Latest news with #Amii
Cision Canada
09-07-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Only 7% of Surveyed Canadian Tech Leaders Believe That They Have Reached Advanced AI Maturity, New Report from Georgian Finds
Georgian & NewtonX's global AI study of 634 executives suggests that Canada is trailing international peers despite strong competitive motivation and robust experimental pipeline TORONTO, July 9, 2025 /CNW/ - Just 7% of surveyed Canadian executives classify their organizations as advanced or "Runners" in AI maturity—less than half the 17% rate reported by global peers—according to the AI, Applied – Canada Benchmarks report published today by Georgian in collaboration with NewtonX. While 69% of Canadian companies remain in early "Crawl and Walk" phases of AI development, 31% cite creating competitive advantage as their primary AI motivation—a rate higher than the 26% global average. This suggests Canadian organizations recognize AI's strategic importance but potentially struggle to translate ambition into advanced implementations. "Canadian innovators appear to believe that AI has the potential to assist them in growing their business and report active AI experimentation, but systemic challenges around talent and scaling may be preventing many from reaching the level of maturity that is likely to drive competitive advantage," said James Lamberti, Head of Go-to-Market at Georgian Partners. The Canadian Benchmarks Report, released in partnership with Vector Institute and the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii), is part of Georgian's AI, Applied Benchmark Research, which surveyed executives globally across 10 countries and 15 industry verticals. For this wave, Georgian partnered with nine international organizations including AI Marketers Guild, FirstMark, GTM Partners, and Untapped Ventures (San Francisco, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles) and Startup Nation Central, Herzog and Grove Ventures (Tel Aviv) in addition to Vector and Amii to create global benchmarks of B2B AI adoption. The Maturity Gap in Context: Canadian respondents lag behind global peers in advanced AI implementation across multiple dimensions: Only 41% of Canadian respondents report advanced or fundamental use of a range of AI techniques versus 54% globally. 37% of Canadian respondents report advanced LLM implementation compared to 45% globally. Canadian go-to-market respondents average 54% AI adoption across nine functions versus 61% globally, with a 19-point gap in research activities and an 11-point gap in lead scoring. The Talent Bottleneck: 48% of surveyed Canadian R&D leaders cite an absence of technical talent as their top barrier to production deployment—4 points higher than their global counterparts. The talent bottleneck in Canada reflects a broader global trend as technical talent has now replaced cost as the primary scaling challenge worldwide. Privacy-First Approach: Canadian organizations disclose heightened concerns around privacy that may slow but strengthen long-term adoption: 79% of surveyed Canadian R&D respondents rank sensitive information disclosure among their top three cybersecurity concerns—14 points above global peers. 53% of surveyed R&D teams prioritize data security and privacy as their primary AI concern. Experimental Pipeline Shows Promise: Despite production gaps, surveyed Canadian R&D teams report robust experimental activity: 47% are testing or piloting automated coding tools versus 38% globally. 42% are testing or piloting data analytics applications compared to 32% internationally. Overall testing and piloting activity in Canada, averaged across 12 use cases, runs 3 percentage points higher than global averages. "As one of Canada's national AI institutes and a leader at the forefront of Canada's AI ecosystem, Amii has a unique perspective on the journey from groundbreaking research to real-world application," says Marlene McNaughton, Chief Revenue Officer at Amii. "The report validates our observations: we must understand the gaps between piloting advanced AI applications and scaling efforts to deliver clear economic value to address these challenges. Our contribution to this global survey and vital knowledge sharing helps us collectively remove these barriers, ultimately unlocking Canada's full AI potential for competitive economic benefits." "This research showcases a fundamental shift — the number one barrier for companies looking to scale AI is no longer cost, but the absence of technical talent," says Glenda Crisp, CEO and President of the Vector Institute. "Canada is already a world leader in AI research excellence, and Ontario produces more AI talent than anywhere else in the country. Scaling these successes is key to translating these advantages into long-term gains in productivity, competitiveness, and growth." Global Roadshow and Future Research: Throughout 2025, Georgian, in collaboration with its global partners, intends to host in-person events featuring technical discussions and workshops on AI maturity in San Francisco, New York, London, Toronto, Montreal, Tel Aviv, and Abu Dhabi. Georgian plans to release the third wave of AI, Applied in Q1 2026, continuing longitudinal analysis alongside additional market-specific benchmarks. About Georgian: Georgian invests in high-growth B2B software companies and builds software to help those companies scale through our AI Lab. We seek to identify and accelerate leading growth-stage software companies in our thesis areas of Applied AI and Trust. Georgian's AI Lab team works with portfolio companies to address growth-stage product and go-to-market challenges through one-on-one engagements, the Transferred Learnings community and AI research. Based in Toronto, Georgian's team brings together investors with machine learning professionals, software entrepreneurs and experienced operators. About NewtonX: NewtonX is a leading B2B research company that employed robust methodology for this study, involving 634 B2B executives globally with balanced representation from R&D and GTM leaders. The study surveyed 201 Canadian executives (100 R&D, 101 GTM) alongside 433 respondents from the rest of the world. Participants were drawn from businesses with annual recurring revenues starting at $1 million, ranging up to 200 large global enterprises. The blind study was conducted through 15-minute online interviews in April and May 2025, adhering to rigorous qualification and quality assurance processes. About Amii As one of Canada's three centres of AI excellence, Amii supports world-leading research in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), and translates scientific advancement into industry adoption. Based in Alberta, Amii strives to make AI & ML the primary drivers of sustainable economic growth by advancing leading-edge research, delivering exceptional educational offerings, and providing business advice – all to bring AI out of the lab and into the world. Learn more at Amii is not a client or investor of Georgian and was not compensated for its statement. Marlene McNaughton's quote reflects her own views and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of Georgian's advisory services. About Vector Institute Launched in 2017, the Vector Institute works with industry, institutions, startups, and governments to build AI talent and drive research excellence in AI to develop and sustain AI-based innovation to foster economic growth and improve the lives of Canadians. Vector aims to advance AI research, increase adoption in industry and health through programs for talent, commercialization, and application, and lead Canada towards the responsible use of AI. Programs for industry, led by top AI practitioners, offer foundations for applications in products and processes, company-specific guidance, training for professionals, and connections to workforce-ready talent. Vector is funded by the Province of Ontario, the Government of Canada through the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy, and leading industry sponsors from across multiple sectors of Canadian Industry. For further information or media enquiries, please contact: [email protected]. Vector Institute is not a client or investor of Georgian and was not compensated for its statement. Glenda Crisp's quote reflects her own views and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of Georgian's advisory services.
Cision Canada
21-05-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Google Canada announces $5 million to support the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute to boost AI skills for Canadian post-secondary students
EDMONTON, AB, May 21, 2025 /CNW/ - Google Canada announced a $5 million CAD grant to the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii), a leading artificial intelligence research institute, to equip Canadian post-secondary students with essential AI skills to prepare them for the future of work. This initiative aims to address the growing AI skills gap in Canada and bolster the country's AI-driven economy. With the funding, Amii will establish a national consortium composed of 25 post-secondary institutions across Canada. This consortium will develop easy-to-use AI curriculum materials, allowing faculty to seamlessly integrate AI concepts into existing courses and reach 125,000 students across the country. "Canada has an incredible opportunity to translate decades of AI research excellence into fundamental AI literacy skills for a generation of post-secondary students because of the generous support of said Cam Linke, CEO of Amii. "Amii is proud to lead the effort to build a national AI Workforce Readiness Consortium to empower Canadian students with the fundamental literacy skills they need to succeed in an AI-driven economy. From colleges and polytechnics to U15 Canadian research universities and Indigenous PSE institutes, we're ready to support educators with access to curriculum resources across faculties, programs and domains." Canada has been at the forefront of AI research, and is uniquely positioned to capitalize on the transformative potential of AI - with a strong research network, thriving startup ecosystem and established tech companies driving AI innovation. The opportunity is significant, as Public First's latest Economic Impact Report on Google Canada estimates that generative AI could boost Canada's economy by $230 billion and save the average worker over 175 hours a year. However, despite its research leadership, Canada lags in AI adoption, which is a key component in achieving these transformative results. The first step in reversing that trend is increasing AI skills, knowledge and confidence. Fortunately, Canadians are up to the challenge, as the same Economic Impact Report found that 63 per cent of Canadian workers are interested in acquiring AI skills, with interest rising to 72 per cent among young Canadians. "Entering the workforce with AI skills can help Canadian students navigate the rapidly changing job market," said Sabrina Geremia, VP & Country Managing Director, Google Canada. "Google is proud to support Amii's initiative that will not only benefit 125,000 students directly, but will also help the organizations that hire them put AI to work in improving their productivity, efficiency and growth. Supporting organizations like Amii is part of Google's commitment to shaping a future where AI benefits everyone across Canada. About Google Canada Google's mission is to organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful. Through products and platforms like Search, Maps, Gmail, Android, Google Play, Google Cloud, Chrome and YouTube, Google plays a meaningful role in the daily lives of billions of people and has become one of the most widely-known companies in the world. Google Canada has offices in Waterloo, Toronto, Montreal,Ottawa and remotely across the country with employees working on teams across Engineering, AI Research, Sales and Marketing. About Amii One of Canada's three centres of AI excellence as part of the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy, Amii (the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute) is an Alberta-based non-profit institute that supports world-leading research in artificial intelligence and machine learning. Amii translates fundamental research and breakthroughs in AI into business impact, with a focus on transferring knowledge, technology and talent to industry at scale and rapidly improving AI literacy for all. For more information, visit
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Google Canada announces $5 million to support the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute to boost AI skills for Canadian post-secondary students
will provide $5 million CAD for Amii to establish a national consortium to develop AI curriculum and empower 125,000 post-secondary students with AI skills EDMONTON, AB, May 21, 2025 /CNW/ - Google Canada announced a $5 million CAD grant to the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii), a leading artificial intelligence research institute, to equip Canadian post-secondary students with essential AI skills to prepare them for the future of work. This initiative aims to address the growing AI skills gap in Canada and bolster the country's AI-driven economy. With the funding, Amii will establish a national consortium composed of 25 post-secondary institutions across Canada. This consortium will develop easy-to-use AI curriculum materials, allowing faculty to seamlessly integrate AI concepts into existing courses and reach 125,000 students across the country. "Canada has an incredible opportunity to translate decades of AI research excellence into fundamental AI literacy skills for a generation of post-secondary students because of the generous support of said Cam Linke, CEO of Amii. "Amii is proud to lead the effort to build a national AI Workforce Readiness Consortium to empower Canadian students with the fundamental literacy skills they need to succeed in an AI-driven economy. From colleges and polytechnics to U15 Canadian research universities and Indigenous PSE institutes, we're ready to support educators with access to curriculum resources across faculties, programs and domains." Canada has been at the forefront of AI research, and is uniquely positioned to capitalize on the transformative potential of AI - with a strong research network, thriving startup ecosystem and established tech companies driving AI innovation. The opportunity is significant, as Public First's latest Economic Impact Report on Google Canada estimates that generative AI could boost Canada's economy by $230 billion and save the average worker over 175 hours a year. However, despite its research leadership, Canada lags in AI adoption, which is a key component in achieving these transformative results. The first step in reversing that trend is increasing AI skills, knowledge and confidence. Fortunately, Canadians are up to the challenge, as the same Economic Impact Report found that 63 per cent of Canadian workers are interested in acquiring AI skills, with interest rising to 72 per cent among young Canadians. "Entering the workforce with AI skills can help Canadian students navigate the rapidly changing job market," said Sabrina Geremia, VP & Country Managing Director, Google Canada. "Google is proud to support Amii's initiative that will not only benefit 125,000 students directly, but will also help the organizations that hire them put AI to work in improving their productivity, efficiency and growth. Supporting organizations like Amii is part of Google's commitment to shaping a future where AI benefits everyone across Canada. About Google CanadaGoogle's mission is to organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful. Through products and platforms like Search, Maps, Gmail, Android, Google Play, Google Cloud, Chrome and YouTube, Google plays a meaningful role in the daily lives of billions of people and has become one of the most widely-known companies in the world. Google Canada has offices in Waterloo, Toronto, Montreal,Ottawa and remotely across the country with employees working on teams across Engineering, AI Research, Sales and Marketing. About AmiiOne of Canada's three centres of AI excellence as part of the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy, Amii (the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute) is an Alberta-based non-profit institute that supports world-leading research in artificial intelligence and machine learning. Amii translates fundamental research and breakthroughs in AI into business impact, with a focus on transferring knowledge, technology and talent to industry at scale and rapidly improving AI literacy for all. For more information, visit SOURCE Google Canada View original content:
Global News
20-05-2025
- Business
- Global News
Researchers, business leaders gather in Edmonton for AI conference
At a rapid pace, the world is seeing more and more technology emerge that allows machines to simulate human intelligence. That will be the subject of the Upper Bound AI Conference taking place in downtown Edmonton this week. The artificial intelligence symposium is being held for the fourth time and is put on by the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii). The event began Tuesday and runs until Friday at the Edmonton Convention Centre. The conference features speakers like Sabrina Geremia, the vice-president and country manager for Google in Canada, John Carmack, the founder and CEO of Keen Technologies, Turing laureate Richard S. Sutton, who is also the chief scientific adviser for Amii, and Elissa Strome, the executive director of the Canadian Institute of Advanced Research. A number of government officials will also be in attendance. Story continues below advertisement 'Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming the most defining technology in our time with its rapid growth and adoption demonstrating transformative power across all aspects of our lives,' Cam Linke, the CEO of Amii, said in a news release. 'We are immensely proud that Upper Bound has become the AI conference where researchers, policymakers, founders, and funders converge to forge a bright future for AI.' Amii is a non-profit institute based in Alberta that supports AI research and works to help scientific advancements be adopted by industries. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The conference is happening the same week that high-ranking officials from G7 countries gather in Alberta for meetings where AI will be among the topics discussed. Those meetings are being held in the mountain town of Banff and serve as a precursor to next month's G7 Leaders' Summit in Kananaskis, Alta. Story continues below advertisement Earlier this month, Canada's federal government revealed the country will be getting its first-ever AI ministry and that former journalist Evan Solomon would be taking on that portfolio. 3:13 Canada Election 2025: Former journalist Evan Soloman calls Liberal win 'earned' Solomon was among the political candidates who won a seat for the Liberals in the House of Commons in last month's federal election. When Solomon was named the minister of AI, Michael Geist, Canada research chair in internet and e-commerce law at the University of Ottawa, said he believes the new ministry is a 'good signal about prioritizing AI and digital innovation.' Geist added that while there will be calls for the government to move quickly on regulation, 'there has been a notable shift globally in recent months toward a more innovation-focused approach.' –with files from The Canadian Press' Anja Karadeglija
Associated Press
20-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
World's Leading AI Minds Gather in Edmonton for Upper Bound May 20-23
EDMONTON, Alberta, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Amii (Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute) is excited to open its doors to the fourth installment of Upper Bound, the premier AI conference, quickly becoming a marquee event for the global AI community. Thousands of world-leading AI researchers, business innovators, students and thought leaders will convene in Edmonton on May 20-23 to explore the latest AI insights, engage in critical discussions, and collaboratively shape a positive AI future. This year, Upper Bound features speakers who are at the forefront of AI research, literacy and education, and business. Prominent speakers include: Amii is also proud to announce a special initiative with Google on Wednesday, May 21 at 9:15 am MTN. Livestream link available. 'Artificial Intelligence is rapidly becoming the most defining technology in our time with its rapid growth and adoption demonstrating transformative power across all aspects of our lives,' said Cam Linke, CEO of Amii. 'We are immensely proud that Upper Bound has become the AI conference where researchers, policymakers, founders, and funders converge to forge a bright future for AI. This year, we are especially honoured to celebrate Rich Sutton's recent Turing Award, further solidifying Upper Bound's position as a world-leading AI event.' This year Upper Bound will explore a diverse array of program themes that are essential in today's AI-driven world. Attendees can expect deep dives into themes crucial for shaping the future of AI across various industries such as the Business of AI, AI for Critical Infrastructure, AI Literacy & Education, AI in Industrial Operations, AI-Powered Productivity, and more. Upper Bound is proudly presented by Amii. A global leader in AI research and industry solutions, Amii is one of the three national AI Institutes and centres of excellence under the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy. Learn more at For media inquiries, media passes and interviews contact: Lynda Vang, Amii [email protected] About Amii One of Canada's three centres of AI excellence as part of the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy, Amii is an Alberta-based non-profit institute that supports world-leading research in artificial intelligence and machine learning and translates scientific advancement into industry adoption. Amii grows AI capacity by advancing leading-edge research, delivering exceptional training offerings, and providing business advice to build in-house AI capabilities. For more information, visit:
