SCALE AI announces investment in health AI project

MONTREAL – SCALE AI has announced funding of $50 million for 12 projects. The projects include an AI partnership involving the Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CHUM) and Logibec, a growing healthcare software developer based in Quebec.

SCALE AI comprises a consortium of private entities, research centres, academia and high-potential startups. It is a co-investment and innovation hub with government funding matched by contributions from the private sector.

Pierre Fitzgibbon (pictured), Quebec minister of economy and innovation and minister responsible for regional economic development, notes: “Investments in AI allow us to support the competitiveness of several key sectors of the Quebec economy and will allow us to create more wealth for the country, contribute to addressing the labour shortage, and develop innovative solutions to important societal issues. I am proud to see Quebec continue to solidify its position as a leader in AI as a large number of projects involve Quebec-based companies, partners, or researchers.”

• The DAL-IA Partners: Logibec, CHUM, Moov AI, Chair in Analytics and Logistics in Healthcare (HANALOG)
• SCALE AI investment: $2.4 million Total investment: $5.7 million

Logibec’s DAL-IA project (Artificial Intelligence for Management, Supply and Logistics) aims to develop a solution that prevents inventory run-out in hospitals through improved consumption forecasting of more than 50,000 essential products. The solution will also offer availability predictions for potentially delayed or incomplete orders. It will be incorporated into Logibec’s existing material resource management solution, already in use in more than 70% of healthcare facilities in Quebec.

Anne Nguyen, director of product, analytics and innovation, Logibec, said: “This project will propel hospitals into a proactive inventory and supply chain management mode through predictive intelligence. Artificial intelligence is a powerful tool for improving hospital performance, eliminating waste and achieving significant savings. These benefits will also translate into peace of mind for healthcare professionals who will know that the equipment they need to care for their patients will always be available in time, quantity, and quality.”

Julien Billot, CEO, SCALE AI, explains: “In just a few years, AI integration has gone from experimental to established processes for many applications. The projects announced demonstrate that regardless of the size of the company or the industry, integrating AI enables companies to identify new opportunities and create sustainable value, which includes increased revenue growth and improved competitiveness.”

Hélène Desmarais, co-chair of the board of directors, SCALE AI, adds: “SCALE AI is pleased to support the development of artificial intelligence by and for Canadian companies, for the benefit of Canadian society. The collaboration between players in this sector has resulted in a series of initiatives and investment programs that touch on all areas of AI development: talent training, the emergence of Canadian expertise and excellence in AI, the development of start-ups and SMEs, and the implementation of AI in sectors across the economy.”