AXL teams with RSM Canada to build AI solutions for Canada's future

National Post

22-07-2025

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TORONTO — AXL, a Canadian venture studio transforming world-class applied AI research into high-growth companies, and RSM Canada LLP ('RSM'), a leading global provider of assurance, tax and consulting services, have entered into a strategic collaboration. Together, the two organizations are driving innovation by challenging existing models and reimagining what's possible in professional services by integrating AI advancements with real-world business needs.
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As part of the collaboration, RSM will serve as the exclusive provider of accounting, tax and consulting services to AXL, offering strategic guidance, compliance expertise, and growth planning support. Additionally, RSM will act as a preferred provider of these services to AXL's portfolio of startup companies.
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RSM is also one of several leading Canadian organizations participating in AXL's AI Catalyst program, a corporate partnership initiative designed to validate and accelerate breakthrough ideas driven by real industry demand. The goal is to fast-track the commercialization of high-potential AI applications and ensure Canadian innovations are built into the country's economic future, rather than being exported before they scale.
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'Canada doesn't have an innovation gap, it has a commercialization gap,' says Dr. Daniel Wigdor, co-founder and CEO of AXL. 'With RSM, we're taking demand signals from the market and moving fast to turn that into scalable, enterprise-ready solutions. This is execution over hype. This is how Canada leads—not just in ideas, but in outcomes.'
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Canada leads in AI academic research but struggles to retain its economic benefits, as much of its advancements are commercialized internationally.
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Fewer than 20 per cent of mid-sized Canadian companies have begun adopting AI, according to the OECD, citing barriers such as limited technical talent, high costs and an uncertain return on investment. These findings are echoed in RSM's 2025 Middle Market AI Survey, which highlights similar challenges and underscores the need for practical, scalable AI solutions tailored to the middle market.
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Meanwhile, nearly 75 per cent of AI patents from Canada's top institutes are acquired by international tech firms, with only 7 per cent remaining in the country. The United Nations also estimates that fewer than half of Canada's top AI innovations are ever patented, highlighting a critical disconnect between invention and impact.
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By integrating real-time industry feedback, the AXL-RSM collaboration advances Canadian AI venture growth, commercialization and talent development, ensuring solutions scale domestically and drive lasting economic impact.
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'We're seeing incredible momentum around AI and the value it can unlock,' said Harry Blum, national managing partner at RSM Canada. 'With AXL as a strategic collaborator, we're accelerating innovation—helping businesses move beyond legacy models and positioning them to grow, compete and thrive in a future-ready economy, while embedding AI across our own solution sets.'
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The relationship represents a direct commitment to Canada's AI ecosystem, powering homegrown innovation while reinforcing a shared commitment to helping Canadian businesses lead in the digital economy. RSM recently committed US$1 billion globally to AI, with a focus on helping middle market businesses adopt AI, especially those ready to innovate but lacking scale or resources. This initiative by RSM further aligns with AXL's vision of positioning Canada as a global leader in applied AI by bridging the gap between research and commercialization.
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Together, AXL and RSM aim to unlock the next wave of AI-driven economic growth, bringing AI solutions that empower Canadian businesses and proving the benefit of AI not just in theory but in practice.
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To learn more about how AXL is fuelling Canada's AI research-to-commercialization pipeline, visit their website at www.axl.vc.
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About AXL
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AXL is a Canadian venture studio transforming world-class research into high-growth companies that shape the future of applied AI. Led by seasoned tech entrepreneurs and applied AI experts, AXL's mission is to ensure Canada's top breakthroughs are built and scaled at home. By connecting academia with real market demand and full-stack venture creation, AXL helps Canada move from invention to impact, anchoring talent, intellectual property, and long-term economic value within the country. For more information, visit axl.vc and connect with us on
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About RSM Canada
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RSM empowers middle market companies worldwide to take charge of change. The clients we serve are the engine of global commerce and economic growth. Our unique middle market perspective makes RSM the natural choice for growth-oriented, internationally active organizations seeking relevant insights and tailored, innovative solutions for a complex and changing world. With a global reach spanning more than 120 countries, we instill confidence in a world of change by bringing the full power of RSM to make a lasting impact on our clients, colleagues and communities.
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RSM Canada LLP provides public accounting services and is the Canadian member firm of RSM International, a global network of independent assurance, tax and consulting firms. RSM Canada Consulting LP provides consulting services and is an affiliate of RSM US LLP, a member firm of RSM International. For more information visit rsmcanada.com, like us on Facebook, follow us on X and/or connect with us on LinkedIn.
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