SCALE AI Announces New Investments to Accelerate AI Adoption Across British Columbia

VANCOUVER, BC, Dec. 17, 2025 /CNW/ - SCALE AI, Canada's artificial intelligence (AI) cluster, announced today new investments supporting applied AI projects in British Columbia, part of a broad national effort unveiled yesterday by SCALE AI and Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation.

In British Columbia, SCALE AI is supporting a new applied AI initiative with a total project value of $6.8 million. This project led by EarthDaily Analytics illustrates how organizations in the province are adopting advanced AI technologies to strengthen competitiveness, accelerate innovation, and contribute to Canada's economic growth.

More specifically, this project will enable real-time detection of invasive species through satellite imagery and AI models, and trigger precise drone-based treatments that help farmers protect crops, improve yields, and reduce long-term ecological and economic losses.

The total investments led by SCALE AI in British Columbia now exceed $40 million, supporting 11 AI projects since the program's launch in 2018.

These projects are part of SCALE AI's largest funding round to date. Totaling $128.5 million announced yesterday, this announcement is a clear signal of the strong momentum behind artificial intelligence in British Columbia and in Canada--from growing public-sector commitment to build AI capabilities across industries nationwide. The announcement also highlights a growing trend: a rising number of projects now involve partners from multiple provinces, reflecting an increasingly interprovincial AI ecosystem and a strengthening culture of collaboration across Canada.

With the Government of Canada developing a renewed national AI strategy, investments like these are accelerating the commercialization and adoption of Canadian AI technologies in British-Columbia.

These projects also reflect a strong public-private partnership, with a 2:1 private-to-public investment ratio supporting real-world implementation and long-term economic impact.

Today's announcement took place at EarthDaily Analytics' headquarters in Vancouver. The event brought together Taleeb Noormohamed, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Member of Parliament for Vancouver Granville, along with project partners, provincial AI leaders, and representatives from SCALE AI. 

Quotes

"These projects, led by the Scale AI Cluster, reflect our comprehensive and ambitious nationwide approach to artificial intelligence and economic growth--one in which we work shoulder to shoulder with our partners to build world-class ecosystems and drive transformative outcomes through made-in-Canada AI solutions. The Global Innovation Clusters' collaborative model enables Canadian innovators to move at the speed of business, respond quickly to market needs, commercialize bold ideas and strengthen Canada's competitive edge." -- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions" -- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions 

"Artificial intelligence is opening new opportunities for Canadians, helping us work more efficiently, tackle real-world challenges and improve our living standards. Applied AI is where that impact is felt most clearly: on factory floors, in supply chains, in hospitals and across the companies building the next wave of innovation. Through these new Scale AI Cluster investments, our government is supporting leading Canadian companies deploying innovative AI solutions responsibly and strategically, in collaboration with Scale AI, Canadian innovators, academia and communities--driving economic growth and reinforcing Canada's leadership in applied AI."-- The Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario 

"British Columbia is home to incredible talent and innovation, and today's announcement shows how AI can help tackle real-world challenges like protecting crops and supporting sustainable agriculture. By investing in projects that combine cutting-edge technology with environmental stewardship, we're strengthening our economy and ensuring Canada remains a global leader in artificial intelligence." -- Taleeb Noormohamed, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Member of Parliament for Vancouver Granville

"AI is now taking root in every province, and the pace of development across the country is truly exciting. We're seeing every province rapidly expanding their capabilities, building new expertise and accelerating the adoption and commercialization of AI. The projects we are announcing this week reflect the growing breadth and depth of Canada's AI ecosystem, helping ensure the country remains at the forefront of a sector that is already shaping the competitiveness of tomorrow's economy." -- Julien Billot, CEO, SCALE AI

"Canadian industries are making remarkable progress in putting AI to work. These technologies have the power to transform business models, strengthen decision-making and equip teams to reach new levels of performance. Our goal is simple: ensure AI becomes a core element of every Canadian business strategy. Canada is uniquely positioned to lead this technological shift, supported by world-class research and talent. By co-investing in high-impact initiatives, SCALE AI is helping accelerate the commercialization of AI across the country." -- Hélène Desmarais, Co-Chair of the Board of Directors, SCALE AI

The French version of this press release is available here.

About SCALE AI (scaleai.ca)
SCALE AI is Canada's global innovation cluster in artificial intelligence (AI). Based in Toronto and Montreal, SCALE AI plays a central role as the main unifying force of the Canadian AI ecosystem. As an investment and innovation hub, it accelerates the rapid adoption and integration of AI into the Canadian economy while contributing to the development of a world-class AI ecosystem. Funded by the Government of Canada, SCALE AI brings together over 500 industry partners, research institutes, and other key players in AI. It provides strategic and financial support to companies implementing real-world AI applications, aiming to encourage the emergence of future industry leaders and facilitate the development of a highly skilled workforce. Additionally, SCALE AI is behind ALL IN, Canada's largest AI event that allows Canadian actors to showcase their expertise in front of an international audience from around the globe. For more information about SCALE AI, visit scaleai.ca or LinkedIn.

SOURCE Scale AI

Eric Aach, [email protected], 514-569-3594