PrairiesCan announces more than $10.2 million in federal funding to support six innovative Manitoba businesses expanding their use of AI and digital technology

WINNIPEG, MB, July 7, 2026 /CNW/ – In a rapidly changing and increasingly competitive global economy, artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries and reshaping how businesses operate, creating new opportunities for innovation, productivity and economic growth. Across Manitoba, businesses are adapting to this new reality and finding practical ways to use artificial intelligence and digital technology to solve problems, improve productivity and compete in new markets.

As part of Canada’s AI for All strategy, the Government of Canada is helping small and medium-sized businesses adopt these tools, scale their operations, create good jobs and keep more talent, innovation and economic value here at home.

Today, the Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, joined The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce (WCC) to talk about what Canada’s new AI strategy means for local businesses.

While at WCC’s event, Minister Solomon, on behalf of the Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), announced over $10.2 million in funding to support six Manitoba organizations developing and using AI in the province.

The funding announced today will support the creation of more than 170 jobs in Manitoba and assist 35 SMEs across multiple industries, including agriculture, construction, manufacturing, advertising and support services.

Quotes

“AI for All means making sure businesses, workers and communities across the country can use these technologies to solve real problems and share in the benefits. Manitoba businesses are already finding practical ways to use artificial intelligence to improve productivity and compete in a changing economy. Our government is investing in that momentum, helping local companies adopt new technologies, scale their operations, create good jobs and build more of Canada’s economic strength here at home.”

–The Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan)

“Businesses and innovators are the backbone of our economy, and many are looking to use artificial intelligence to unlock productivity. Our government is committed to scaling up our country’s AI industry, driving AI adoption and building a sovereign digital infrastructure. By harnessing AI and building trust in how it is developed and deployed, we are driving growth and shared prosperity in Manitoba and across the country.”

–The Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

“Thrilled to partner with PrairiesCan and see them continue to support tech and innovation in the province. Throughout Taiv’s history, we have promised to create jobs in Manitoba and have since followed through; creating over 75 jobs since 2025. This funding will let us continue to support the local economy as we build Taiv into a key part of Manitoba’s tech ecosystem. We’re grateful for the support and excited for what lies ahead.”

–Noah Palansky, CEO & Co-Founder, Taiv Inc.

Quick facts

On June 4, 2026, the Government of Canada launched Canada’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy: AI for All.The strategy will help ensure Canada leads in AI innovation while grounding the development and use of AI in trust, responsibility and national sovereignty.AI for All will help position Canada as a global leader in responsible AI while ensuring the benefits of this transformation are broadly shared. It is about making sure AI works for Canadians–strengthening our economy, improving public services, supporting Canadian companies and giving Canada greater control over its digital future.Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP) and Regional Innovation Ecosystems (RIE)  funding applications are accepted on an ongoing basis with no deadline.Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) funding applications will be accepted until December 31, 2028, or until funding has been fully committed or otherwise announced.

Backgrounder

Canada is a leader in Artificial Intelligence (AI). Ensuring Canadians, including small and medium-sized enterprises, take advantage of the opportunities presented by AI is critical for our competitiveness in a shifting global economy.

The projects announced today are helping Manitoba businesses adopt new technology, create jobs and compete in new markets, while keeping Canadian innovation and economic value here at home.

PrairiesCan announced investments for one non-repayable project under the Regional Innovation Ecosystems Program (RIE):

Manitoba Construction Sector Council Inc. $1,140,000
Manitoba Construction Sector Council will establish a drone and sensor library for small and medium-sized construction companies. Businesses will gain access to advanced equipment, hands-on training and technical support to improve productivity in the construction and housing sectors.

PrairiesCan announced investments for five repayable projects under the Business Scale-up and Productivity Program (BSP):

Aryval Ltd. $500,000
Aryval Ltd. will expand its event and enrolment management platforms for private and independent schools in Canada and the United States. The company will hire staff, strengthen cybersecurity and pursue new markets.

Construction Clock Inc. $471,352
Construction Clock will enable the adoption of AI technology that will improve internal processes and strengthen the company’s products and services, including SuperClock, an AI-enhanced version of its AutoClock platform.

ExpensePoint $2,319,784
ExpensePoint will modernize its expense-management platform through embedded card services and AI-powered automation. The company will also add new roles and strengthen employees’ skills in AI, data and digital security.

mode40 ltd. $800,000
mode40 ltd. will bring its AI-powered factory control software to more manufacturers by expanding its sales, deployment, customer success and technical support teams.

Taiv Inc. $5,000,000
Taiv Inc. will expand its AI-driven ad-replacement technology across North America. The company will manufacture and deploy more of its proprietary hardware, grow its team and reach new customers in Canada and the United States.

Associated links

Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan)Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) in the Prairie provincesRegional Innovation Ecosystems (RIE) in the Prairie provincesBusiness Scale-up and Productivity (BSP) in the Prairie provincesOverview of Canada’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy: AI for All

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SOURCE Prairies Economic Development Canada

YOKOHAMA, Japan, July 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Panasonic Automotive Systems Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan; President: Masashi Nagayasu) today announced its cockpit domain controller (CDC)*1 has been adopted in Mazda Motor Corporation’s all-new MAZDA CX-5.

Following its European debut in December 2025 and Japan launch in May 2026, the new CX-5 is scheduled to roll out worldwide, including North America and Europe. Developed under the concept of “New Generation Emotional Daily Comfort,” the all-new CX-5 features evolved design and driving performance, along with enhanced cabin spaciousness, comfort, and quietness. In addition, the adoption of Mazda’s new MAZDA E/E ARCHITECTURE+ electronic platform has enabled a complete redesign of the human-machine interface (HMI), while strengthened and expanded communication functions and applications—together with evolved advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS)—have been incorporated to create a vehicle that allows all occupants to enjoy driving with confidence, safety, and comfort. The CDC adopted for the all-new CX-5 is positioned as a core cockpit system that supports these evolved HMI functions.

The CDC delivers an advanced cockpit platform designed for software-defined vehicles (SDVs), combining centralized control of key systems—such as infotainment (IVI), head-up display (HUD), and instrument cluster—with seamless, intuitive user experiences. Its updatable architecture enables continuous enhancements via over-the-air (OTA) updates, supporting evolving customer needs throughout the vehicle lifecycle.

Panasonic Automotive Systems has also integrated VirtIO*2, an open-standard virtualization technology, to support scalable software development and maximize long-term platform value.

Key Features
Updatable SDV Platform

A modular architecture supports ongoing feature upgrades and performance improvements. With OTA orchestrator functionality, updates extend across the cockpit ecosystem—including HUD and instrument cluster—ensuring a continuously improving vehicle experience.

Integrated, Multi-Display Cockpit Experience
Centralized control of three synchronized displays creates a consistent and cohesive interface across the cockpit. Coordinated visuals, lighting, and audio deliver clear, real-time feedback, enhancing driver awareness and usability. Furthermore, based on driver profiles, the platform automatically restores preferences such as the driving position (including seat and HUD adjustments) and climate control settings, contributing to the realization of a Driver Personalization System.

Connected, Intuitive User Experience
Integrated voice control further minimizes driver distraction while maximizing overall convenience. Panasonic Automotive Systems is also the first Japanese manufacturer*3 to integrate the Unity®*4 3D engine into in-vehicle systems. This enables real-time visualization of vehicle data— such as door status, turn signals, and surrounding environment information—through high-definition, responsive graphics.

Our HUD technology further enhances safety by projecting bright, low-distortion information directly within the driver’s line of sight.

To learn more about our company, please visit https://automotive.panasonic.com/en

*1 A core system that integrates and centrally processes multiple electronic control units (ECUs) across the cockpit—such as the instrument cluster—in addition to delivering vehicle information and entertainment features like video and music.
*2 A key technology for achieving device virtualization. It serves as a unified foundation that ensures identical software runs stably across diverse hardware architectures and cloud environments.
[Press Release] Panasonic Automotive Systems secures industry-wide endorsement for its initiative to standardize VirtIO device virtualization technology (February 24, 2026) https://news.panasonic.com/global/press/en260224-2
*3 Based on our research as of July 7, 2026.
*4 This material is not sponsored by or affiliated with Unity Technologies or its affiliates. Unity® is a trademark or registered trademark of Unity Technologies or its affiliates in the U.S. and elsewhere.

About Panasonic Automotive Systems Co., Ltd.
Headquartered in Japan, Panasonic Automotive Systems Co., Ltd., (PAS) is a global company with subsidiaries in eight other countries and, as a Tier 1 company, it provides advanced proprietary technologies such as infotainment systems to automakers in Japan and overseas, helping to create comfortable, safe, and secure automobiles. PAS is committed to meeting the expectations of its customers around the world with technologies that stand by people in pursuit of its corporate vision of becoming the “Joy in Motion” design company. The PAS company name and brand are changing to Mobitera Inc., effective April 1, 2027.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mazda-selects-panasonic-automotive-systems-cockpit-domain-controller-for-all-new-cx-5-302819751.html

SOURCE Panasonic Corporation of North America

NORTH TONAWANDA, N.Y., July 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Taylor Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ SmallCap: “TAYD”) announced today that it will exhibit at the Farnborough International Airshow, taking place July 20–24, 2026, in Farnborough, England. The appearance marks the company’s first participation in one of the world’s largest and most influential aerospace exhibitions.

Held every two years, the Farnborough International Airshow attracts more than 1,400 exhibitors and approximately 100,000 attendees from across the global aerospace, defense, and aviation industries. The event serves as a premier venue for showcasing the latest commercial and military aircraft, emerging technologies, and aerospace innovations.

At the exhibition, Taylor Devices will highlight its comprehensive landing gear capabilities, including its proprietary zero-maintenance shock absorber technology. Featured at the company’s exhibit will be a full-scale nose landing gear assembly that was designed, manufactured, assembled, and tested in fewer than four months at Taylor Devices’ recently completed Development Lab.

This accelerated development program demonstrates the company’s ability to rapidly move from concept to production, providing customers with complete landing gear components and subsystems on significantly compressed development schedules while maintaining rigorous performance and quality standards.

“This is an incredible opportunity for Taylor Devices and one of the most ambitious exhibits we have put together in our 70-year history,” said Tim Sopko, CEO. “Being able to connect with industry leaders and customers, showcasing our innovative technology, on this scale is something our team is very excited about.”

Taylor Devices Inc.’s exhibit will be located in Hall 4, Booth #41512. If you would like to meet with our team, please use this link to request a meeting:  https://www.taylordevices.com/farnborough-2026/ 

Taylor’s website can be visited at: www.taylordevices.com; with company and other pertinent information at www.taylordevices.com/investors.

Taylor Devices, Inc.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/taylor-devices-to-exhibit-at-the-farnborough-international-airshow-for-the-first-time-in-the-companys-history-302819757.html

SOURCE Taylor Devices, Inc.