Putting Alberta's AI advantage to work

Alberta has led the world in artificial intelligence (AI) research for more than two decades. This $50-million investment over five years will strengthen Alberta's position as a global leader in artificial intelligence and accelerate the economic and societal benefits of AI across the province, including advancing AI adoption across public services and industry.

"Alberta has spent two decades building a world-class AI sector, and now we're putting that advantage to work. This investment will help improve public services, support Alberta businesses and create more high-value jobs while keeping Alberta at the forefront of one of the world's fastest-growing industries."

The investment will support AI applications that improve public services, strengthen health care, and help the workforce prepare for the jobs of the future. More Alberta companies are adopting AI to create new made-in-Alberta innovations, improve productivity and compete in a rapidly changing global economy.

"Alberta began investing in AI research more than two decades ago. That early bet paid off. Today Amii is home to some of the best minds in the field, including Richard Sutton, a winner of the Turing Award, computing's highest honour. This $50-million investment is a vote of confidence in that team. It will put AI to work for the people of this province: better health care, faster public services, and more Alberta companies solving real problems. When Alberta leads in AI, every Albertan benefits."

This investment reflects a coordinated commitment across government to advancing Alberta's AI ecosystem and supporting the priorities of Albertans. By aligning investments across multiple ministries, Alberta is helping ensure AI expertise, talent and innovation can be applied where they deliver the greatest value for Albertans.

Five ministries are partnering to support the total $50-million investment over five years:

• Technology and Innovation: $15 million
• Advanced Education: $15 million
• Assisted Living and Social Services: $10 million
• Primary and Preventative Health Services: $5 million
• Education and Childcare: $5 million

"Alberta's universities and research institutions have made our province a global leader in AI. As these skills become essential across the workforce, this investment in Amii ensures our students graduate ready to lead."

"Alberta's primary and preventative health system depends on getting the right information to the right provider at the right time. By investing in Amii, we are supporting made-in-Alberta AI solutions that can help improve screening, earlier detection, system navigation and front-line decision-making. Used responsibly, this technology can reduce administrative burden, strengthen prevention-focused care and help Albertans access timely, high-quality services closer to home."

Building on Alberta's AI leadership

Amii is one of Canada's three national AI institutes and a global centre for research in reinforcement learning, a field in which Alberta is recognized as a world leader. Its work connects researchers, students and companies, helping turn Alberta's AI strengths into benefits for people across the province and contributing to Canada's standing as a global AI leader.

"Artificial intelligence is one of the defining technologies of our time, and Alberta continues to demonstrate global leadership in its development and application. This investment enables Amii to strengthen the foundations of Alberta's AI ecosystem by supporting startups, accelerating AI adoption across industry and the public sector, and building the AI literacy needed to prepare the workforce of the future. Together, we are ensuring Alberta remains a destination for AI talent, innovation and investment while creating lasting economic and societal benefits for Albertans."

Canada produces world-class AI research but has historically struggled to commercialize and keep it; Canadian startups eventually relocate outside the country, taking their people and patents with them. Commercializing the investments that are made in research and development are a core part of the province's ATIS 2.0 strategy. This investment will leverage the recently established Alberta Intellectual Property Office to ensure that intellectual property created with provincial funds is owned, protected, and commercialized in Alberta. This commitment adds up to new jobs, new private investment, and keeping the ideas, patents and people Alberta develops right here at home.

Quick facts

• Alberta's government has invested about $100 million in Amii since 2002.
• Amii is one of three national AI institutes in Canada, alongside Mila in Quebec and the Vector Institute in Ontario, under the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy.
• Amii sustains more than 500 active researchers and 71 Amii fellows and Canada CIFAR AI chairs.
• Amii's chief scientific adviser, Richard Sutton, was a co-recipient of the 2024 A.M. Turing Award, often called the Nobel Prize of computing.

Related information

• Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute
• Alberta Technology and Innovation Strategy