The federal government is investing nearly $128,000 to support the Yukon’s innovation sector as it continues to strengthen and grow.

The money will promote interactive digital media, modular communications shelters and an artificial intelligence business acceleration program.

The announcement was made last Friday by Dan Vandal, the minister of Northern Affairs, minister for PrairiesCan and minister for CanNor. He is spending several days in the territory for meetings and announcements.

Friday’s announcement aligned with Canadian Innovation Week, which celebrates, recognizes and supports ingenuity across the country.

The money, delivered by CanNor, supports three initiatives in Whitehorse.

“Though each project serves a different purpose, they all exemplify ingenuity and creativity within their fields,” the government said.

“The impacts of these projects range from creating modular communications shelters, to supporting businesses interested in adopting artificial intelligence, to advancing physical and mental health, reconciliation and inclusivity.”

“Diversification and innovation is key to economic growth in the North and Arctic, and right across Canada,” Vandal said in a statement.

“Our government will continue to invest in the ingenuity of Yukoners in creating good jobs, supporting inclusive growth, and building resiliency for years to come. These projects are impactful, and will inspire more innovation moving forward.”

Yukon MP Brendan Hanley said the territory “is full of creative thinkers and problem-solvers.

“Through advancement in innovation, technology and partnerships, the Yukon continues to grow stronger and more vibrant. Today’s investment will further cultivate Northern entrepreneurship and bring new ideas to the forefront,” Hanley added.

“Each of these projects will create jobs and growth, and promote a dynamic economy across the territory.”

Economic Development Minister Ranj Pillai said, “Yukoners’ ingenuity and creativity have helped find solutions that meet the unique needs of our territory and communities across Canada’s North.

“This investment will help innovators, entrepreneurs and local businesses expand, growing our local economy, as well as advance mental and physical wellness, reconciliation and inclusivity initiatives.

“I look forward to seeing the far-reaching economic and social benefits that comes with each of these projects,” Pillai added.

Dan Johnson, the president, Total North Communications, said the money “allows us at Total North to continue innovating and moving our product (Compod) forward as we look to grow from selling locally to becoming a nationwide distributor.

“The ability to purchase materials to build further iterations of the Compod had been crucial in the evolution of the product and we are extremely grateful for this opportunity,” Johnson said.

Ziad Sahid, the executive director of Tech Yukon, added, “Growing the local tech industry in the Yukon has been an important part of Tech Yukon’s mandate, and our new North of AI – Business Acceleration program was designed to help accomplish this goal.

“With the support from CanNor, Yukon Government Department of Economic Development, and our partner Scale AI, we were able to build the North of AI program, supporting local tech start-ups and entrepreneurs, enabling them to move their ideas towards building thriving businesses.

“This program is a first of its kind in the Yukon and is also part of Canada’s AI supercluster. We are excited to continue our work with our funding partners, building future tech start-ups and creating local tech entrepreneurs.”

Scott Keesey, the CEO of Discovelo Inc., said the money “allowed Discovelo to strengthen and expand both our active software product offering and our company’s core by supporting an innovative integration of training, partnership development, and product design.

“The funding agency’s belief in the importance we place on Indigenous reconciliation and inclusion and diversity, and in translating these and other core values into actions and products that expand our growth potential has built confidence and provided inspiration to our entire team.

“We are grateful for CanNor’s vote of confidence in our vision for innovation in the space where health, fitness, and education intersect with these key values,” Keesey added.