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_Welcome

Welcome to today’s edition of AI Business Weekly. Governments and investors continue to double down on AI across energy, healthcare, and enterprise markets. Canada is ramping up funding for clean energy workers and AI research, while startups are securing millions to advance AI-powered health, energy savings, and SaaS platforms. Let’s dive in.

Canada Invests $28.7M to Train Clean Energy Workers and Expand AI Research

Ottawa — The federal government is committing $28.7 million to prepare Canadian workers for the clean energy transition and expand AI research capacity. The initiative aims to ensure Canada remains globally competitive in AI while equipping its workforce with skills for the rapidly evolving clean energy sector.
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Optain Health Secures $26M Series A for AI-Driven Retinal Imaging

New York — Optain Health raised $26 million in Series A funding to scale its AI-powered retinal imaging platform, Oculomics, across the U.S. and internationally. The technology uses non-invasive eye scans to detect diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and AMD, supporting earlier diagnoses and improved patient outcomes.
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Cohere Hits $6.8B Valuation with $500M Raise, Hires Meta Exec

Toronto — Canadian AI startup Cohere has reached a valuation of $6.8 billion following its latest $500 million funding round. The company, which builds AI tools for enterprise clients, also announced the hire of a former Meta executive as it seeks to expand its footprint in the competitive enterprise AI market.
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TrueMeter Raises $4M Seed to Expand AI Energy Savings Platform

San Francisco — TrueMeter, a startup specializing in AI-powered energy optimization for brick-and-mortar businesses, has raised $4 million in seed funding. Led by Ulu Ventures, the round brings TrueMeter’s total funding to $5.5 million and will help scale its platform for commercial energy savings.
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Rihal Secures $7.5M to Grow AI and SaaS Platforms

Muscat — Oman-based technology and data solutions provider Rihal has raised $7.5 million in the first close of its Series A funding round led by ITHCA Group. The investment will fuel regional expansion and continued growth of Rihal’s enterprise SaaS and AI platforms, with the company targeting a total raise of $15 million.
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📢 AI Momentum Across Energy, Healthcare, and Enterprise

From Canada’s $28.7M commitment to research and clean energy skills to major funding rounds in healthcare, energy optimization, and SaaS, AI innovation continues to attract government support and investor confidence. Cohere’s $6.8B valuation underscores the rising stakes in enterprise AI, while startups in health and energy are showing how AI is shaping the future of essential industries.