Technology

Government of Canada Supporting Critical Minerals Processing in Kingston

Published

2 years ago

September 4, 2024

KINGSTON, ON, Sept. 4, 2024 /CNW/ – From mining critical minerals to manufacturing cars and batteries, to charging and end-of-life recycling, the electric vehicle supply chain presents an enormous economic opportunity for Canadian workers and businesses. As the demand for critical minerals to power the clean economy is expected to double by 2030, according to the International Energy Agency, Canada is supporting strong domestic value chains for critical minerals and the clean technologies and energy sources they enable.

Today, Mark Gerretsen, Member of Parliament for Kingston and the Islands, on behalf of the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced almost $8.4 million in investments to Cyclic Materials Incorporated (Cyclic Materials) and Green Graphite Technologies Inc. (GGT) under the Critical Minerals Research, Development and Demonstration (CMRDD) program. This funding will support the development of a circular economy for rare earth elements for permanent magnets and the recycling of graphite for use in lithium-ion batteries here in Canada.

Cyclic Materials will operate a demonstration plant that produces high purity mixed rare earth oxide and a cobalt–nickel mixed hydroxide product from various recycled materials using its proprietary physical and hydrometallurgical processes. Rare earth elements are metals used in various applications, but the highest value application is permanent magnets, which are used in electric vehicle motors, wind turbines and many electronics, such as computers and cell phones. This project will validate operating conditions to support future scale and commercial operations. The project will promote a circular economy in Canada through the creation of a robust recycling process, address knowledge gaps in scaling and testing technology, and decrease the dependence on imported critical minerals. Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) is providing $4.9 million to Cyclic Materials for this initiative.

GGT will demonstrate their GraphRenewTM technology’s ability to cost-effectively and sustainably recover and transform graphite from secondary sources into lithium-ion battery-grade graphite. The upgraded graphite will undergo battery cell performance testing, and larger quantities will be sent to major battery cell manufacturers to begin certification testing. Lithium-ion batteries main target use is EVs, but they are also used in solar panels and electronics, like cell phones and laptops. The project could address a significant knowledge gap in the lithium-ion battery industry while focusing on recycling batteries and upgrading spent graphite, enabling commercialization and improving circularity in the graphite value chain domestically. NRCan is providing $3.5 million to GGT for this initiative.

All across the country, Canadian workers and businesses are moving quickly to seize the economic opportunity that critical minerals, and the entire electric vehicle supply chain, present — now and into the future. Investments like today’s will create good jobs and build a strong economy in Kingston, Ontario and beyond.

Quotes

“The exploration, mining, processing, advanced manufacturing and recycling of critical minerals represent an enormous economic opportunity for our country. Investments in these projects focus on increasing innovation in technology, building expertise and filling knowledge gaps in Canada, importantly with the dynamic and experienced clean tech sector here in Kingston. I am very pleased to announce projects that demonstrate how Kingston continues to prove itself on the domestic and global fronts as a clean tech center for technology development and commercialization.”

Mark Gerretsen, Member of Parliament for Kingston and the Islands

“Across critical mineral value chains — from upstream exploration and extraction to downstream processing, manufacturing and recycling — the battery value chain holds incredible economic opportunity for Canada and Canadians. New technologies will help address gaps in our world-leading supply chain, seize the economic opportunity presented to us, keep Canadian industry competitive in a rapidly evolving global context, and create jobs — now and for future generations. This is important news for Kingston, and beyond.”

The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson
Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

“We are honoured and excited to receive this financial investment from NRCan. Rare earth materials are fundamental to the world’s most critical infrastructure, and it’s essential that we collectively work on creating a more resilient supply chain while reducing emissions and improving traditional mining practices. We are eager to partner with NRCan to further Canada’s clean energy goals by scaling up our technology.”

Ahmad Ghahreman
CEO, Cyclic Materials Inc.

“It’s crucial to understand and demand that the materials needed to produce EVs be sustainably produced. We don’t want to solve one problem and end up creating several new ones. As a chemical engineer and President of Green Graphite Technologies, my co-founders and I are proud to be commercializing a technology that will make a meaningful difference to our society and demonstrate that Canadian companies are leading the way to a sustainable future. Thank you, Natural Resources Canada, for your support, which is key to advancing the rapid commercialization of our patented game-changing technology.”

Gillian Holcroft
CEO, Green Graphite Technologies Inc.

Quick Facts

The Government of Canada has identified 34 critical minerals, 29 of which are also found on Ontario’s Critical Minerals List.Ontario produced approximately $3.5 billion in critical minerals in 2020, with nickel and platinum group metals having the highest production.Canada has some of the largest known reserves and resources of rare earths, estimated at over 14 million tonnes in 2021.Budget 2022 provided $3.8 billion over eight years to implement the Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy. The funding covers a range of industrial activities, from geoscience and exploration to mineral processing, manufacturing and recycling applications, including support for research, development and technological deployment.Funding for these projects comes from NRCan’s Critical Minerals Research, Development and Demonstration Program (CMRDD). The CMRDD is part of the Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy and aims to support the development of innovative processing technologies for the critical minerals industry, which will help advance Canadian mining projects toward production.Canada’s Critical Minerals Strategy is part of Canada’s strengthened climate plan, 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan: Clean Air, Strong Economy, which advances Canada’s goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40 to 45 percent below 2005 levels by 2030 and reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.In 2024, Canada surpassed China to take the number-one spot as the country with the most potential to build a reliable electric vehicle supply chain.

Associated Links

Cyclic Materials Incorporated Green Graphite Technologies Critical Minerals Research, Development and Demonstration Program Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy Ontario’s Critical Minerals Strategy 2022–2027: Unlocking potential to drive economic recovery and prosperity Government of Canada Launches Second Call for Proposals for Critical Minerals Research Development and Demonstration Program Minister Wilkinson Releases Canada’s $3.8-billion Critical Minerals Strategy to Seize Generational Opportunity for Clean, Inclusive Growth

SOURCE Natural Resources Canada

Technology

CGI launches high-security sovereign AI platform in Finland for enterprise and public sector use

Published

3 minutes ago

April 27, 2026

Stock Market Symbols
GIB.A (TSX)
GIB (NYSE)
cgi.com/newsroom

New KATAKRI-compliant service enabling AI development and deployment with data sovereignty, compliance, and scalable infrastructure

HELSINKI, April 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ – CGI (TSX: GIB.A) (NYSE: GIB), one of the largest independent IT and business consulting services firms in the world, has launched a high-security sovereign AI and data services platform in Finland. The service provides an KATAKRI-compliant (National Security Auditing Criteria) environment enabling organizations to develop and operate AI applications in a secure and compliant environment.

As clients accelerate AI adoption, organizations must address strict data protection, security, and sovereignty requirements. CGI’s new high-security sovereign AI platform offers a deployment model delivered from a Finland-based data center, supporting enterprise and public sector clients that require the highest levels of security aligned with KATAKRI standards and control over their data and workloads, while enabling scalable adoption.

“With CGI’s local proximity model, we are uniquely positioned to partner with clients across industry sectors as they address evolving data protection, security, and sovereignty requirements,” said Niraj Sood, President, Finland, Poland and Baltics operations at CGI. “Our consultants, experts and engineers work side by side with our clients here in Finland, enabling a deep understanding of their needs, while also drawing on our global capabilities. With the integration of Agentic AI into the enterprise a top-of-mind priority for clients, we act as a trusted advisor: helping clients assess and build the right solution for their specific context, whether in high-security, cloud, or on-premise environments. We are pleased to complement these options with a platform that supports secure and scalable AI adoption where enhanced control and compliance are required.”

The platform is delivered from CGI’s high-security hybrid service, one of the few data centers certified against Finland’s national KATAKRI security audit criteria, which assesses information, physical, and administrative security for environments handling classified and other sensitive workloads. It supports the secure deployment of modern AI applications, enabling multiple large language models, seamless integration with existing systems via an OpenAI-compatible API, and a standardized delivery model that provides cost efficiency and predictability for enterprise-scale use.

“CGI helps clients assess different AI implementation options and select the most suitable approach for each use case. Our sovereign AI platform complements this by enabling organizations to operate data and AI applications within CGI’s data centers in Finland, under client governance and control, in a KATAKRI-certified setting,” said Jenni Mikkola, Senior Vice-President and Business Unit Leader for Global Technology Operations, CGI Finland.

“Generative AI offers significant potential for innovation and efficiency, and organizations are currently evaluating different ways to integrate AI into their overall architecture. CGI’s high-security AI platform provides a trusted alternative to public cloud and hybrid solutions, enabling clients to adopt AI quickly and securely while maintaining strong control over their data and environment,” said Mikkola.

About CGI
Founded in 1976, CGI is among the largest independent IT and business consulting services firms in the world. With 94,000 consultants and professionals across the globe, CGI delivers an end-to-end portfolio of capabilities, from strategic IT and business consulting to systems integration, managed IT and business process services and intellectual property solutions. CGI works with clients through a local relationship model complemented by a global delivery network that helps clients digitally transform their organizations and accelerate results. CGI Fiscal 2025 reported revenue is CA$15.91 billion and CGI shares are listed on the TSX (GIB.A) and the NYSE (GIB). Learn more at cgi.com.

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SOURCE CGI Inc.

Technology

PATEO Joins Forces with AUMOVIO: AI-Driven Intelligent Driving Globalization to Jointly Expand the Global High-Computing SDV Market

Published

3 minutes ago

April 27, 2026

BEIJING, April 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On April 25, at the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition, PATEO CONNECT Technology (Shanghai) Corporation (Stock Code: 2889.HK) entered into a strategic cooperation memorandum of understanding with AUMOVIO Holding China Co., Ltd. on the joint development of high-performance cross-domain integration and artificial general intelligence technologies and global market expansion.

According to the cooperation agreement, PATEO and AUMOVIO Group will fully leverage their respective research capabilities in high-computing SoC platforms, integrated cockpit-driving domain controllers and AGI algorithm research and development, as well as their industry influence in global supply chains, OEM customer resources and intelligent manufacturing, to jointly promote the global implementation of high-computing SDV domain control and AGI automotive application demonstration projects, and jointly promote the sustainable development of intelligent mobility and SDV technologies.

Regarding the specific details of the cooperation, the parties will jointly develop cross-domain integrated product solutions based on high-computing SoCs that meet future market demands. Meanwhile, a joint team will be formed to focus on demonstration projects for artificial general intelligence (AGI) automotive application products. Furthermore, PATEO and AUMOVIO Group will combine their respective advantages in technology, products, customers, supply chain, production and quality to jointly expand global SDV domain control and AGI application businesses. Based on their respective advantageous fields, the parties will realize a strong alliance of “channel + product”. At the technical level, upholding the principles of joint investment and technology collaboration, the parties will develop technologically leading high-computing and intelligent SDV technologies and products.

The signing of this Strategic Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding reflects AUMOVIO Group’s high recognition of the Company’s AI-centric, integrated “Software-Hardware-Chip-Cloud” automotive and mobile terminal solutions and ecosystem construction. This also marks a critical step for PATEO under its “AI + Globalization” dual-wheel drive strategy.

As an AI-centric provider of automotive and mobile terminal solutions and an ecosystem builder with integrated “Hardware-Software-Chip-Cloud” capabilities, PATEO has more than 2,100 employees globally and an R&D team of over 700 people, with its number of registered invention patents ranking first in the industry. This strategic cooperation with AUMOVIO Group is not only a significant milestone in PATEO’s globalization layout but also a powerful testament to its technical strength in the fields of high-computing SDV domain control and AGI application.

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SOURCE PATEO

Technology

ebike Market worth $74.98 billion by 2035| MarketsandMarkets™

Published

3 minutes ago

April 27, 2026

DELRAY BEACH, Fla., April 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — According to MarketsandMarkets™, the global ebike market is projected to grow from USD 46.39 billion in 2026 to USD 74.98 billion by 2035 at a CAGR of 5.5%.3

Browse 380 market data Tables and 156 Figures spread through 570 Pages and in-depth TOC on ‘ebike Market’

ebike Market Size & Forecast:

Market Size Available for Years: 2026-20352026 Market Size: 46.39 billion2032 Projected Market Size: 74.98 billionCAGR (2026–2035): 5.5%

ebike Market Trends & Insights:

>250W–<450W battery capacity ebikes to hold the largest market share globally.Mid-drive motors are expected to be the fastest-growing ebike motor type during the forecast period.North America is expected to be the fastest-growing ebike market during the forecast period.

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The global ebike market is growing gradually, with each region exhibiting different patterns. Asia Pacific dominates by volume, accounting for over 90% of global demand, driven by China’s large-scale adoption, affordability, and a strong manufacturing ecosystem, making ebikes a mainstream daily mobility solution. In Europe and North America, ebike demand has declined mainly due to structural and economic headwinds. In Europe, sales declined across key markets from 2023–2025 as high inflation, reduced consumer spending, and excess inventory from the pandemic surge led retailers to cut new orders. Some countries, like the Netherlands, reported a drop in bike sales in 2025, from 409,467 units in 2024 to 391,300 units; France dropped from 565,225 units in 2024 to 558,442 units; and Switzerland dropped from 151,772 units in 2024 to 142,223 units. The ebike market in Europe and North America is expected to recover in the second half of 2027.

>250W–<450W battery capacity ebikes to hold the largest market share globally.

The 250–450W segment dominates the ebike market primarily because it is the standard configuration for city, trekking, and hybrid pedal-assist ebikes, which represent the largest use case globally. Also, ebikes in this range achieve optimal efficiency, with energy density, weight, and motor draw well matched to typical urban duty cycles. A 300–400 W pack paired with 250 W-class motors typically delivers ~40–90 km of real-world range at moderate-assist levels without pushing cells into high discharge rates that accelerate thermal stress and degradation, allowing simpler battery management systems and air cooling instead of heavier thermal controls. Keeping capacity below ~450 W also reduces pack mass by ~1–2 kg versus larger systems, preserving ride dynamics, frame integration, and braking performance while enabling standard charging (2–4 A) on household outlets.

This range has seen the highest adoption in Europe, where regulations cap motor power at 250W. This has led major manufacturers like Bosch, Yamaha, and Shimano to design their systems around this limit, ensuring mass-market compliance and efficiency. In the Asia Pacific region, the same range is widely used for its cost-effectiveness and suitability for short-distance daily commuting, while in North America it remains common in commuter models despite the availability of higher-power options. Overall, this segment leads because it offers the best balance of regulatory compliance, affordability, energy efficiency, and real-world usability, making it the most practical choice for large scale adoption.

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Mid-drive motors are expected to be the fastest-growing ebike motor type during the forecast period.

Mid-drive motors are widely preferred in Europe and North America for their higher torque, better weight distribution, and superior efficiency, which align with premium commuting and trekking needs. Leading OEM systems from Bosch eBike Systems, Shimano Inc., and Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. are engineered for these performance-focused markets. In contrast, hub motors dominate in Asia Pacific, largely driven by cost-sensitive demand. Suppliers such as Bafang Electric specialize in affordable hub motor systems that are easier to mass-produce and integrate. Notably, while many APAC-based suppliers (e.g., Bafang, Ananda, Dapu) export mid-drive systems to Europe and North America, they still prioritize hub motors domestically because mid-drive integration requires higher R&D investment, complex frame redesign, and drivetrain engineering, whereas hub motors can be easily mounted on conventional bicycle frames at lower cost. Overall, the global motor supply is dominated by key players such as Bosch eBike Systems, Shimano Inc., Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd., Brose Fahrzeugteile SE & Co. KG, and Bafang Electric, with Bosch, Shimano, and Bafang alone holding significant global market share due to their extensive OEM networks and technological capabilities.

North America is expected to be the fastest-growing ebike market during the forecast period.

North America is emerging as the fastest-growing e-bike market, driven by policy support, shifting mobility preferences, and expanding use cases beyond recreation. Between 2024 and 2026, several US states introduced purchase incentives and rebate programs. California offered substantial statewide vouchers of up to USD 2,000 for qualifying residents, with a focus on safety certifications; Colorado provided a USD 225 instant, point-of-sale tax credit for qualifying electric bikes, with additional incentives for cargo bikes; and local and city programs, such as those in Denver, offered significant incentives of up to USD 1,400. These government incentives are promoting ebikes in North America. In addition, cities are investing in bike-lane infrastructure and safety regulations, alongside stricter standards for battery safety and UL certification, improving consumer confidence. At the same time, rising fuel costs and demand for last-mile and cargo mobility solutions are accelerating adoption, especially in urban areas, making e-bikes a practical alternative to cars rather than just a recreational product.

Meanwhile, mountain and trekking ebikes hold a dominant share in North America because of the region’s strong outdoor culture and diverse terrain, where consumers demand higher performance, durability, and longer range. These bikes are predominantly equipped with mid-drive motors from key players such as Bosch eBike Systems, Shimano Inc., and Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd., which provide greater torque, improved balance, and more efficient power transfer on steep or off-road terrain. This preference reinforces the premiumization trend in North America, where consumers increasingly prioritize performance-oriented ebikes over basic urban models.

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Top Companies in ebike Market:

The Top Companies in ebike Market are Giant Manufacturing Co., Ltd (Taiwan), Yamaha Motor Company (Japan), Accell Group NV (Netherlands), Yadea Group Holdings, Ltd. (China), and Pon Bicycle Holdings B.V. (Netherlands).

Browse Adjacent Market: Automotive and Transportation Market Research Reports & Consulting

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