News Summary

The Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan) has announced a $1.8 million investment in Innovate BC’s Integrated Marketplace initiative. This funding is dedicated to integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into projects at Vancouver International Airport and the Provincial Health Services Authority. As part of the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII), which is a $200 million federal program, this investment aims to support small-to-medium businesses in adopting new AI technologies. The initiative has already powered over 30 projects in British Columbia over the last two years. This investment will enhance a project at the Vancouver International Airport involving self-driving robotic pods for travelers with mobility challenges and a Provincial Health Services Authority project using AI to analyze digital tissue images for disease detection. The Integrated Marketplace, launched in 2022, helps BC technology companies test and refine their innovations in real-world settings, aiding them in entering new markets and scaling globally.