News Summary

Canada’s federally funded Global Innovation Cluster for digital technologies, known as DIGITAL, is investing $15 million in 16 AI-focused workforce development and skilling programs across the country. This investment, matched by private partners for a total of $30 million, aims to connect workers with employers and bridge the skills gap in high-growth careers. The projects fall under AI Skills and Adoption programs and CareerTech initiatives, with funding ranging from $160,000 to $2.1 million per project. Notable projects include Steel River’s ‘FibreHide: Threads of Knowledge’, which received $2.1 million for cultural competency training, and Protexxa’s cybersecurity platform led by Claudette McGowan, which received $1.2 million. Other funded organizations include Unity Health Toronto, Human Feedback Foundation, and The Forum. This initiative follows other significant investments in AI adoption and skills training in Canada.