Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), today announced over $1.3 million in funding to support three Saskatchewan-based businesses in adopting artificial intelligence (AI) to drive innovation and economic growth. The investments, aimed at accelerating AI adoption and digital transformation, are part of Canada’s broader strategy to maintain its global leadership in AI and foster sustainable economic development.
The funding, provided through PrairiesCan’s Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) and Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP) program, will support projects that enhance productivity, create jobs, and position Canadian businesses to compete in critical sectors such as agriculture, clean technology, and digital innovation. The initiatives are expected to generate 50 new jobs and contribute $30.5 million in revenue growth, including $5.6 million in exports.
Details of the Investments:
- Ground Truth Agriculture Inc. ($586,900, RAII)
Ground Truth Agriculture will finalize and commercialize an AI-driven grain grading system for both benchtop and on-combine use. This technology provides real-time, transparent data on grain quality, analyzing factors such as disease and damage. The system enables farmers, commercial grain buyers, and food processors to make informed decisions, improving efficiency across the supply chain. “Support from PrairiesCan is a vote of confidence in the importance of consistent grain quality data from farm to destination,” said Kyle Folk, CEO of Ground Truth Agriculture. - Greenwave Innovations Inc. ($425,000, RAII)
Greenwave will enhance its AI-powered energy monitoring platform for commercial and industrial buildings. The platform optimizes energy conservation, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and improves building safety and maintenance. With this funding, Greenwave will integrate AI-driven features to proactively identify equipment issues, detect gas and water leaks, and trigger automated shut-off systems, streamlining operations and reducing waste. - Offstreet Technology Inc. ($300,000, BSP)
Offstreet Technology will advance its cloud-based guest registration parking platform, used by universities and private parking operators to streamline guest parking management. The investment will support enhancements to the platform and facilitate market expansion across North America, saving time for both visitors and hosts.
Driving Canada’s AI Advantage
Today’s announcement aligns with the Government of Canada’s $2.4 billion commitment in Budget 2024 to strengthen Canada’s AI ecosystem. This includes investments to accelerate job growth, boost productivity through AI adoption, and ensure responsible development of AI technologies. The appointment of the Honourable Evan Solomon as Canada’s first Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation on May 13, 2025, underscores the government’s priority to lead globally in AI innovation.
“Across Saskatchewan, businesses are proving that Prairie innovation can solve big challenges,” said Minister Olszewski. “By adopting advanced technologies like AI, they’re scaling up, creating high-quality jobs, and competing globally. These investments also position Canada for long-term success in key sectors like value-added agriculture, defence, critical minerals, and nuclear energy.”
The Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State (Rural Development) and MP for Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River, added, “Helping local businesses adopt AI and new digital tools can be a real game-changer. Whether it’s improving grain grading or saving energy, these kinds of investments create jobs and support stronger communities across Saskatchewan.”
About the Funding Programs
The RAII, with a $200 million allocation, supports businesses in commercializing AI technologies and accelerating adoption in sectors such as agriculture, clean technology, healthcare, and manufacturing. The BSP program provides interest-free, repayable funding to high-growth businesses to improve productivity and scale operations. These initiatives reflect Canada’s commitment to fostering innovation and building a resilient, competitive economy.
About PrairiesCan
Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) works to diversify and strengthen the economy in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba by supporting innovation, business growth, and community development.
Source: Prairies Economic Development Canada
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