Federal funding of $17 million through PrairiesCan will create hundreds of jobs and help Edmonton’s most innovative and leading-edge companies grow and enter new markets

April 29, 2022 – Edmonton, Alberta – Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan)

Albertans have the passion, determination, and expertise needed to develop cutting-edge products to meet global market demands. In and around Edmonton, innovative businesses across many industries and sectors are proving Canadian firms have what it takes to succeed in the global economy.

Today, the Honourable Daniel Vandal, Minister for PrairiesCan, joined by the Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance, announced a federal investment of more than $17 million to help 11 leading-edge Edmonton area firms access the resources, capital, and support they need to scale-up and bring their products and services to new markets. 

These companies are playing crucial roles in key economic sectors of Alberta’s economy, including advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and digital technologies.

• AltaML is receiving $2,580,000 to scale-up its business development and marketing capacity and to deliver enhanced artificial intelligence enabled solutions that help clients improve productivity, reduce costs, and increase efficiency.
• Dryrun is receiving $250,000 to enhance its financial modelling software and launch new sales and marketing activities to increase global market share.
• EC Labs is receiving $350,000 to expand manufacturing and sales of its products into new international markets.
• Landmark Group of Companies is receiving $1,000,000 to establish a pilot microfactory that increases the efficiency of home building by using artificial intelligence enabled robots to manufacture precision-built housing components.
• PBG BioPharma is receiving $5,390,000 to increase its biopharmaceutical manufacturing capacity and develop new natural health products and medicines that contribute to increased domestic and global sales.
• RJ MacLean Inc. is receiving $671,750 to develop, launch, and market a more efficient and effective industrial tank cleaning system called, ”The Osprey.”
• RUNWITHIT Synthetics is receiving $900,000 to adapt and market its artificial intelligence enabled synthetic modelling platform to better support clean energy transition modeling and increase sales.
• Sidekick is receiving $455,000 to develop new muscle relief and recovery medical products and launch digital marketing campaigns to increase sales in new markets.
• Smart Access is receiving $250,000 to expand the functionality and sales of its software platform that reduces employee turnover, increases efficiency, and increases sales by making it easier for frontline workers to access, learn, and execute tasks.
• Sparrow Connected is receiving $1,420,500 to enhance technologies and launch new marketing activities promoting their all-new, multi-platform corporate communications marketplace. 
• The Organic Box is receiving $818,124 to adapt The Güd Box food delivery service to improve access to fresh, affordable, and seasonal produce to vulnerable low income and new Canadian families.

In addition, three of Edmonton’s key innovation drivers are also receiving funding to create opportunities for local businesses.

• Innovate Edmonton is receiving $779,310 for “Capital City Pilots,” a novel collaboration with the City of Edmonton to develop, promote and market a procurement model where small- and medium-sized businesses can test their innovative technologies using City of Edmonton owned assets.
• The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) is receiving $1,391,700 to develop a standalone 5G network and a 5G mobile unit that enable businesses and industry partners to test new ground breaking 5G products and services.
• Startup TNT is receiving $780,000 to develop and deliver investment summits that strengthen the start-up ecosystem and access to capital in Alberta and Saskatchewan.

The total federal investment of $17,036,384 is expected to create 882 jobs that help drive the Alberta economy forward.