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Government of Canada invests $100 million in VITAL health data platform

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VITAL will securely connect hospital data to improve health services, accelerate research and support Canadian innovation

TORONTO, June 23, 2026 /CNW/ – Every day, Canada’s health system generates data that could help improve care, strengthen health services and accelerate medical innovation. But too often, that data remains fragmented across hospitals, systems and jurisdictions, making it harder for researchers, clinicians and innovators to use it responsibly for the benefit of Canadians.

Today, the Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, and Maggie Chi, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health, announced a $100 million investment in the VITAL health data platform.

VITAL is building digital infrastructure for health data using near real–time clinical data from hospitals across Canada. By securely connecting de-identified electronic health data from across different systems, VITAL will create the largest hospital data network in Canada, providing researchers with near real–time access to health data for research and innovation. VITAL will significantly expand Canada’s capacity to support cutting-edge research that addresses health care’s pressing challenges, and it will support high-impact clinical trials and strengthen Canada’s leadership in health data and AI innovation.

This $100 million investment, announced as part of Canada’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy: AI for All, builds on significant prior federal support for VITAL. Through the Canadian Sovereign AI Compute Strategy announced in Budget 2024 and the update provided in the 2024 Fall Economic Statement, the Government of Canada committed up to $30 million over three years for the initial development of VITAL across three provinces: Alberta, Ontario and Quebec. Building on this momentum, in 2025, VITAL secured an additional $24.5 million from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) for a $68 million project to expand participation to rural hospitals, develop clinical trials software and integrate medical imaging data.

Together, these investments will enable VITAL to connect clinical data from more hospitals across Canada, break down data silos and help turn Canadian health data into better care, better services and Canadian-made innovation, while protecting patient privacy.

Quality data is also the foundation for responsible AI in health care. AI applications are already running across multiple provinces for tasks such as predicting heart disease and detecting sepsis. And more than 80 Canadian companies are working with health data and AI to improve triaging, remote monitoring and diagnostics. VITAL gives them a national platform to build on and will allow Canadians across the country to benefit from these innovations.

By investing in secure digital infrastructure and improving access to high-quality health data, Canada is supporting faster research, stronger clinical trials, better informed decision making and innovative tools that improve outcomes for patients.

Quotes

“Better health data can mean better health care. Every day, our hospitals generate information that could help researchers discover new treatments, improve services and build the next generation of Canadian health innovation. VITAL will help unlock that potential in a secure, privacy-preserving way. By investing in VITAL, we are building a sovereign health data ecosystem, governed in Canada and guided by Canadian values, so that data and AI can deliver better care for Canadians.”
– The Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

Investments in initiatives like VITAL are helping create a secure, pan-Canadian platform that connects clinical data across the country, enabling researchers and healthcare providers to harness artificial intelligence responsibly, accelerate discovery, and unlock the full potential of health innovation and research.”
– Maggie Chi, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health

“VITAL positions Canada as an ideal place to develop health AI tools and advance discoveries that could save lives and make the health care system better for patients and families. The platform will help safeguard national data sovereignty by ensuring the population’s health data is owned and governed by Canadians, for the benefit of Canadians.”
– Dr. Fahad Razak and Dr. Amol Verma, co-founders of VITAL and physicians at St Michael’s Hospital, a site of Unity Health Toronto.

Quick facts

The first phase of VITAL connects 160 hospitals across Ontario, Alberta and Quebec, serving over 20 million Canadians.With this increased investment, the platform could expand to additional provinces and territories over the coming months.The VITAL platform is designed to be sovereign and secure. Each province and territory will maintain ownership and oversight of its hospital data. The data will be de-identified and managed under strict governance frameworks that comply with federal and provincial standards for health data protection. VITAL also incorporates Indigenous-led governance to respect data sovereignty and privacy of Indigenous data.

Associated links

Overview of Canada’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy: AI for AllCanadian Sovereign AI Compute StrategyArtificial intelligence ecosystemCanada Foundation for Innovation

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SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

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Globe sustains CDP Supplier Engagement ‘A’ rating, continuing its collaborative journey across the value chain

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TAGUIG CITY, Philippines, June 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Globe has maintained its ‘A’ rating in the CDP Supplier Engagement Assessment (SEA) in 2025, reinforcing its commitment to transparency, climate action, and responsible business practices across its value chain. The recognition for the second consecutive year reflects Globe’s sustained efforts to integrate sustainability into the way it works with suppliers and partners.

The CDP SEA evaluates how companies work with suppliers on climate issues, recognizing organizations that demonstrate strong performance across governance, targets, Scope 3 emissions management, and value chain engagement. Companies that receive top marks across these areas are recognized as CDP Supplier Engagement Leaders, placing Globe among organizations advancing climate action beyond their direct operations.

“Maintaining our ‘A’ rating on the SEA from CDP for two consecutive years is a testament to our unwavering commitment to environmental transparency and collective climate action,” said Yoly Crisanto, Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer at Globe. “By actively empowering our entire value chain, we are turning our climate ambitions into measurable impact.”

Through the Globe Supplier Code of Ethics, the company encourages partners to align with the company’s sustainability goals, including its climate action roadmap. It has also embedded environment, social, and governance (ESG) criteria into procurement processes covering retail electricity providers, network equipment suppliers, and product packaging, among others.

The company likewise screens suppliers against ESG indicators to improve oversight across its ecosystem. Through AI-driven data capture, Globe monitors supplier ESG credentials, performance, and attributes to support improvement across the supply chain.

Beyond compliance and monitoring, Globe conducts capability-building initiatives that equip partners with foundational sustainability knowledge. These efforts are aimed at helping create a more resilient and future-ready supply chain ecosystem.

Alongside its SEA recognition, Globe also received its CDP Climate score of A- and Water score of B for the 2025 cycle. The company was likewise recognized by several organizations in 2025, including International Finance’s Best ESG Practices – Telecom Philippines 2025 recognition and 2026 Standard Insights’ Most Active Mobile Network for the Environment and Most Sustainable Mobile Network awards.

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ABOUT GLOBE

Globe Telecom, Inc. is a leading digital platform in the Philippines with interests in telecommunications, fintech, venture building, shared services, and digital marketing. It is listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange under the symbol GLO. The company delivers a full suite of mobile, broadband, data, and managed services to meet the needs of consumers and businesses. A UN Global Compact Participant, Globe is the first publicly listed Philippine firm with approved near- and long-term science-based targets under the SBTi. It was named one of TIME and Statista’s Most Sustainable Companies in 2025. Its back-to-back inclusion in the Fortune Southeast Asia 500 in 2024 and 2025 affirms its growth and leadership. Its principals are Ayala Corporation and Singtel, prominent industry leaders in the region.

 

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SOURCE Globe Telecom, Inc.

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Joyson Electronics Opens Hong Kong Office to Accelerate Global Expansion and Drive “Auto + Robotics” Dual-Engine Strategy

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HONG KONG, June 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Joyson Electronics (0699.HK / 600699.SH), a leading global provider of smart technology solutions, announced the official opening of its Hong Kong office today. Invited to establish a presence in the city as a strategic enterprise by InvestHK and the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES), Joyson Electronics will leverage this milestone to deepen its global footprint and propel its “Auto + Robotics Tier 1” dual-engine development.

Joyson Electronics is a premier global supplier of smart automotive technologies and a core component manufacturer for robotics, ranking as the second-largest in China and fourth globally in smart cockpit domain controllers. The opening ceremony was officiated by Ms. Lillian Cheong, JP, Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry; Dr. Ming Ge, Commissioner for Industry (Innovation and Technology); Prof. K.C. Chan, Chairman of the Chamber of Hong Kong Listed Companies, former Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, and Adjunct Professor and Senior Advisor to the Dean at HKUST Business School; and Mr. Zhiang Chen, Chairman of Ning Shing (Holdings) Co., Ltd.

The officiating guests were joined by Joyson Electronics’ senior management, including Mr. Jeff Wang (Founder, Chairman, and Executive Director), Mr. Xuesong Zhu (Vice Chairman and Non-Executive Director), Ms. Junyu Li (Executive Director, Vice President, and CFO), and Mr. Yike Wang (Managing Director of Joyson Electronics Hong Kong). Other notable attendees witnessing this significant moment included representatives from InvestHK and OASES.

Synergizing “AI+” and “Finance+” to Accelerate Global Expansion

The establishment of the Hong Kong office reflects the fruitful collaboration between the Mainland and Hong Kong, highlighting the HKSAR Government’s policy of synergizing “AI+” and “Finance+”. Following a visit to Joyson’s Ningbo headquarters last year, the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau (ITIB) proactively invited the company to expand into Hong Kong. Recognizing the city’s premier business environment and dual advantages in I&T and capital markets, Joyson successfully listed in Hong Kong late last year. Setting up this office capitalizes on Hong Kong’s role as a “super value-adder” under the national “15th Five-Year Plan.” The company aims to leverage this platform to enhance global capital operations, optimize financing structures, attract top-tier tech talent, elevate its international brand, and accelerate its globalization strategy.

As a global leader in automotive intelligence and core robotics components, Joyson Electronics boasts strong integrated hardware and software capabilities. Its diverse product portfolio covers autonomous driving, smart cockpits/connectivity, new energy management, and core robotics components. Furthermore, the company is actively extending its automotive technologies into AI server power supplies and optical communications, recently making strategic investments in North American optical module production to capture new global opportunities. Overall, Joyson’s core technological focus aligns perfectly with the Transport Department’s policies on connected vehicles and autonomous driving, as well as the HKSAR Government’s broader “AI+” initiatives.

Looking ahead, Mr. Jeff Wang, Founder, Chairman, and Executive Director of Joyson Electronics, stated at the ceremony: “Today marks a highly strategic milestone in Joyson Electronics’ development. As a leader in automotive and robotics components, we provide products and technical services to major automakers and robotics clients worldwide.  Establishing our presence here is a core step in upgrading our global tech strategy. Moving forward, we will use our Hong Kong office as a global strategic hub. By fully leveraging Hong Kong’s advantages, its deep pool of international talent, and its highly developed financial system, we will accelerate the Group’s global R&D and application of smart connected vehicle technologies. We look forward to forging comprehensive, deep-rooted industry-academic-research partnerships with local universities, research institutes, and government bodies such as the ITIB, OASES, and InvestHK. Together, we aim to contribute Joyson’s forward-looking technological expertise to help drive the transformation and growth of Hong Kong’s industries.”

Prof. K.C. Chan, Chairman of the Chamber of Hong Kong Listed Companies, former Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, and Adjunct Professor and Senior Advisor to the Dean at HKUST Business School, stated: “It is a great pleasure to gather here today to witness the grand opening of Joyson Electronics’ Hong Kong office. This is not only a major milestone but also a testament to the vitality of Hong Kong’s capital market. In recent years, the Hong Kong stock market has welcomed numerous high-quality Mainland enterprises, with Joyson Electronics being a prime example. By establishing a foothold here, Joyson Electronics has enriched Hong Kong’s industrial ecosystem and injected new momentum into the local market. This represents not only a strong vote of confidence in Hong Kong but also a visionary step toward the future.”

Ms. Lillian Cheong, JP, Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, remarked at the ceremony: “I am delighted to attend the opening ceremony of Joyson Electronics’ Hong Kong office. On behalf of the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau of the HKSAR Government, I extend my warmest congratulations to the company! During my team’s visit to Ningbo last year, touring Joyson Electronics’ headquarters was a key highlight. Joyson’s successful listing in Hong Kong last year brought fresh momentum to our stock market, and today, the official opening of this office brings the company’s cutting-edge smart automotive and robotics technologies to our city. I believe this is not only a crucial step in Joyson’s globalization strategy but also a strong endorsement of Hong Kong’s I&T prospects and a resounding vote of confidence in our future. Hong Kong is currently at a pivotal stage in its I&T development. The HKSAR Government is fully committed to leveraging technology to build a new real economy, driving high-quality growth, and making greater contributions to the country’s development as a technological powerhouse. We firmly believe that through the joint efforts of the HKSAR Government and outstanding I&T enterprises like Joyson Electronics, Hong Kong’s new industrialization will reach new heights. We look forward to even closer collaboration with Joyson Electronics as we advance our new industrialization and I&T initiatives.”

About Joyson Electronics

Joyson Electronics (600699.SH / 699.HK) is a leading global provider of smart technology solutions, specializing in the R&D and manufacturing of automotive electronics, automotive safety systems, and key components for next-generation agents. Joyson operates more than 25 R&D centers and 60 production facilities, and serves over 100 global automotive brands. Revenue reached RMB 61.2 billion in 2025.

Joyson Electronics positions itself as a “Tier 1 supplier for automotive and next-generation agents,” providing customers with innovative products in the fields of autonomous driving, intelligent cockpits, car connectivity, E-Mobility, automotive safety, and key components of next-generation agents. It is a leading global supplier of autonomous driving, with its full-stack solutions supporting multi-scenario autonomous driving capabilities from Level 2 to Level 4. Joyson is also the second-largest supplier of intelligent cockpit domain control systems in China and the fourth largest globally.

Additionally, Joyson Electronics has supplied samples or products to companies of next-generation agents worldwide, establishing itself as a leader in the components industry of next-generation agents.

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SOURCE Joyson Electronics

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SK keyfoundry Develops ‘Bi-SCR-Based On-Chip EMC Protection Technology’ to Enhance Automotive Semiconductor Reliability

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SEOUL, South Korea, June 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — SK keyfoundry, an 8-inch pure-play foundry in Korea, announced that it has recently developed a ‘Bi-SCR (Bi-directional Silicon Controlled Rectifier)-based On-Chip EMC protection technology’ capable of dramatically enhancing the EMC (ElectroMagnetic Compatibility) of automotive semiconductors. The company stated it has successfully applied this technology to its 0.13-micron BCD (Bipolar-CMOS-DMOS) process products and has entered mass production.

As the integration of electronic components in vehicles rapidly increases, ensuring the reliability of semiconductors to operate without malfunction even under extreme electrical stress conditions has emerged as a core challenge. While conventional ESD (ElectroStatic Discharge) protection devices  were primarily limited to controlling momentary discharges during the chip manufacturing or assembly processes, this newly developed technology is a design solution that enables complete on-chip control of harsh system-level EMC environments, including those required by automotive standards such as ISO 10605, where electrical stress can occur continuously during vehicle operation.

The ‘Bi-SCR’ structure implemented by SK keyfoundry offers flexible trigger-voltage adjustment and excellent high-current handling capability. In particular, it possesses high area efficiency, delivering outstanding performance in optimizing the protection capabilities of automotive power ICs, which face severe space constraints and require high integration. Most notably, it is highly significant as an ‘On-Chip’ solution that can effectively control EMC stress internally without the need for external protection components like TVS (Transient Voltage Suppressor) diodes, which were previously essential in system designs. Through this, customers can maximize circuit design and space efficiency while elevating system protection performance to the highest level.

This achievement is regarded as the fruit of combining SK keyfoundry’s unique automotive BCD process technology accumulated over the years with its advanced EMC and ESD protection design capabilities. Leveraging this successful mass production as a stepping-stone, the company plans to continuously expand its portfolio of protection devices based on high-voltage LDMOS, BJT, SCR, and diodes. Furthermore, it aims to strengthen its market competitiveness across various automotive applications that require high reliability, such as automotive PMICs (Power Management ICs), motor drivers, and power control ICs.

“In the recent automotive semiconductor market, beyond simple component-level ESD performance, ‘EMC robustness’ under actual harsh automotive electronic system environments is emerging as a core competitive edge,” said Derek D. Lee, CEO of SK keyfoundry. “The successful mass production and application of this Bi-SCR-based On-Chip EMC protection technology is a significant technological milestone that has elevated the reliability and system stability of automotive semiconductor products to the next level.” He added, “We will continue to strengthen the high-reliability, high-voltage, and high-efficiency process platforms demanded by our automotive customers and solidify our differentiated foundry competitiveness.”

About SK keyfoundry

Headquartered in Korea, SK keyfoundry provides specialty Analog and Mixed-Signal foundry services for semiconductor companies to serve a wide range of applications in the consumer, communications, computing, automotive and industrial industries. With a broad range of technology portfolios and process nodes, SK keyfoundry has the flexibility and capability to meet the ever-evolving needs of semiconductor companies across the globe. Please visit https://www.skkeyfoundry.com for more information.

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SOURCE SK keyfoundry.

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