Canada has long been a global leader in artificial intelligence. Yet, despite strengths in theoretical research, businesses across the country have been slow to adopt and commercialize AI technologies. Weak adoption hinders economic growth and productivity, leaving much of AI’s potential stranded in theory rather than translated into real-world impact.

Polytechnics Canada’s recommendations to the Standing Committee on Science and Research include:

• Create an annual $100-million funding stream within the College and Community Innovation (CCI) program
• Expand the National Research Council’s (NRC) IRAP Interactive Visits program to support AI exploration
• Invest $30 million per year in dedicated compute resources for polytechnic Applied AI Research Centres
• Embed polytechnic applied research centres in Bureau of Research, Engineering and advanced Leadership in Innovation and Science (BOREALIS) investments