Bold New Edge Launches Certificate Program, "AI for Decision-Makers in Advanced Manufacturing," to Address Canada’s AI Adoption Gap and Boost Industrial Competitiveness

Strategic event in Montreal on May 22 to unite Manufacturing Industry Leaders, AI Experts, and Key Partners to Ignite a National Initiative for AI-Driven Productivity

Montreal, QC | Wednesday, May 14, 2025  — Canada’s manufacturing sector is at a crossroads. With global competitors accelerating AI adoption, only 3.7% of Canadian manufacturers (Statistics Canada, 2024) are currently leveraging AI to boost productivity, agility, or competitiveness.

Bold New Edge, a non-profit organization dedicated to accelerating innovation through the adoption and practical application of exponential technologies, is tackling Canada’s AI adoption gap with a bold, hands-on solution: an innovative accelerated program.

On May 22, 2025, the organization is proud to announce the official launch of its groundbreaking AI for Decision-Makers in Advanced Manufacturing program — an intensive initiative designed to equip manufacturing leaders with the strategic, technical, and practical skills to adopt AI with confidence. By the end of the program, decision-makers will be part of a hub of forward-thinking leaders ready to implement impactful AI initiatives, unlock hyper-productivity, and cultivate AI-ready enterprises that deliver tangible results.

"We built the AI for Decision-Makers program to directly address the urgent AI adoption gap threatening the global competitiveness of Canadian manufacturers", said Andy Manel, Co-Founder at Bold New Edge. "Our mission is to empower these leaders not merely to understand AI, but to strategically implement it to achieve tangible, extraordinary outcomes and unlock hyper-productivity."

Designed specifically for Canadian manufacturing leaders, this 8-week blended learning program moves beyond theory to deliver practical, high-impact outcomes. The program features a unique 4+4 structure, meticulously balancing strategic knowledge with immediate practical application:

• Phase 1: AI Roadmapping (Weeks 1–4): Build essential AI literacy and strategic foresight. Participants will master core concepts (including generative AI), develop actionable AI roadmaps aligned with their business goals, understand AI infrastructure needs, and navigate responsible AI principles and ethical considerations.

• Phase 2: Applied AI building session (Weeks 5–8): Turn knowledge into action. Guided by 10 hours of dedicated expert mentorship from the Applied AI Institute, leaders will define, prototype, test, and refine a practical AI solution directly addressing their specific manufacturing challenge. This phase culminates in a clear AI Adoption Strategy Roadmap, incorporating ROI analysis.

  
  

Through this combination of strategic planning, deepened AI literacy, and hands-on implementation, participants will gain the confidence to lead AI adoption and develop tailored strategies aligned with their organization’s real-world challenges and growth opportunities.

Converging Expertise: Industry, Academia, and AI Experts Forge a National Powerhouse Coalition

AI for Decision-Makers in Advanced Manufacturing is an AI-ready blueprint for Canadian hyperproductivity. It isn’t just bold in name, it’s built on the strength of a national coalition committed to real, responsible impact. Bold New Edge is backed by a powerful consortium of partners united in their commitment to responsible AI adoption and innovation in advanced manufacturing.

The timely and urgent delivery of the program for Canada's manufacturing sector is spurred by co-investment from DIGITAL, Canada’s Global Innovation Cluster for digital technologies.

“Just as Canada has been a leader in AI research, Canadian industry and governments must embrace AI adoption”, said Sue Paish, CEO of DIGITAL. “DIGITAL is proud to support initiatives that support AI adoption that enhance productivity and strengthen the competitiveness of Canadian industry and Canada.”

From strategy to infrastructure, this initiative is powered by an ecosystem of partners who don’t just understand AI — they are shaping the future of the advanced manufacturing industry:

• The Applied AI Institute at Concordia University draws on a network of over 200 AI experts and researchers to strategically bridge academic innovation with industry application.

• Concordia Continuing Education provides certification for the program, ensuring it meets rigorous professional standards.

• CMC Microsystems and Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen) offer access to critical infrastructure and national industry networks that support applied AI in manufacturing.

• Syntronic Production Services contributes deep industry expertise to help translate AI strategy into practical, high-impact applications.

  
  

Together, these partners form the backbone of Bold New Edge’s efforts — empowering decision-makers to turn cutting-edge ideas into measurable impact through innovation, education, and collaborative execution.

“We’re building a nationwide community of decision-makers, researchers, and innovators, all aligned around one goal: driving AI adoption in manufacturing where it counts the most to reverse Canada's productivity decline”, said Alejandro Martinez-Ramos, Co-Founder at Bold New Edge.

The Launch Event

The May 22 launch event will bring together manufacturing decision-makers, innovation officers, industry experts, and media for an evening of networking, thought leadership, and celebration.

When: May 22, 2025, from 17:30 to 20:00

Where: 1050 Beaver Hall Hill, Downtown Montreal

Hosted by: Bold New Edge | Sponsored by: Desjardins Caisse de Technologies

Highlights of the evening:

• An overview of the AI for Decision-Makers in Advanced Manufacturing program.

• A dynamic mini-panel discussion featuring consortium partners and manufacturing leaders on the urgency of AI adoption.

• A special announcement inviting participants to apply and partner with Bold New Edge for this transformative initiative.

• Networking opportunities and media interviews.

  
  

Register now to attend the launch event. To learn more about the program structure, timing, or how to apply, visit: https://www.boldnewedge.com/ 

About Bold New Edge

Bold New Edge is a non-profit organization accelerating innovation through the strategic adoption and practical application of exponential technologies. We empower leaders and organizations to transform the future by combining deep technological expertise with mindset transformation. Our core offerings include AI leadership programs, innovation sprints, and tech convergence guidance, enabling partners to unlock productivity gains, drive market relevance, and achieve extraordinary impact. Our primary areas of focus include Artificial Intelligence, technology convergence, and knowledge assets valorization.

Learn more at www.boldnewedge.com.

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Media Contact:

Alejandro Martinez-Ramos, Program Consortium Director, alejandro@boldnewedge.com 

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