Spartan Controls and AltaML Announce Joint Venture BlueMarvel AI to Develop Industrial Automation AI Solutions

Spartan Controls, a leading Canadian provider of automation solutions, and AltaML, a leading Canadian applied artificial intelligence (AI) studio, have recognized an opportunity to accelerate growth in the era of digital transformation. Today, they are pleased to announce the launch of the new Calgary-based joint venture, BlueMarvel AI, which provides industrial operations applied AI services, solutions, and products to enterprise clients across multiple industrial segments. 

Modern industrial processes utilize an increasing number of industrial sensors, sophisticated process control systems, and a myriad of other industrial data systems in the safe and efficient operation of these facilities. These processes generate large volumes of data which creates the opportunity to leverage modern AI technologies in a wide variety of applications. However data is just the starting point for applied AI; successful application also requires the close collaboration of subject matter experts and AI experts having deep technical and business competencies.

BlueMarvel AI (BlueMarvel) uniquely combines industrial process control expertise and applied AI expertise, offering customers a trusted partner that understands its business context, is familiar with existing and emerging operating challenges, and exceptional skill in producing targeted insight through industrial software AI. BlueMarvel’s offerings are designed to deliver outcomes of particular importance to process industries: safety, sustainability, cost and throughput. Currently, BlueMarvel offers professional services to augment data-driven operational insights, as well as solution execution.

“We are very excited to partner with AltaML to augment our industrial customers’ Digital Transformation,” said Grant Wilde, President and CEO at Spartan Controls. “BlueMarvel allows us to offer unparalleled capability and experience in both applied artificial intelligence and industrial process operations. Together we are uniquely bringing the Information Technology (IT) domain together with Operating Technology (OT) enabling our customers to solve operational challenges.”

As an applied AI studio, AltaML works collaboratively with partners to develop software solutions with AI at the core, and in some cases new high-growth venture opportunities are identified. When a new venture is created, both AltaML and its partner provide the required people, expertise and other resources to set the company up for success.

“In bringing together diverse expertise and perspectives, partnerships are fertile ground for innovation,” said Nicole Janssen, AltaML Co-Founder and Co-CEO. “We’ve been working closely with Spartan Controls for some time now, and we are very excited to launch a joint venture. BlueMarvel will leverage Spartan’s extensive process control expertise, identified use cases and industry network to capture value for customers through AI solution development. As BlueMarvel grows it will help mature Alberta’s applied AI ecosystem, and will create industrial impact around sustainability, safety, cost and throughput, as well as new jobs.”

Today’s announcement builds on a strong collaboration between Spartan Controls and AltaML to build transformative applications for the process industries in Western Canada, as announced in 2020. Additionally, Spartan is one of four industry partners of the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund (OCIF)-supported AltaML Applied AI Lab, through which it is increasing its data science experimentation while contributing valuable work integrated learning opportunities for data science Associates. Several of the Associates working on Spartan Controls use cases have since been hired by Spartan and by AltaML, creating an ideal talent pool for secondment to BlueMarvel in addition to the deep talent within both organizations.

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About AltaML

AltaML is a leading developer of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered solutions. Working with organizations that want to use AI to leverage their data to develop solutions that drive tangible business results, AltaML empowers partners to create operational efficiency, reduce risks and generate new sources of revenue. Through a deep understanding of organizational pain points and challenges, AltaML’s solutions encompass the entire machine learning (ML) life cycle, from evaluating potential use cases and determining feasibility to piloting solutions, putting code into production, and ensuring model evolution.

About Spartan Controls

Spartan Controls is the recognized leading provider of industrial automation, valves, measurement, and process control solutions in Western Canada. For over 58 years, Spartan has provided customers with high performance systems, industrial process and automation expertise, lifecycle support, and technical training—delivering value our customers want. Our automation solutions are used in all process industries including oil and gas, oil sands, mining, chemical, pulp and paper, power, pipeline, food & beverage, life Sciences, and municipal. We provide exceptional customer experiences where expertise and collaboration come together.

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