The Canadian government has allocated $10.2 million to six Manitoba companies to foster AI adoption and technology growth, with Winnipeg-based adtech firm Taiv receiving the largest share to accelerate production and expansion.
- Taiv receives $5M to expand ad replacement hardware production and hiring.
- Manitoba Construction Sector Council awarded over $1M for drone and sensor resource development.
- Multiple Manitoba startups gain funding to integrate AI and automation in their platforms.
What happened
The Canadian federal government announced a $10.2 million funding initiative for six Manitoba businesses aimed at accelerating the adoption of artificial intelligence and related technologies. This distribution was formally presented by AI Minister Evan Solomon at a Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce event.
Winnipeg-based Taiv, an adtech company specializing in ad replacement hardware, received the largest grant of $5 million under the Business Scale-up and Productivity Program. Additional Manitoba companies, including ExpensePoint and the Manitoba Construction Sector Council, received substantial grants to enhance AI-driven innovation and build technical resources.
Why it matters
This funding aligns with the Canadian government’s national AI strategy, which prioritizes increasing technology adoption among businesses to stimulate economic growth and competitive advantage. Taiv’s investment supports job creation and regional tech ecosystem development, with over 75 positions created since 2025.
The initiative demonstrates a targeted approach to regional innovation, helping small and medium-sized enterprises access cutting-edge tools like drones and sensors for construction and integrate automation into business processes. These steps are expected to improve productivity and position Manitoba as a growing hub for AI applications.
What to watch next
The disbursement is part of a larger $500 million Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative administered through agencies like PrairiesCan, indicating ongoing federal support for AI adoption across Canada. Stakeholders should monitor how recipients leverage these funds to scale operations and innovate technology usage.
Future developments to watch include Taiv’s manufacturing expansion and talent acquisition as it grows within Canada and the U.S. market, as well as progress in creating new technical resources and AI-enabled platforms by other funded companies such as ExpensePoint and the Manitoba Construction Sector Council.