Scale AI is funding eight research projects focused on helping Canada respond to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, an investment that adds up to $3.4 million.
The Canadian investment hub received more than 120 submissions after asking companies to submit their AI-focused ideas and solutions.
“To face the crisis, we have implemented an exceptional program aimed at developing and financing relevant and effective projects very quickly,” Julien Billot, general manager of Scale AI, said in a statement. “With projects that include analysis tools for research and clinical trials, coordination of patient services, supply management for drugs, medical equipment and food and essentials, AI has once again demonstrated its ability to support all sectors in improving their efficiency.”
“The mission of Scale AI is to support Canada’s prosperity and growth,” Hélène Desmarais, co-chair of the Scale AI Board of Directors, said in the same statement. “Responding in times of crisis is self-evident and it is in this spirit that we have mobilized our team to participate in the national effort to respond to the challenges posed by the pandemic. While agility is crucial, these projects also demonstrate that AI is a reality today, with solutions that can be deployed quickly.”
The chosen projects touch on such areas as the distribution of diagnostic COVID-19 tests, providing pandemic-related information to the public and overseeing clinical trials. The full announcement from Scale AI is available here as a PDF.
Michael has more than 16 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.