Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), has announced federal funding exceeding $10.9 million to support seven Alberta-based businesses and organisations. These investments target companies working with artificial intelligence (AI), digital adoption, and advanced manufacturing, aiming to help them grow, diversify, and adapt amid a swiftly changing economic environment.
This funding builds on Alberta’s strengths in AI and technology, reinforcing its position as a hub for innovation. Notable recipients include:
- RAM Elevators + Lifts will receive over $1.9 million to increase manufacturing capacity for elevators and lifts designed for both homes and commercial buildings.
- Samdesk has been granted $1.8 million to commercialise and speed up the adoption of its AI-powered platform, which focuses on crisis and travel risk management.
- Promise Robotics will get $2.5 million to set up a robotics-driven factory for homebuilding, supporting the production of sustainable and affordable housing.
Minister Olszewski commented: “The world is changing fast, and Alberta businesses are rising to meet that challenge with innovation and ambition. Our new government is investing in high-growth companies so they can harness AI, robotics, and advanced manufacturing—not just to stay competitive, but to lead. These are the kinds of forward-looking investments that create good jobs and position Canada for long-term success in a shifting global economy.”
James Neufeld, CEO and Founder of samdesk, said: “As a proud Canadian company, samdesk is thrilled to be recognized among Alberta’s most innovative businesses. This support helps us accelerate the global adoption of our AI-powered crisis and risk intelligence platform – technology that’s already proving critical in helping governments, enterprises, and humanitarian organizations respond faster to wildfires, natural disasters, geopolitical disruptions, and more. From defence to disaster response, our AI is enabling smarter, real-time decisions when they matter most.”
Corey Smith, President & CEO of RAM Elevators + Lifts, added: “At RAM Elevators + Lifts, we have a vision of making 10,000 more buildings accessible by 2028. With the support of PrairiesCan’s Business Scale-Up funding, we will be able to move into a larger plant to increase our manufacturing capacity, invest in modern equipment that will enhance our productivity, and add key people to our team, all of which will help make this goal a reality.”
Doug Griffiths, CEO of the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce, praised the initiative: “This kind of investment is exactly what Alberta needs to compete and thrive in a changing economy. By supporting businesses that are scaling up, adopting advanced technologies, and creating high-quality jobs, PrairiesCan is helping to grow a more productive, resilient, and globally competitive Alberta economy. The Edmonton Chamber applauds this commitment to innovation and economic growth—and the confidence it shows in Alberta’s potential.”
The funding comes through PrairiesCan’s Business Scale-up and Productivity program, the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative, and the Regional Homebuilding Innovation Initiative. These investments are expected to support around 200 jobs across the province, helping Alberta businesses capitalise on new opportunities in AI, robotics, and manufacturing.
