Skkynet Cloud Systems, Inc. has announced a C$2.6 million project to accelerate the development of secure Industrial AI technologies, with C$1.04 million in funding from the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario. The initiative aims to enhance Skkynet's proprietary Cogent DataHub® data intelligence platform to meet growing demand for Industrial Artificial Intelligence applications.
The project focuses on developing secure, real-time data bridges that enable 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 environments where security concerns have traditionally limited implementation of advanced technologies.
Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation Evan Solomon highlighted the significance of the investment during a public announcement, stating that southern Ontario's thriving tech ecosystem includes innovative companies like Skkynet. "By helping companies like Skkynet scale their AI capabilities, we are strengthening our local economy and securing Canada's place as a leader in the industrial software market," said Solomon. The minister's comments underscore the government's strategic focus on fostering AI innovation across southern Ontario.
Skkynet CEO Gary Tillery described the announcement as a major milestone for both the company and Canada's industrial AI ecosystem. "With this support from FedDev Ontario, we can expedite our delivery of our leading-edge AI capabilities that will help industries optimize operations, improve efficiency, and compete globally," Tillery stated. The project will expand Skkynet's engineering team and accelerate commercialization of next-generation Industrial AI solutions tailored for complex industrial environments where security remains paramount.
Company President Paul Thomas emphasized the strategic importance of the government partnership, noting that the contribution will allow Skkynet to fast-track critical technology developments. "This contribution will allow Skkynet to fast-track critical developments in our technology, ensuring that industrial clients can adopt AI solutions securely and effectively," Thomas explained. The project also benefited from strategic guidance provided by Aarif Nakhooda, CFO of CoreAI and Customer Success at Keystone AI, whose expertise in artificial intelligence frameworks helped refine the project's scope to address rigorous industrial demands.
The initiative represents a significant development in the industrial automation sector, where secure data connectivity between operational technology systems and AI platforms has emerged as a critical requirement. By enabling industrial operators to leverage AI capabilities without compromising network security, Skkynet's technology could accelerate digital transformation across manufacturing, energy, and other industrial sectors. The project aligns with broader trends toward Industry 4.0 adoption, where AI-driven optimization and predictive maintenance are becoming increasingly important for maintaining competitive advantage.
For additional information about Skkynet and its Industrial AI initiatives, visit https://skkynet.ai. Details about the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario and its programs can be found at https://feddev-ontario.canada.ca.
