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SCALE AI announces a major financing round with more than $96M in investments supporting 22 AI projects

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MONTREAL, June 4, 2024 /CNW/ – SCALE AI, Canada’s AI Global Innovation Cluster, is announcing a major financing round with $96 million in total investments to support 22 artificial intelligence (AI) projects in key sectors such as life sciences, retail, manufacturing, transportation and logistics, and agriculture. Each initiative announced today aims to enhance efficiency, safety, and operational excellence thanks to AI-powered services and solutions, further advancing applied AI expertise in the country, to the benefit of the entire Canadian economy.

In a concerted effort to elevate national productivity and tackle Canada’s most pressing societal and economic challenges, AI emerges as a powerful tool to enhance our resource management. The projects selected by the SCALE AI team have been chosen for their potential to deliver concrete economic and human benefits and intellectual property advancements for the players involved and for the Canadian AI ecosystem. From improving supply chain logistics to advancing healthcare outcomes, the technological advances resulting from these projects are set to redefine industry standards and create tangible benefits for businesses and consumers alike.

This is one more step towards the creation of products by Canada’s leading AI providers to accelerate the adoption of AI products here and internationally. By focusing on SMEs, SCALE AI addresses the importance of stimulating domestic AI demand and reinforcing Canadian AI sovereignty amidst international competition.

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, says: “Artificial intelligence is one of the greatest technological transformations of our age, and the variety of projects being announced today demonstrates why the Canadian AI ecosystem is among the best in the world. These projects are providing Canadians with the tools they need to harness the power of AI, while ensuring the technology is safe and secure.”

Julien Billot, CEO, SCALE AI, explains: “The Scale AI team has diligently crafted a suite of promising use cases within our AI ecosystem, fortifying our prowess and propelling Canada to the forefront of the global AI arena. Our initiatives not only showcase our innovative spirit but also signal a future rich with potential, as we continue to unlock groundbreaking opportunities in artificial intelligence.” 

Hélène Desmarais, Co-Chair of the Board of Directors, SCALE AI, adds: “The projects supported by SCALE AI are not just about technological advancement; they’re a catalyst for job creation and economic growth, opening up new opportunities for skilled employment in the Canadian AI sector. We are proud to be the best ally for accelerating the adoption of AI by both large and small Canadian companies, and we envision a future where artificial intelligence not only drives economic growth but also fosters an inclusive and innovative society.”

22 new projects representing investments of $96 million

To learn more about the projects, click here.

→ NavTrax: AI-enabled forklift automation and collision avoidance

Partners: Foxfire Labs, Johnston Heavy Machinery, Qaskail Systems, Liftow, Royal Canadian Steel, The Design Quantum

SCALE AI investment: $3.5 million

Total investment: $8.8 million

→ AI Enabled Control Tower for End-To-End Supply Chain Visibility and Support

Partners: Cavendish Farms, Deloitte, Nuvoola AI

SCALE AI investment: $3 million

Total investment: $7.8 million

→ Optimized de-icing operations

Partners: Aeromag 2000, Vooban, Air Canada

SCALE AI investment: $3 million

Total investment: $7.6 million

→ Pricing and room assignment optimization – cruise and hospitality industries

Partners: Plusgrade, IVADO Labs, MSC Cruises, InnVest Hotels

SCALE AI investment: $2.5 million

Total investment: $6.4 million

→ Leveraging AI for Patient Segmentation and Medication Adherence Forecasting

Partners: Bayshore HealthCare, Deloitte, Manifold Data Mining, Architech Solutions Consulting Services

SCALE AI investment: $1.9 million

Total investment: $6.3 million

→ Smart Replenishment and Smart Capacity

Partners: LFL Group, InDro Robotics, Lemay.AI

SCALE AI investment: $1.9 million

Total investment: $5 million

→ Bottleneck recognition analytics for manufacturing

Partners: Pacefactory, Woodbridge, Magna International, FunnelCloud, DSS + Dupont Sustainable Solutions

SCALE AI investment: $1.9 million

Total investment: $4.8 million

→ NutriVision

Partners: Foxfire Labs, Magellan Systems, 503 Farming, Alokozay Distribution, Al-Nasr Groceries

SCALE AI investment: $1.6 million

Total investment: $4.2 million

→ ADM AI Ramp Fluidity

Partners: Aéroports de Montréal, IVADO Labs, Groupe Infynia

SCALE AI investment: $1.7 million

Total investment: $17.6 million

→ Usage cycle prediction and anomaly detection for electric vehicle fleets

Partners: Cleo, Location Brossard, IVADO Labs

SCALE AI investment: $1.3 million

Total investment: $3.4 million

→ Advanced Planogram Optimization Functionalities

Partners: Canadian Tire, IVADO Labs, Cantactix Solutions

SCALE AI investment: $1.2 million

Total investment: $3.1 million

→ Platform for the North American Supply Chain Business Health and Risk Management

Partners: FreshBooks, Bullet Security, Digital Design, IXICA Communications, Sitter Select, MiSCAN Lab (McMaster University)

SCALE AI investment: $1.2 million

Total investment: $2.9 million

→ Routific II AI-powered Route Optimization

Partners: Routific Solutions, Fresh Prep, Lemay.ai, Leis de Buds, Greenhouse Juice Company

SCALE AI investment: $1 million

Total investment: $3.4 million

→ Improving last mile delivery with AI-generated indoor maps

Partners: Mappedin, Shippie, Rogers, Communitech, UniUni

SCALE AI investment: $0.7 million

Total investment: $2.5 million

→ Project Janus

Partners: NOLK, MOOV AI, Spaceful

SCALE AI investment: $0.9 million

Total investment: $2.3 million

→ WorkSafe AI

Partners: OVA, ArcelorMittal Produits longs Canada, Centre for Development and Research in Digital Intelligence (CDRIN)

SCALE AI investment: $0.7 million

Total investment: $2.2 million

→ AI-Driven Supply Chain

Partners: Logistik Unicorp, Inmind technologies, SimWell, Laboratoire en Intelligence des Données (LID-polymtl), Mondou, POLR

SCALE AI investment: $0.7 million

Total investment: $1.9 million

→ AI-Automated Inspection and Predictive Maintenance of Wireline Cables

Partners: Tier 1 Energy, Zetane Systems, DeltaTee Enterprises

SCALE AI investment: $0.5 million

Total investment: $1.6 million

→ SOLARIS

Partners: Enovum Data Centers, FirstBlock, Mind in a Box, Société en commandite Lebourgneuf, Énergir

SCALE AI investment: $0.6 million

Total investment: $1.5 million

→ AI-enabled Raw Material Characterization for the Drug Manufacturing Supply Chain

Partners: Katalyze AI, Sanofi Canada

SCALE AI investment: $0.3 million

Total investment: $0.6 million

→ Predicting patient risk of hospitalization and re-optimizing Home Care delivery

Partners: AlayaCare, CIUSSS NIM, Bien Chez Soi, Polytechnique Montréal

SCALE AI investment: $1 million

Total investment: $2.8 million

→ Accelerating Canadian Customs Brokerage with Intelligent Document Processing

Partners: Mely.ai Solutions, W2C, Mantoria

Scale AI investment: $0.2 million

Total investment: $0.3 million

About SCALE AI (scaleai.ca)

As Canada’s AI Global Innovation Cluster, Scale AI acts as an investment and innovation hub that accelerates the rapid adoption and integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and contributes to developing a world-class Canadian AI ecosystem. Based in Montreal and funded by the federal government and the Quebec government, Scale AI works with more than 500 industry partners, research institutes, and other players in the field of AI. The organization develops programs to support investments in companies that implement real-world applications of AI and encourage the emergence of future Canadian flagships in the sector, all while facilitating the development of a highly skilled workforce.

SOURCE Scale AI

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QFocus Technologies Scales Global Engineering Business, Plans to Triple Workforce in 2027 to Support Growing Customer Demand

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BENGALURU, India and SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — QFocus Technologies LLC (QFocus), headquartered in the USA, is strengthening its global engineering operations following continued business growth across its key markets. The company has doubled its customer base to include top OEMs and CMs across AI infrastructure, medical devices and industrial products, adding multiple new customer engagements over the past 12 months.

Since its inception, QFocus has built relationships with leading global organizations across the technology and manufacturing ecosystem, supporting engineering programs for a global electronics manufacturing and supply chain solutions provider, a leading computational software company serving the semiconductor design industry, a frontier AI company advancing AI infrastructure and computing, and a global medical technology company, amongst others.

These customer programs also offer QFocus engineers opportunities to work on real-world engineering challenges for global organizations, gain exposure to international engineering practices and contribute to technologies and products with applications across industries. By working alongside experienced Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and supporting demanding customer requirements, engineers can deepen their technical capabilities while gaining experience across the product development and manufacturing lifecycle.

The company plans to triple the number of its engineers globally over the next 12 months, strengthening its capabilities across AI/ML & software engineering, data science & engineering, ASIC hardware & embedded software design, validation & verification, and manufacturing & quality engineering. The expansion will support QFocus’ growing portfolio of global customer programs while further positioning it as a premier SME-led engineering services provider globally.

Founder & CEO Ajit Chandorkar said, “We see tremendous opportunities to support customers navigating complex development and manufacturing environments. Our delivery model pairs industry-recognized SMEs directly with agile engineering teams, combining strategic foresight with technical execution to address our customers’ most intricate challenges. Expanding our product engineering team alongside our AI capabilities will further strengthen this approach, enabling our customers to accelerate time-to-market, elevate product quality and improve operational efficiency. As we continue to build our engineering capabilities, we remain focused on fostering a high-caliber team that delivers world-class solutions and creates lasting value for our customers.”

QFocus is also continuing to build relationships with academic institutions and engineering partners globally to strengthen its talent pipeline and create opportunities for engineering professionals to work on emerging technology areas.

About QFocus Technologies

QFocus is a US-based design and manufacturing engineering service provider, delivering consulting-led services that help clients achieve faster time-to-market and improved process and product quality. QFocus’ comprehensive service portfolio spans embedded systems & AI, manufacturing/quality engineering, factory data analytics, and operational excellence. QFocus serves clients across Medical & Life Sciences, AI Infrastructure and CE, and Industrial & Transport sectors.

QFocus fosters a vibrant environment of joy, excitement, creativity, and innovation, placing inclusion, empathy, and empowerment for every employee and partner at the heart of its growing culture. We are a team of Go-Getters in the making!

For more information about QFocus and its services, visit www.qfocustech.com or contact ops@qfocustech.com. 

 

 

 

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AULUMU Introduces the ADuo Particle Aramid Fiber Case for iPhone Duo

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1500D aramid fiber meets a universe-inspired particle array, combining technical aesthetics with everyday protection

SHENZHEN, China, Oct. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — AULUMU, the design-driven accessories brand known for blending futuristic aesthetics with functional engineering, introduces the ADuo Particle Aramid Fiber Case for iPhone Duo. Part of the brand’s Particle Series, the new case combines a lightweight 1500D aramid-fiber construction with a distinctive particle-array design, dual-screen protection, and MagSafe compatibility in a slim, technical form.

Inspired by the primordial order of the universe and tactical aesthetics, the ADuo Particle transforms a finely woven surface into a dynamic visual composition. Its precisely arranged particles create a sense of depth and structure, evoking the ubiquitous particles found throughout the universe. The result is a design that balances visual complexity with a restrained, functional aesthetic.

At the core of the ADuo Particle is 1500D aramid fiber, selected for its refined woven texture and lightweight strength. The finely woven material creates a distinctive tactile surface while maintaining a slim profile for everyday carrying. A skin-friendly coating further enhances grip and makes routine cleaning easier, bringing material refinement and practical usability together.

The ADuo Particle is available in two finishes, each interpreting the particle-array concept through a different visual language. Abyss Blue features a UV-processed gradient particle array, creating a sense of depth through a gradual shift in color. Polar Black combines glossy particles with black aramid fabric, producing a subtle interplay of light and shadow that changes with the viewing angle. Together, the two colorways offer distinct expressions of the same technical design language.

Beyond its visual identity, the ADuo Particle integrates a series of protective details designed for everyday use. A full-coverage PC protective frame surrounds the front screen, helping protect its edges and corners. An aluminum-alloy camera guard adds protection around the camera area, while raised edges around the screen and camera help reduce direct contact with surrounding surfaces. These elements complement the slim construction without adding unnecessary visual bulk.

The case also supports compatible MagSafe accessories, extending its functionality beyond basic device protection. Users can pair it with magnetic accessories, including the AULUMU G09 Mag Stand, to create a more flexible setup for everyday work, viewing, and mobile use. By combining magnetic compatibility with a refined aramid-fiber exterior, the ADuo Particle fits naturally into a technical, minimalist everyday carry setup.

The ADuo Particle reflects AULUMU’s ongoing approach to product design: bringing material innovation, functional details, and a distinctive industrial aesthetic into everyday technology accessories. Rather than treating protection and appearance as separate priorities, the case integrates both into a cohesive design built around the character of the device and the needs of daily use.

AULUMU is also developing two additional ADuo Aramid Fiber Case variations: a distinctive all-white edition and a gradient edition inspired by the visual direction of the A18 Ultra Slim Gradient Aramid Fiber Case. Release dates for both versions have yet to be determined.

Available on the AULUMU website for $89.98

What is More

AULUMU is also preparing a special limited version of ADuo Particle Aramid Fiber Case which is the world first All-White Aramid Fiber case. The release date for this case has not yet been determined.

About AULUMU

Founded in 2022, AULUMU is a design brand focused on high-performance gear, drawing inspiration from the functional aesthetics of cyberpunk and the philosophical roots of ancient Greek thought. Since its inception, the brand has launched dozens of digital accessory products, secured multiple utility and invention patents, and received the 2025 Red Dot Design Award. Today, AULUMU products serve hundreds of thousands of users across more than 20 countries and regions, positioning the brand as a growing presence in the global high-performance accessories market.

For more information, visit: https://aulumu.com/, or follow AULUMU on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aulumu_official/

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aulumu-introduces-the-aduo-particle-aramid-fiber-case-for-iphone-duo-302917688.html

SOURCE AULUMU

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LianLian Global and PayPal Power Cross-Border Payouts for Social Commerce, Marketplace, and eCommerce Customers

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Social commerce, marketplaces and eCommerce players served by LianLian Global can now pay creators, influencers, developers, and independent contractors directly to their PayPal and Venmo wallets.

NEW YORK, Oct. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LianLian Global  today announced it has partnered with PayPal (NASDAQ: PYPL) to enable its social commerce, marketplace and e-commerce clients to send payouts directly to PayPal accounts globally and to Venmo accounts in the U.S.

The creator and gig economy runs on fast, low-friction payouts. Brands are expected to spend $32.6 billion on creators in 2026 and roughly 50 million people worldwide create content professionally or semi-professionally (Gigapay Global Creator Economy Report 2026). Many of these recipients already hold a PayPal or Venmo account: PayPal had over 400 million active accounts across approximately 200 markets at the end of Q2 2026, and Venmo reached 67 million monthly active accounts in Q4 2025.

Paypal Payouts is live in 96 global markets and 24 currencies. It allows merchants to send to any email address, mobile number, or Venmo user handle, with or without an existing PayPal or Venmo account.

To support enterprises expanding globally, LianLian Global provides digital payment services including pay-in, pay-out, acquiring, foreign exchange, virtual cards and payment aggregation. To date, its parent company Lianlian DigiTech has served more than 13.3 million clients. Its services reach more than 200 countries and regions, support transactions and settlement in more than 140 currencies, and connect with more than 180 global e-commerce platforms.

The partnership combines LianLian Global’s cross-border collection, FX and compliance infrastructure with PayPal’s global wallet network. Key offerings include:

Pay to PayPal: Payouts from LianLian Global clients to PayPal account holders in 96 markets, using only the recipient’s email or phone numberPay to Venmo: Domestic U.S. payouts to Venmo users, including creators, influencers and independent contractorsPayPal Payouts for Platforms: Mass disbursements for social commerce, marketplaces and affiliate platforms paying large numbers of sellers, creators and contractorsSpeed to settle: Save time and money by eliminating check runs and postage; no need for routing numbers and bank accounts.

Sandra Lam, Deputy CEO of US at LianLian Global: “Social commerce is creating a new economy, where creators, influencers and independent sellers drive discovery and sales alongside the platforms they sell on. Paying these participants fast, across borders and in small amount is what powers the network effect of social commerce. We see our work with Paypal as a key step in building the payout rails for the global gig economy.”

The collaboration expands LianLian Global’s payout coverage and supports its growth in the U.S. and global markets as cross-border platforms scale their creator and contractor programs.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lianlian-global-and-paypal-power-cross-border-payouts-for-social-commerce-marketplace-and-ecommerce-customers-302917635.html

SOURCE LianLian Global

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