AI minister announces $3.5 million funding for machine-learning healthcare program
Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation Evan Solomon announced a $3.5 million investment in Healthspark, a machine learning software developed by the Vector Institute for Artificial Intelligence. The program will support various healthcare startups, including those with a focus on image-guided therapy and patient monitoring.
HealthSpark will offer training, mentorship and access to AI engineering expertise for startups and scale-ups developing healthcare solutions, according to their website. The program also seeks to connect these companies with broader networks within the AI sector as they develop technologies to address healthcare challenges such as staff shortages, wait times and patient outcomes.
"AI is a powerful driver of growth, productivity and innovation. It's key to making sure Canada not only competes – but leads – on the global stage. Today is about momentum. It's about recognising Canadian excellence and organisations, like the Vector Institute, a world-renowned leader in AI innovation," stated Solomon in a press release.
Vector Institute has been working to implement AI solutions in healthcare, including support for equitable access to organ transplants and improvements in cancer care. Its secure health AI network has been developed to provide data-driven responses to complex challenges faced by the sector.
For the 2025 program, project themes include advanced diagnostic and therapeutic techniques, as well as primary care and health platforms. This is paired with multimodal AI, privacy-enhancing technologies, Edge AI and compound AI systems as some techniques of interest.
Vector's new HealthSpark program is expected to allow "safe development and deployment of health-related AI, helping [projects] unlock commercial potential and deliver valuable benefits to patients, clinicians, and health institutions across Canada," stated Roxana Sultan, Chief Data Officer and Vice President, Health at the Vector Institute.
Minister Solomon's announcement adds to a longstanding government investment in AI. Since 2015, the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario has invested over $417 million in more than 110 AI projects across the Southern Ontario region.
Marjorie Michel, Canada's Minister of Health, highlighted the importance of technological tools in transforming the health sector, stating, "We need to deliver better, more timely health care to Canadians. Innovative tools like artificial intelligence can help us improve patient outcomes, support health workers, and make our system more efficient and responsive."