Welcome to the Ask AI news roundup where we highlight the latest innovations, investments, and breakthroughs in the Canadian artificial intelligence sector. Stay up-to-date by subscribing to our podcast and monthly newsletter and following us on Twitter and LinkedIn.
Sustainability
đŠ BrainBox AI, a leader in autonomous building technology, has raised $30M USD to further expand its global footprint and impact across the built environment. Full story
đ Ask AI Exclusive: How can AI make an impact in carbon-intensive industries? We asked Mark Speaker, Industry Solutions Executive at Microsoft Canada. Get episode
Governance & Society
đ”ïžââïž New study conducted by Tiana Sharifi at SFU has used AI-powered algorithms to help identify people who researchers believe are potential victims of human trafficking. Full story
đ TD Bank Group has announced a C$1 million donation to the University of Guelphâs Centre for Advancing Responsible and Ethical Artificial Intelligence or CARE-AI. Full story
đ Ask AI Exclusive: Can AI help preserve indigenous languages? We spoke with Anna Kazantseva, Research Officer for Indigenous Language Technologies, NRC. Get episode
Healthcare
đ©ș New $13.5M Iris project will accelerate course of treatment planning, and improve monitoring and the accuracy of diagnostic image analysis. Full story
đŒ Researchers at University of Ottawa reach experimental breakthrough with the use of deep learning as a tool for the early identification of birth defects. Full story
đ AGE-WELL has joined forces with Challenge Works to support a $6.4 million prize to reward innovators developing assistive technologies for people living with dementia. Full story
đ§ A new computer algorithm developed by the University of Torontoâs Parham Aarabi can store and recall information strategically â just like our brains. Full story
đ Ask AI Exclusive: Why is AI essential for developing new medicines for genetic diseases? We spoke with Amit Deshwar, VP and Head of Predictive Systems at Deep Genomics. Get episode
Business
đWinnipeg-based Laivly has announced the launch of its attended AI platform that is intended to modernize call centers at scale. Full story
đ Ask AI Exclusive: How is applied (and responsible) AI impacting enterprise competitiveness? We spoke with Cory Janssen, Co-CEO at AltaML. Get episode
Natural Resources / Agriculture
đœ Quebec's Nexus Robotics Inc. has been awarded $2.6M from SDTC to provide farmers with agro technology including algorithms to remove weeds and self-driving robots. Full story
đ Ask AI Exclusive: How is AI making greenhouse production more efficient? We met with Yves Daoust, Founder and CTO at Winter Farm who were awarded $2.9M to find out. Get episode
Robotics/AV/AR
đ Accenture has agreed to acquire Eclipse Automation, a provider of customized manufacturing automation and robotics solutions headquartered in Cambridge, Ontario. Full story
đ Fleet Complete has introduced a new dashcam to its FC Vision 3.0 line-up featuring road-facing and cab-facing cameras with AI-based advanced driver assistance. Full story
đ Ask AI Exclusive: How will AI create immersive content for the metaverse? We asked Manal Siddiqui, CEO, and Pietro Gagliano, CVO, at Transitional Forms. Get episode
Public Sector
đŹ Newfoundland's Memorial University has received $1.9 million in funding for a new Centre for Artificial Intelligence on the St. Johnâs campus. Full story
đ« Mark Daley, Western University's first chief digital officer, says its decades of data will be useful in creating AI systems to guide student course selection. Full story
đ€ The Vector Institute has welcomed 3 new partners to its AI ecosystem to further research and innovation and bolster the economy: Avidbots, co:here, and Shakudo. Full story
đ Ask AI Exclusive: What goes on at MILA, Quebecâs renowned AI research Centre? We asked StĂ©phane LĂ©tourneau, EVP, MILA. Get episode
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