Skkynet Cloud Systems, Inc. has announced a C$2.6 million project to accelerate the development of secure Industrial Artificial Intelligence technologies, with C$1.04 million in funding from the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). This initiative represents a significant investment in Canada's industrial software sector and addresses growing security concerns as industries adopt AI solutions.
The project will enhance Skkynet's proprietary Cogent DataHub® data intelligence platform to meet increasing demand for Industrial AI. The development focuses on creating secure, real-time data bridges that allow 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 is particularly important for complex industrial environments where security is paramount.
Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation Evan Solomon highlighted the project during a public announcement, stating that "Southern Ontario is home to a thriving tech ecosystem and Skkynet is a great example of the innovation happening right here in our community." The minister emphasized that supporting companies like Skkynet helps strengthen the local economy and secure Canada's position in the industrial software market. More information about FedDev Ontario's initiatives can be found at https://feddev-ontario.canada.ca.
Skkynet CEO Gary Tillery called the announcement "a major milestone for Skkynet and Canada's industrial AI ecosystem," noting that government support will help expedite delivery of AI capabilities that enable industries to optimize operations, improve efficiency, and compete globally. The project will expand Skkynet's engineering team and accelerate commercialization of next-generation Industrial AI solutions for both domestic and international markets.
Company President Paul Thomas, who attended the announcement with Minister Solomon, expressed gratitude for the government support, stating it will allow Skkynet to "fast-track critical developments in our technology, ensuring that industrial clients can adopt AI solutions securely and effectively." The company also acknowledged strategic guidance from 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 modern industrial demands.
This initiative comes as industries worldwide seek to integrate AI into their operations while maintaining security standards. The development of secure data bridges represents a crucial advancement for sectors including manufacturing, energy, and infrastructure, where network security cannot be compromised. For additional information about Skkynet's Industrial AI initiatives, visit https://skkynet.ai.


