Doug Schweitzer, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation. (rdnewsNOW file photo)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

$30 million over three years

Province aims to amplify Alberta’s AI strengths

Apr 26, 2022 | 12:05 PM

Officials with the provincial government say new support will strengthen Alberta’s position as a leader in artificial intelligence and grow its technology and innovation talent pool.

Officials say the use of artificial intelligence is transforming sectors across the economy, attracting investment and creating jobs along the way. Alberta is already said to be a leader in artificial intelligence and by sharpening the focus on this priority area, the government is ensuring Alberta remains at the forefront.

“Alberta is home to some of the best and brightest talent, world-class post-secondary institutions and one of Canada’s three centres of AI excellence. We have what it takes to continue to accelerate artificial intelligence and commercialize solutions that can be applied to key sectors of our economy, including health care, smart agriculture, clean energy, manufacturing and more,” said Doug Schweitzer, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation, on Monday.

Advancing artificial intelligence is described as a key objective of the Alberta Technology and Innovation Strategy.

Under the strategy, $30 million over three years has been allocated to accelerate and grow artificial intelligence research, development and expertise in the province. Driving this innovation, say government officials, means Albertans will continue to be among those developing and commercializing new and emerging technologies to solve the world’s latest challenges.

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“The Government of Alberta is ensuring that Alberta continues to lead in both the opportunity and impact of AI – and is enabling Alberta ideas and businesses to reach the world stage. With this support, we’re thrilled to renew our efforts toward advancing the science of AI, accelerating the growth of one of the world’s best talent pipelines and expanding our support for businesses working to transform our economy,” added Cam Linke, CEO, Amii.

“Alberta has a strong legacy of leveraging our assets to drive our economy and this announcement recognizes that we have the opportunity to do the same as a globally recognized leader in AI. AI is a horizontal enabler across industries, and the new investment will help ensure Alberta’s ongoing competitiveness in the global economy by building upon, and improving, the industries that already make Alberta great,” stated Cory Janssen, co-founder and co-CEO, AltaML.

Officials say Alberta’s Technology and Innovation Strategy builds on several supports already rolled out as part of Alberta’s Recovery Plan, including the Innovation Employment Grant, the recapitalization of the Alberta Enterprise Corporation, the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program Accelerated Tech Pathway and the launch of the Scale-up and Growth Accelerator Program by Alberta Innovates.

As Alberta’s technology and innovation sector continues to grow and mature, each support – as part of the strategy – is said to be important to attracting and developing talent and raising Alberta’s technology profile.

More details on how the funding will be allocated will be shared as initiatives are finalized, note government officials.

Alberta government quick facts

• The Alberta Technology and Innovation Strategy seeks to create 20,000 new jobs and see Alberta’s technology companies generate $5 billion more in annual revenue by 2030.
• One of Canada’s three centres of artificial intelligence (AI) excellence is located in Alberta and the University of Alberta is in the top three for AI research in the world.
• There are opportunities for AI applications across sectors of the economy, including health care, logistics and supply chain management, energy, education and infrastructure management.
• According to data compiled by Global Advantage in January 2020, Alberta had 49 active AI firms with a flagship product or service that implements AI.
• AI is estimated to add $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030.