Launch of the Canadian Sovereign AI Compute Strategy
Compute is the technology that powers artificial intelligence (AI). It’s the chips and the data centres, the backbone of this transformative new technology. Access to cutting-edge compute infrastructure is crucial for securing Canada’s AI advantage, empowering researchers and industries to thrive.
Today, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, officially launched the Canadian Sovereign AI Compute Strategy. The Strategy will invest up to $2 billion, as previously announced in Budget 2024, to meet three key objectives:
Up to $700 million to grow Canadian AI champions by leveraging investments in new or expanded data centres through the AI Compute Challenge that is launching today.
Up to $1 billion to build transformational public computing infrastructure.
Up to $300 million to provide affordable access to compute power for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through the AI Compute Access Fund.
This strategy will ensure that Canadian businesses, innovators and researchers have access to the compute capacity they need to develop made-in-Canada AI products and drive frontier research.
Developing cutting-edge AI solutions across all sectors of our economy helps Canada remain a destination of choice for investment and top talent. That’s why Canada is committed to building a strong and secure AI compute capacity to fuel the economy of the future.
Quotes
“The strategy we’re announcing today is a major step toward securing Canada’s place as a global AI leader. We’re proud to be a driving force in the worldwide ecosystem, and by increasing access to domestic and secure compute capacity, we will help businesses, innovators and researchers boost the Canadian economy and stand out on the world stage. This is about Canada showing its ambition, supporting Canadian innovation and investing in the economy of the future.” – The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
