2025-01-01 / Canadian AI Team
Getting Started with Canadian AI
Canada is not just a participant in the AI revolution; it is the birthplace of modern Deep Learning. This guide will help you navigate the Canadian AI landscape from research to industry.
The Three Pillars: National AI Institutes
The Pan-Canadian AI Strategy is built on three major research hubs:
- Mila (Montréal): Led by Yoshua Bengio, Mila is a world-class center for reinforcement learning and generative models.
- Vector Institute (Toronto): Focuses on bridging the gap between deep learning research and real-world industrial application.
- Amii (Edmonton): Pioneering work in machine intelligence since 2002, with a strong focus on reinforcement learning.
Accessing Funding and Support
Startups can leverage several federal and provincial programs:
- NRC IRAP: Provides technical advice and funding for R&D projects.
- Strategic Innovation Fund: Targets large-scale projects to improve Canada's competitive position.
- CIFAR: Oversees the national strategy and coordinates research excellence.
How to Get Involved
- Join a Hub: Attend events at Vector or Mila to connect with the talent pool.
- Leverage SR&ED: Utilize Scientific Research and Experimental Development tax incentives.
- Focus on Compliance: Ensure your AI development aligns with the upcoming AIDA (Artificial Intelligence and Data Act) regulations.