This initiative will make it possible to support a growing number of consortia of local organizations in the design and implementation of AI projects with strong economic potential for the region. These projects aim to improve productivity, strengthen competitiveness, and accelerate the sustainable growth of local businesses in the priority sectors identified in the ZEM’s 2025-2029 action plan.
Homegrown AI powering our economy
This additional support for projects, made possible through a $4,348,000 contribution from the Gouvernement du Québec, represents a strategic lever to strengthen the regional economy through artificial intelligence solutions designed, developed, and deployed locally. This investment reflects the commitment of Québec’s economic stakeholders to building AI that reflects Québec’s values: responsible, ethical, and aligned with local economic and social priorities.
By prioritizing solutions developed by local players, Québec is fostering the creation of sustainable value, ensuring the retention of expertise within its territory, and enhancing the national and international visibility of its know-how.
A recognition of Scale AI’s unique expertise
As part of this new mandate from the Gouvernement du Québec, Scale AI will play a central role in the selection, structuring, and funding of high-impact artificial intelligence projects. Leveraging its expertise, the cluster will support organizations in identifying priority use cases, defining clear performance indicators, and implementing collaborative projects that bring together adopters and solution providers.
This approach is designed to maximize economic benefits while ensuring that the intellectual property and technological capabilities generated remain within Québec’s ecosystem, thereby contributing to the strengthening of Québec’s technological sovereignty.
A regional ambition aligned with Québec’s economic priorities
This financial support illustrates the Gouvernement du Québec’s commitment to making artificial intelligence a driver of regional economic development. The region is thus reinforcing its positioning as a hub of leadership in artificial intelligence, while promoting local value creation and digital sovereignty.
As part of this announcement, an additional $252,000 has been entrusted to Québec International by the Gouvernement du Québec to support the project selection process and carry out complementary promotional activities.
These initiatives are part of the Québec Infrastructure Plan 2025-2035 and aim to implement the objectives of the ZEM action plan, thereby stimulating economic development, innovation, and collaboration across the Greater Québec City region.
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“Our region benefits from an agile, collaborative ecosystem focused on concrete AI applications, enabling it to become an important and complementary player within Québec’s broader AI landscape. Today’s announcements will contribute significantly to this momentum. I wish Scale AI and Québec International every success in carrying out these stimulating mandates.”
Jean-François Simard, Minister of Natural Resources and Forests and Minister responsible for the Capitale-Nationale Region
“Québec is a global leader in artificial intelligence. Our government seeks to strengthen this position by supporting promising initiatives such as those announced today, in collaboration with our partners. The Capitale-Nationale can—and must—claim its place in this sector of the future. Ultimately, all of Québec will benefit from the expertise developed in the region.”
Jean Boulet, Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy, Minister of Labour, Minister responsible for the Maritime Strategy, and Minister responsible for the Mauricie Region
“Québec International would like to thank the Gouvernement du Québec for its trust and is pleased to contribute to the work of the ZEM since its creation. With a rich technology ecosystem where innovative companies, research centres, and educational institutions possess cutting-edge expertise, the Québec City region will be able to consolidate its position as a leader in artificial intelligence through this mandate. We look forward to beginning this work.”
Carl Viel, President and CEO, Québec International
“This mandate confirms the renewed trust of the Gouvernement du Québec in Scale AI and its ability to deploy high-impact initiatives on the ground. It reaffirms the cluster’s role as a key partner for businesses and regions in accelerating the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence across Canada.”
Hélène Desmarais, Co-Chair of the Board of Directors, Scale AI
“This investment from the Government of Québec represents a decisive lever to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence through the selected projects. With this support, Scale AI will fund innovative initiatives that directly address the region’s economic priorities. By promoting broader AI adoption, we are not only helping to turn AI’s potential into tangible benefits for organizations and for Québec’s economy, but also supporting local AI solution and product providers as they grow and emerge as leading companies in the sector—right here in Québec.”
Julien Billot, Chief Executive Officer, Scale AI