Canada can lead the Digital world. Canada’s Digital Supercluster was created to make this vision a reality by accelerating Canada’s development and adoption of world-class digital technologies. “Three years ago, our model of collaborative innovation did not exist in Canada,” said CEO of the Digital Supercluster, Sue Paish.
“Since then, we’ve accelerated digital transformation across industries and seen tremendous results from our portfolio of 80+ projects valued at over $350 million. For Canada and Canadians, the real story is the positive impact these projects are delivering to Canadians, their families, industry, communities and the new generation of digital-ready leaders. Together, we are building a better Canada, and we are just getting started.”
The Digital Supercluster’s innovation ecosystem includes over 1,000 industry partners, academic and research leaders, government and public service organizations – demonstrating how cross-industry collaboration expedites Canada’s economic recovery and improves the lives of Canadians. Products and services created are strengthening our health systems, delivering better health outcomes, improving environmental sustainability, creating digital skilling opportunities and supporting an inclusive society with more opportunity for all.
Here are seven projects in the Supercluster portfolio that clearly demonstrate a positive impact on Canadians, the growth potential of Canadian SMEs and the opportunities for Canada to lead the Digital world:
Autism Sharing Initiative
The Autism Spectrum Disorder refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by social, communication and learning skills challenges. In Canada, approximately one in 66 Canadians are on spectrum. This project is building the first global network for sharing genomics and biomedical data to accelerate research and develop precision healthcare approaches for individuals on the spectrum.
Canadian Tech Talent Accelerator (CTTA)
The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically altered Canada’s economy and labour market. In particular, the rapid increase in online work has widened the digital divide and skills gap, contributing to higher unemployment – especially for Indigenous, Black and other racialized citizens, people with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ youth, women and newcomers to our country. This project supports Canada’s economic recovery by providing technology skills and job opportunities to 3,900 unemployed and underemployed youth from communities underrepresented in the digital economy. To date, more than 70 per cent of CTTA graduates are employed within 4 months of completing the program and graduates have a 98 per cent completion rate.
COVID Cloud
As COVID-19 continues to spread globally, there remains an urgent need to understand the DNA footprint of this virus and its new variants. The “COVID Cloud” platform enables the sharing of real-time genomics, clinical, epidemiological, and other data on COVID-19, allowing scientists and decision-makers to make better-informed decisions.
Emergency Food Distribution Network
In Canada, 58 per cent of food produced is either lost or wasted. This project leverages data and digital solutions to provide an Emergency Food Distribution Network, enhancing the food supply chain’s efficiency, reducing waste and better connecting farmers, supplies, buyers and charities in four provinces. To date, 14 million meals have been rescued.
Healthy Access
As workplaces re-open, it is critical that safety tools are available to check workers and visitors entering a worksite. This project features a touchless biometric solution for worksite health screening, security and workforce management.
Rapid Deployment of Emergency Care Management
More than half of Canadians face an increased risk of COVID-19 because they are seniors or have underlying health conditions. It’s critical that health and social service agencies can connect with each other and, together, monitor the healthcare of these vulnerable populations, especially those in isolation due to the spread of the disease. This project has created a digital solution that will provide ongoing virtual case management and collaboration including tracking, support, communication and coordination for COVID-19 and ongoing health issues. To date, 3000+ high risk patients have been supported, with services deployed across 19 sites.
Telewound Care Canada
In Canada, 30 to 50 per cent of all healthcare involves a wound. Without regular care, these patients can face infections that drive hospitalization, amputation and even death. This project uses artificial intelligence to deliver remote wound care to the most vulnerable patients. To date, 1000+ wound patients have received care, there is a 56 per cent drop in nursing and supply costs and 28 provider organizations use the platform.
In addition to these positive impacts on Canadians, the Digital Supercluster is committed to supporting Canadian small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Through faster product innovation, co-investment, IP education, export-led growth and strategic partnership development, the Supercluster is accelerating the success of Canada’s small businesses domestically and internationally. Over 50 per cent of the Digital Supercluster members are SMEs, and over 70 per cent of Supercluster investment in projects goes to SMEs. To date 25 SMEs have successfully scaled, growing over $1 billion in potential revenue for Canadian businesses.
