FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

North Bay, ON – October, 31, 2025 – The Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) is proud to announce that SYMX.AI, a Sudbury-based mining technology company is the latest recipient of the Critical Industrial Technologies (CIT) initiative.

The SYMX.AI $2 million project exemplifies the CIT initiative’s mission to accelerate collaboration between Ontario’s SMEs and industry leaders. By leveraging artificial intelligence and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) technologies, SYMX.AI’s will develop a first-of-its-kind digital tire management platform in collaboration with Yokohama and Fountain Tire. Once operational, the platform will support enhanced mine-site safety, reduce fuel consumption, minimize tire waste, and increase operational efficiency through real-time insights and predictive analytics. In support of this investment, OCI is providing $641,400 in funding through CIT’s Sector Adoption Program.

“Through the Critical Industrial Technologies Initiative, our government is investing in Ontario-made technologies that are strengthening our innovation economy and unlocking new opportunities for workers,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “We congratulate Symx.AI, Yokahoma, and Fountain Tire on this partnership, and look forward to seeing their homegrown AI and advanced technology further enhance our province’s competitiveness and strengthen supply chains across key industries.”

Since its launch in March 2024, CIT has become a cornerstone of Ontario’s economic and technological competitiveness, delivering impact through five program streams: the Sector Adoption Program, Development and Commercialization Program, Technology Access Program, Future Ready Skills Program, and Technology Development Internship Program.

“For over four decades, mining operations have faced existential challenges, from escalating costs to declining productivity and sustainability pressures,” said Ash Agarwal, CEO of SYMX.AI. “Technology solutions have long been fragmented, with no single approach addressing the full scope of these issues. SYMX.AI has changed that. Our integrated platform delivers measurable improvements, over 10% across efficiency, productivity, and sustainability. Support from CIT is instrumental in advancing the design and deployment of this transformative solution.”

The Critical Industrial Technologies Initiative has helped more than 185 Ontario small-and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) adopt and commercialize advanced technologies such as AI, robotics, and cybersecurity across key sectors including Advanced Manufacturing, Agri-Food, Construction, and Mining, all while developing a skilled, future-ready workforce.

“Ontario’s Critical Industrial Technologies (CIT) initiative is about connecting innovation to impact, helping Ontario companies lead in the technologies that define the future of industry,” said Claudia Krywiak, President and CEO of the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI). “SYMX.AI’s work demonstrates how Ontario innovation can modernize industries, improve efficiency, and deliver sustainable, made-in-Ontario solutions to global markets.”

To date, OCI has deployed $21.7 million of the total $50 million CIT funds into SMEs across the province. This investment has been matched by $34.1 million from private industry, for a province-wide total investment of $55.8 million. Through the CIT initiative 185 projects have been funded, engaging more than 194 Ontario companies across four key sectors including:

• – Advanced Manufacturing: $4.8M public matched by $7.5M private
• – Agri-Food: $4.7M public matched by $6.7M private
• – Construction: $7.9M public matched by $12.8M private
• – Mining: $4.3M public matched by $7.1M private

“Ontario is driving global industrial transformation through collaboration between industry and homegrown innovators, securing good-paying jobs across critical sectors of the economy,” said Raed Kadri, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, Business Development and Head of the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN). “Through the Critical Industrial Technologies initiative, we’re ensuring Ontario companies are integrating the latest cutting-edge technologies: strengthening supply chains, enhancing productivity, and ensuring Ontario remains a global leader in industrial innovation.”

About the Critical Industrial Technologies Initiative:
Critical Industrial Technologies (CIT) is an initiative of the Government of Ontario, led by the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI), available to Ontario SMEs to accelerate the commercialization and adoption of critical technologies; 5G, AI, blockchain, cybersecurity, quantum computing, and robotics, across key sectors including Advanced Manufacturing, Agri-Food, Construction, and Mining. Focusing on talent development, product innovation, and sector transformation projects, CIT is building the future of industry in Ontario.  For more information about the Critical Industrial Technologies initiative and the Technology Development Sites, please visit the CIT website.

About the Ontario Centre of Innovation 

The Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) brings industry, academic, and government partners together to invest in collaborative R&D, technology development, and commercialization opportunities that generate the highest return on innovation for Ontarians. As an ecosystem connector, OCI initiates unparalleled partnership opportunities, develops and manages successful industry-academic collaborations, supports high-potential SMEs in commercializing ground-breaking research, and provides hands-on training and skills development opportunities for the next generation of highly-skilled talent. OCI drives economic growth and job creation through investments in the development, commercialization, and adoption of advanced technologies. For more information: https://www.oc-innovation.ca

Media Contact:
Alicia Pereira, apereira@oc-innovation.ca