Compute is the backbone of artificial intelligence (AI). It powers the vast data processing and complex algorithms that drive AI advancements. In Canada, the need for cutting-edge AI infrastructure is critical to maintaining its leadership in the global AI ecosystem. The Canadian government is committed to ensuring that businesses, researchers, and innovators have access to the compute resources necessary to thrive.
Launch of the Canadian Sovereign AI Compute Strategy
On December 6, 2024, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, officially launched the Canadian Sovereign AI Compute Strategy. This strategy is a pivotal initiative designed to foster AI innovation across Canada, with a focus on building secure, domestic AI compute infrastructure. It includes a substantial investment of up to $2 billion to enhance Canada’s global AI leadership.
Key Objectives of the AI Compute Strategy
The Canadian Sovereign AI Compute Strategy focuses on three core areas of investment:
- AI Compute Challenge: $700 million will be allocated to support the growth of Canadian AI champions through new and expanded data centres.
- Public Computing Infrastructure: $1 billion will be dedicated to creating transformational supercomputing infrastructure.
- AI Compute Access Fund: $300 million will be invested in providing affordable compute resources for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), ensuring all sectors can benefit from AI innovations.
Empowering Canadian Businesses and Researchers
The Canadian government recognizes that access to reliable, high-performance compute capacity is essential for advancing AI products and research. The new strategy aims to create an environment that fosters AI-driven innovation, strengthens Canada’s competitive edge, and attracts investment and talent.
By ensuring that both large and small enterprises can access cutting-edge compute infrastructure, this initiative will help businesses develop made-in-Canada AI solutions and push the boundaries of AI research. This strategic investment is integral to securing Canada’s future as a global AI leader.
Strengthening Canada’s AI Sector
Canada’s AI sector is rapidly growing, with a significant impact on job creation, productivity, and economic growth. Key statistics demonstrate Canada’s strength in the AI space:
- Over 140,000 AI professionals were actively engaged in Canada in 2022-23, a 29% increase from the previous year.
- Canada hosts 10% of the world’s top-tier AI researchers, ranking second globally.
- The country also ranks first in the G7 for the growth of AI talent and AI-related publications per capita.
Furthermore, Canadian AI startups attracted over $8.6 billion in venture capital in 2022, nearly 30% of Canada’s total venture capital activity. With over 670 AI startups and more than 30 generative AI companies, Canada is solidifying its position as a top destination for AI innovation and investment.
Quotes from the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne
“The strategy we’re announcing today is a major step toward securing Canada’s place as a global AI leader. By increasing access to domestic and secure compute capacity, we will help businesses, innovators, and researchers boost the Canadian economy and stand out on the world stage. This is about showing Canada’s ambition, supporting innovation, and investing in the economy of the future.” — François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry.
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The Road Ahead
This strategy is the beginning of a broader effort to build a robust AI ecosystem in Canada. By leveraging public and private investments, the government will ensure that Canadian companies and researchers remain at the forefront of AI development. This commitment will not only propel Canada into a global leadership role but also foster long-term economic growth across all sectors.
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