The Northern Centre for Advanced Technology, (NORCAT), a non-profit organization in Sudbury, Ontario, that provides skilled labour training for the mining and other industries has announced a C$1.05 million ($760,000) investment to help Northern Ontario’s start-ups scale, adopt new technologies, and compete globally.
The funding will support two key programs that give entrepreneurs the tools, resources, and confidence to bring technology-driven ideas from concept to market.
The Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) is a two-year program designed to accelerate the adoption and commercialization of artificial intelligence across Northern Ontario.
Through advisory services, targeted training, cloud and server infrastructure, and micro-grants of up to C$20,000, the initiative will support both start-ups building AI-driven technologies and established companies integrating AI into their operations.
By helping companies develop in-house expertise and practical applications, RAII will strengthen efficiency, competitiveness, and long-term growth potential, NORCAT said in a news release.
The Innovation Acceleration Program (IAP), now in its third iteration, is a three-year micro-grant program that provides up to C$20,000 in matching funding to support start-ups at critical stages of development. The program enables companies to invest in research and development, testing, prototyping, market expansion, and other commercialization activities. Over the years, IAP has supported dozens of local ventures, helping them scale faster, attract new customers, and compete on a larger stage.
Together, these two initiatives will support more than 35 small- and medium-sized enterprises across Northern Ontario, creating new jobs, advancing product development, and contributing to a more resilient regional innovation economy.
“This investment from FedNor ensures that Northern Ontario entrepreneurs have access to the same opportunities and resources as their peers in larger centres,” NORCAT Innovation Manager Brendan Skiffington said.
“AI is evolving at an extraordinary pace, and the cost of adoption can put small companies at a disadvantage. With this support, local founders can experiment, integrate, and commercialize technologies that will help them grow and keep Northern Ontario on the map as a leader in innovation.”
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