SCALE AI Applauds Canada’s Historic $2.4 Billion Investment in artificial intelligence Innovation

Monday, April 8, 2024

SCALE AI, the pioneering global hub for artificial intelligence (AI) innovation in Canada, applauds the Government of Canada’s landmark $2.4 billion commitment, announced today, aimed at fostering economic expansion through heightened integration of AI within Canadian enterprises.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau unveiled this historic investment at SCALE AI’s headquarters in Montréal, alongside key figures such as François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry; Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Soraya Martinez Ferrada, who holds dual roles as Minister of Tourism and as the Minister overseeing the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec.

This substantial financial backing represents a pivotal stride toward cultivating an AI-driven economy in Canada. SCALE AI, in collaboration with governmental counterparts, pledges to ensure that this infusion of funds directly benefits local startups and businesses pioneering AI solutions, leveraging indigenous expertise.

Comprising three integral components, this investment initiative aims to stimulate demand for domestically developed AI. It includes provisions for the advancement of state-of-the-art infrastructure and prioritizes measures to ensure its safety, both critical foundations for fostering widespread adoption.

“This financial commitment is a strong signal of Canada’s vision to propel AI. We are convinced that this investment will catalyze productivity, innovation and sustainable economic growth in our country,” comments Julien Billot, CEO of SCALE AI. “We will work closely with governments and leverage our expertise to facilitate the adoption and deployment of AI projects within industry and for the benefit of public services. It is also an encouragement to continue our efforts to support the emergence of Canadian AI flagships both nationally and internationally.”

“For more than five years, SCALE AI has been contributing to the emergence and growth of AI, and we are in a front-row seat to see this sector take its place among Canada’s growth vectors. This announcement is an important step, both for the AI ecosystem and for the industries that will adopt it to improve their performance in an increasingly competitive environment,” says Hélène Desmarais, Co-chair of the Board of Scale AI.

Having pioneered Canada’s inaugural AI adoption initiatives, SCALE AI has facilitated over 120 AI projects within Canadian enterprises, representing a cumulative investment of $600 million across diverse sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, construction, transportation, and beyond. As a pivotal force within the AI ecosystem, SCALE AI has fostered collaboration among researchers, industry stakeholders, startups, and suppliers to develop AI solutions and products with tangible benefits.

Additionally, SCALE AI hosts ALL IN, the largest event dedicated to Canada’s AI landscape, anticipated to convene over 3,000 participants in Montréal this year. Furthermore, SCALE AI is spearheading an economic mission aimed at showcasing Canadian AI prowess at VivaTech 2024, Europe’s premier event dedicated to startups and technology, scheduled for May in Paris.

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