Skkynet Launches C$2.6 Million Industrial AI Development Project with Canadian Government Support

Skkynet Cloud Systems, Inc. has announced a C$2.6 million project to accelerate the development of secure Industrial Artificial Intelligence technologies, with partial funding coming from a C$1.04 million investment from the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario. The initiative represents a significant step in enhancing AI adoption within industrial automation while addressing critical security concerns that have traditionally hindered implementation in sensitive operational environments.

The project was highlighted during a public announcement by the Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, who emphasized federal support for AI innovation across southern Ontario. Minister Solomon noted that Southern Ontario is home to a thriving tech ecosystem and that Skkynet represents the innovation happening within the community. He stated that by helping companies like Skkynet scale their AI capabilities, the government is strengthening the local economy and securing Canada's place as a leader in the industrial software market.

The investment will support Skkynet in enhancing its proprietary Cogent DataHub® data intelligence platform to better serve the rapidly growing demand for Industrial Artificial Intelligence. The project specifically focuses on developing secure, real-time data bridges that allow industrial operators to feed training data to AI models and execute AI-driven control logic without exposing critical operational networks to security risks. This approach addresses one of the primary barriers to AI adoption in industrial settings where network security is paramount.

According to Gary Tillery, CEO of Skkynet, the announcement marks a major milestone for both the company and Canada's industrial AI ecosystem. He explained that with support from FedDev Ontario, Skkynet can expedite delivery of leading-edge AI capabilities that will help industries optimize operations, improve efficiency, and compete globally. The project will expand Skkynet's engineering team and accelerate the commercialization of next-generation Industrial AI solutions tailored for complex industrial environments where security cannot be compromised.

Paul Thomas, President of Skkynet, expressed gratitude for the Government of Canada's support through FedDev Ontario, noting that attending the announcement with Minister Solomon demonstrated the government's commitment to fostering a robust AI ecosystem. He stated that this contribution will allow Skkynet to fast-track critical developments in their technology, ensuring that industrial clients can adopt AI solutions securely and effectively. The company also acknowledged Aarif Nakhooda, CFO of CoreAI and Customer Success at Keystone AI and Advisor to Skkynet, for his invaluable input and strategic guidance regarding this AI initiative, noting that his deep expertise in artificial intelligence frameworks and enterprise strategy played a key role in refining the project's scope.

The implications of this development extend beyond Skkynet's immediate business interests. For industrial operators across various sectors, the advancement of secure Industrial AI technologies means potentially significant improvements in operational efficiency, predictive maintenance capabilities, and overall system optimization without compromising the security protocols that protect critical infrastructure. The project also reinforces Canada's position in the global AI landscape, particularly in industrial applications where security and reliability are non-negotiable requirements. As industries worldwide increasingly seek to integrate artificial intelligence into their operations, solutions that bridge the gap between AI capabilities and industrial security requirements will become increasingly valuable, potentially transforming how industrial systems are monitored, controlled, and optimized in real-time.