Government of Canada invests close to $600,000 to help commercialize new technology and advance AI solutions for Northern Ontario

Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Sudbury, today announced that FedNor is investing $595,400 to support three technology and AI driven initiatives. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for FedNor.

Funded through FedNor’s Regional Economic Growth Through Innovation Fund (REGI), a repayable investment of $500,000 will help CircuitIQ complete the late-stage development and commercialization of its Live Powerline Mapping Tool (LPMT). This cutting-edge technology will digitize legacy electrical systems in critical facilities including hospitals, transportation networks, utility stations, and more. The system will create circuit directories for every panel, labels for all devices, maps of panel locations, and a safety report to identify anomalies and deficiencies in an electrical system. The LPMT will give owners, facility managers, and tradespeople immediate and accurate insights into complex power distribution systems, while eliminating breaker cycling and shutdowns. It will also allow technicians to generate, view and print single line diagrams of a facility's electrical loads and circuits to help streamline troubleshooting and reduce errors and accidents, resulting in safer electrical system upgrades.

As part of the announcement, Waive is receiving a repayable contribution of $67,200 to help develop and commercialize an AI-driven automated form-filling tool to improve healthcare productivity. Once complete, the system will help leverage patient history from electronic medical records to autocomplete basic and complex forms such as disability tax forms, WSIB claims, and diagnostic referrals. Funded through the Government of Canada’s Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative for Northern Ontario, this project will help Waive grow its operations, create jobs, and alleviate administrative challenges facing our healthcare system by bringing a new AI-driven technology to market.

The remaining $28,200 will allow the Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corporation to develop and implement an AI strategic plan. Provided through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program (NODP), this non-repayable funding will also support AI training and help over 50 First Nation communities adopt AI frameworks to help them enhance operational efficiency and accelerate economic growth.

Quotes

“Canada is a global leader when it comes to technology and innovation and these FedNor investments will ensure more businesses, communities, and organizations have what they need to stay on the cutting edge. When local partners succeed through innovation, new technology, and business growth, so do our local economies. These priority projects support our Prosperity and Growth Strategy Northern Ontario, which is helping to get the region ready for tomorrow’s economy.” - The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister Jobs and Families and Minister Responsible for FedNor

 “Today’s announcement will help Northern Ontario harness the power of technology and innovation to support jobs, growth, and a strong economy. This investment of nearly $600,000 will help protect our critical facilities, create AI-driven solutions to improve healthcare services, and assist over 50 First Nations as they create AI frameworks. Investments like these are how the Government of Canada is future-proofing our economy, leading to enhanced productivity and more good-paying jobs that support local families and improve the lives of Sudburians and all Canadians.” - Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Sudbury

“Thanks to FedNor support we can take CircuitIQ to the next level by commercializing our new Live Powerline Mapping Tool. This cutting-edge technology will allow us to expand into new markets that can now include critical facilities such as hospitals and airports." - Luke Begley, CEO, Founder, CircuitIQ Inc.

 “I am pleased that the Government of Canada recognizes the potential that our AI-driven automated form-filling tool holds in terms of its capacity to improve productivity across our healthcare system. We are grateful that FedNor’s Regional AI Initiative will help us to get this product ready for market.” - Tabassum Pasha, Chief Operating Officer, Waive

“Artificial Intelligence presents both opportunities and risks. With FedNor’s support, OFNTSC is strengthening its own capacity by developing responsible AI governance within our organization. By doing this important work internally, we will be better equipped to deliver high-quality, secure, and innovative services that ultimately support and benefit the First Nations we serve.” - Melanie Debassige, Executive Director, Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corporation