Bold New Edge launching AI for Decision-Makers in Advanced Manufacturing program

May 15, 2025, Montreal — Bold New Edge, a non-profit organization dedicated to accelerating innovation through the adoption and practical application of exponential technologies, is launching the AI for Decision-Makers in Advanced Manufacturing program on May 22.

The program is an intensive initiative designed to equipment manufacturing leaders with the strategic, technical and practical skills to adopt AI with confidence, the organization reported in a press statement.

By the end of the program, decision-makers will be part of a hub of forward-thinking leaders ready to implement AI initiatives, unlock 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, in a media release. “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 eight-week blended learning program features a 4+4 structure, balancing strategic knowledge with 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 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.

The initiative is powered by the Applied AI Institute at Concordia University, Concordia Continuing Education, CMC Microsystems and NGen and Syntronic Production Services.

The program was made possible in part due to co-investment by DIGITAL, Canada’s Global Innovation Cluster for digital technologies.

“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, in a media release.

The May 22 launch event is being held at 1050 Beaver Hall Hill, Suite 340, and will bring together manufacturing decision-makers, innovation officers, industry experts and media for an evening of networking, thought leadership, and celebration.

Highlights of the evening include:

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