Navigating the AI Frontier: A Conversation with Bold New Edge on Advanced Manufacturing

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In this blog, David Durand, lawyer, trademark agent and President of FORPIQ converses with Alejandro Martinez-Ramos and Andy Manel, co-CEOs of Bold New Edge. They take this opportunity to discuss their newly launched program “AI Adoption for Decision-Makers in Advanced Manufacturing” (register here) and how it responds to current needs in the sector of advanced manufacturing and how AI can be used to make us more productive. They will also elaborate on the challenges that come with AI innovation as well as its link to IP and the future impact they envision for their program.

David Durand (FORPIQ): Welcome, Alejandro and Andy, it's a pleasure to have you both here representing Bold New Edge. FORPIQ, as an organization dedicated to promoting IP awareness, is particularly interested in your work, especially your new program, "AI Adoption for Decision-Makers in Advanced Manufacturing." Let's dive right in.

Alejandro Ramos-Martinez

Alejandro Ramos-Martinez (Bold New Edge): Thanks, David. It's a privilege to be here. We’re excited to discuss how we're empowering manufacturing leaders to embrace AI and drive innovation.

Andy Manel (Bold New Edge): Absolutely. The landscape of manufacturing is evolving rapidly, and AI is at the heart of that transformation. We believe in practical, impactful adoption.

David: To set the stage, could you elaborate on Bold New Edge's core mission and how it aligns with the current needs of the advanced manufacturing sector?

Alejandro: Our mission at Bold New Edge is to accelerate innovation through the strategic adoption and practical application of exponential technologies, with a strong focus on AI. We empower leaders and organizations to shape the future by adopting and applying exponential technologies and a crucial mindset shift. In advanced manufacturing, this means equipping companies to leverage AI for everything from predictive maintenance and quality control to optimized production and agile supply chains. We see a significant gap between the potential of AI and its actual implementation in many manufacturing SMEs, and we aim to bridge that.

Andy: Exactly. Many leaders in advanced manufacturing recognize the power of AI but struggle with the "how." They might be overwhelmed by the complexity, unsure of where to start, or lack the in-house expertise. Our goal is to demystify AI and provide a clear, actionable roadmap for integration, ensuring they achieve tangible business outcomes.

David: That brings us perfectly to the "AI Adoption for Decision-Makers in Advanced Manufacturing" program. What was the impetus for creating this specific program, and what unique challenges in the advanced manufacturing sector does it aim to address?

Alejandro: The impetus came from direct feedback and observations within the manufacturing sector. While there's a lot of talk about Industry 4.0 and digital transformation, many manufacturing companies, particularly SMEs, are still grappling with the foundational steps of AI adoption. They face challenges like data silos, a lack of AI literacy among decision-makers, and a disconnect between IT and operational technology. Our program directly addresses these by focusing on practical, hands-on application and strategic alignment.

Andy Manel

Andy: We also recognized that many existing AI training programs are either too theoretical or too technical for leaders who aren't necessarily AI specialists. Our program is designed for decision-makers – those who need to understand AI's strategic implications, identify opportunities, and effectively manage its implementation, without needing to code. It's about empowering them to ask the right questions, make informed decisions, and lead their teams through this transformation.

David: That’s a crucial distinction. Could you walk us through the structure of the program? What can participants expect to gain from it?

Alejandro: The program is an intensive eight-week hybrid experience, blending theory, hands-on practice, and expert guidance. It's structured in two main phases, with optional support once completed. Phase 1, "AI Roadmapping," is focused on building essential AI literacy, mastering core concepts including generative AI, and developing actionable AI roadmaps aligned with their specific business goals. This phase also covers crucial aspects like addressing infrastructure needs and navigating ethical considerations.

Andy: Then, Phase 2, the "Applied AI Prototyping," is where knowledge turns into action. Participants receive ten hours of one-on-one expert mentorship from the Applied AI Institute to define, prototype, test, and refine a practical AI solution that directly addresses a specific manufacturing challenge they face. This could be anything from predictive maintenance on a particular machine to optimizing a production line. The goal is a tangible, implementable solution.

Alejandro: Beyond the structured learning, participants gain access to an exclusive AI practitioners network, support for project funding, and an alumni network for ongoing collaboration and shared learning. It's about building a sustainable ecosystem for AI adoption.

David: That Applied AI Prototyping phase sounds incredibly valuable for real-world application. What kind of AI solutions or applications are most relevant and impactful for leaders in advanced manufacturing right now?

Andy: We see significant impact across several areas. Predictive maintenance, as Alejandro mentioned, is a big one. By analyzing sensor data from machinery, AI can predict equipment failures before they happen, drastically reducing downtime and maintenance costs. Quality control is another key area; AI-powered vision systems can detect defects with incredible accuracy and speed, far surpassing human capabilities.

Alejandro: Production optimization is also critical, leveraging AI to fine-tune production schedules, manage inventory, and optimize resource allocation. We’re also seeing a growing interest in generative AI for design and simulation, and agentic AI workflows for automating complex decision-making processes within the factory. The beauty of the program is that it’s flexible enough for participants to identify their most pressing challenges and develop a tailored AI solution.

David: Innovation often comes with challenges, and AI adoption is no different. What are some of the biggest hurdles you anticipate for manufacturing leaders attempting to integrate AI, and how does your program help them overcome these?

Andy: One major hurdle is data readiness. Many manufacturers have vast amounts of data, but it might be siloed, inconsistent, or unstructured. Our program helps participants understand what data they need, how to collect it, and how to prepare it for AI analysis. Another significant challenge is the cultural shift required. AI adoption isn't just about technology; it's about changing mindsets, fostering a data-driven culture, and reskilling the workforce. We emphasize change management and leadership in our curriculum.

Alejandro: Another common hurdle is the fear of the unknown or the perceived complexity of AI. We address this by demystifying the technology and providing a structured, step-by-step approach. The one-on-one mentorship is crucial here, as it allows for personalized guidance and problem-solving, helping leaders navigate specific organizational complexities. Finally, the program helps connect participants with potential funding sources, which can be a significant barrier for SMEs.

David: As FORPIQ president, intellectual property is always top of mind. How do you address the IP considerations surrounding AI adoption in manufacturing, especially when companies are developing new AI-driven processes or products?

Alejandro: That's an excellent point, David, and it’s something we emphasize throughout the program. While our program isn't a deep dive into IP law itself, we integrate key IP considerations into our curriculum to raise awareness and guide participants.

Andy: Specifically, in the "AI Roadmapping" phase, we dedicate time to discussing data governance and data ownership. Participants learn about the critical need to identify, secure, and manage the data that fuels their AI initiatives. This includes understanding who owns the data being used for training AI models, especially when dealing with third-party data or data generated by machines.

Alejandro: We also explore the various forms of IP protection relevant to AI in manufacturing. We educate leaders on how the new AI models, unique algorithms they develop, or novel processes they create with AI, can be protected as trade secrets. This involves establishing robust internal policies for confidentiality and access control. For more inventive AI-powered solutions, we introduce the concept of patentability for the underlying inventions or methods. This helps them identify potential patentable subject matter.

Andy: Furthermore, we discuss copyright implications, particularly concerning the unique datasets they might curate or the specific code they develop. This awareness helps them understand how to safeguard these assets. A crucial aspect we stress is the importance of having clear contractual agreements with any third-party AI vendors, developers, or data providers. These agreements must explicitly define ownership of AI models, algorithms, and any data generated or used, to prevent future disputes.

Alejandro: Ultimately, our goal is not to turn them into IP lawyers, but to equip them with the necessary IP literacy to ask the right questions, identify potential risks and opportunities, and understand when and how to engage with qualified intellectual property professionals. We highlight that protecting their AI innovations is as crucial as developing them, ensuring their competitive advantage is sustained. This is also where our association with organizations like FORPIQ is vital; we can directly point them to resources and experts for deeper dives into IP strategy.

David: Looking ahead, what's your vision for the impact of this program on the broader advanced manufacturing landscape, particularly in Canada?

Alejandro: Our vision is to significantly accelerate AI adoption across Canada's manufacturing sector. By targeting 200 participants across 150 Canadian manufacturing SMEs, we aim to create a critical mass of AI-ready leaders. This will not only boost the competitiveness and efficiency of individual companies but also foster a more robust, innovative, and resilient Canadian manufacturing ecosystem overall.

Andy: We envision a future where Canadian manufacturers are not just adopters of AI but leaders in its development and application. This program is a foundational step in building that collective intelligence and capability. Ultimately, it’s about ensuring Canada remains at the forefront of advanced manufacturing, leveraging AI to drive economic growth and create high-value jobs.

David: That’s an ambitious and commendable vision. Finally, for a manufacturing leader considering this program, what’s the single most compelling reason they should enroll?

Alejandro: The single most compelling reason is the opportunity to move beyond theoretical understanding to practical, impactful AI implementation. You won’t just learn about AI; you’ll learn how to leverage AI in your business, with direct support to build a tangible solution.

Andy: I’d add that it’s about leading with AI before your competitors do. The program offers a clear blueprint to integrate AI into your organization, giving you a distinct competitive advantage in an increasingly AI-driven world.

Eric Janosz, Alejandro Ramos-Martinez, David Durand, Andy Manel

David: Alejandro, Andy, thank you both for this insightful discussion. It’s clear that Bold New Edge is playing a vital role in shaping the future of advanced manufacturing through practical AI adoption. We at FORPIQ look forward to seeing your success and will keep an eye out for the impactful innovations that emerge from your program.

Alejandro: Thank you, David. It was a pleasure.

Andy: Our pleasure, David.

Need more information about  “AI Adoption for Decision-Makers in Advanced Manufacturing”, register here. Any questions? Contact Alejandro of Bold New Edge.

Interested in Strengthening Canada’s Competitive Advantage in a Global Economy? Join us at #FORPIQ2025, join the waitlist www.forpiq.com.