted the broader goals of the AI for All program: to ensure that artificial intelligence is developed responsibly, with trust, accountability and national sovereignty at its core. By keeping AI research and commercialisation within Canada, the strategy seeks to protect intellectual property, create high‑skill jobs and reduce reliance on foreign platforms.

Minister Olszewski emphasized that “AI for All means making sure businesses, workers and communities across the country can use these technologies to solve real problems and share in the benefits.” The Manitoba projects demonstrate the government’s commitment to turning that vision into reality, providing companies with the tools they need to modernise operations, unlock new revenue streams and strengthen Canada’s position as a global AI leader.

As the program rolls out, applications for Business Scale‑up and Productivity funding and Regional Innovation Ecosystems funding remain open, inviting more Manitoba innovators to join the AI transformation. The partnership between federal ministries, regional agencies and local entrepreneurs marks a decisive step toward a more productive, resilient and technologically advanced Canadian economy.