WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT TO WISCONSIN: Wisconsin companies conducting research or creating advances in artificial intelligence may benefit from collaborations there.
Canada is already a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI)—and the government is investing even more in prospects for the expanded reach of AI technology.
In April 2024, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a $2.4 billion package of measures designed to accelerate job growth in the sector and boost productivity by helping researchers and businesses develop and adopt AI.
The majority of the funding will go to a new AI Compute Access Fund that will support researchers, startups, and growing AI companies to expand the sector’s infrastructure in Canada. A Canadian AI Safety Institute will also be established to help protect against nefarious AI systems.
“AI has the potential to transform the economy, and our potential lies in capitalizing on the undeniable Canadian advantage,” Trudeau said. “This announcement is a major investment in our future, in the future of workers, in making sure that every industry—and every generation— has the tools to succeed and prosper in the economy of tomorrow.”
Canada established a national AI strategy in 2017 and was the first country to do so.
According to a 2023 Deloitte Canada report, $2.6 billion already has been invested in Canada’s AI research and development programs. Canada also tied with South Korea and Japan for the No. 1 ranking among 80 countries in the Center for AI and Digital Policy’s 2024 global report on Artificial Intelligence and Democratic Values.
Major tech companies such as Google, Microsoft, and Facebook have established AI research labs in Canada, particularly in Toronto, Montreal, and Edmonton. The labs conduct cutting-edge research in generative AI and collaborate with local universities and startups.
A 2023 article by KPMG Canada said that one in five Canadians are using AI tools for research, generating ideas and presentations, and writing essays for work or school.
According to Statistics Canada, approximately one in seven Canadian businesses already use or have plans to use generative AI.
In the food industry, AI technology is increasingly being leveraged to enhance various aspects of food quality, advertising, distribution, cost savings, and optimization, according to Food in Canada.
Franchise Direct Canada’s 2024 report highlighted top trends that include integrating artificial intelligence into various food processes, such as using it to analyze customer insights and personalize preferences.
In an example shown by the Canadian Food Innovation Network, Fiddlehead Technologies is working with Toronto-based McCain Foods to improve communication processes between production and service personnel and to customize detailed marketing messages of their products. The report said that allows McCain to better manage inventory and to reduce its waste, costs, and carbon footprint.
Wisconsin companies working in the AI sector may benefit from associations with Canada’s growing AI community.
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