ISED launches consultation on AI computing power

The department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) has launched a consultation on artificial intelligence, with an eye on determining how to provide the necessary computing power for AI in Canada, as well as keeping AI talent at home. The government’s 2024 budget included $2 billion over five years for elevating the country’s AI data processing capacity. The budget also proposed $50 million for the creation of an AI Safety Institute, “to ensure the safe development and deployment of AI,” according to ISED. In order to capitalize on the economic development and productivity-boosting potential of AI in a “safe and secure way,” researchers and companies will need “considerable access” to advanced and high-performing computing power, ISED said. It also wants to be able to “safeguard Canadian data and intellectual property while pursuing advanced AI.” ISED notes that a lack of adequate computing capacity in Canada could push researchers and other users to “fragile” international supply chains for AI computing power. It said there are roadblocks in terms of cost, security of access, and the privacy and security of Canadian data. The consultation is open until Sept. 6. ISED will use the feedback received as it puts in place the “Canadian AI Sovereign Compute Strategy,” set to guide Canadian researchers and AI companies in developing computing infrastructure, as well as to kick off its AI Compute Access Fund, which will support AI researchers and developers to access the computing power they need in the more near future, the department said. Among other questions, the consultation asks respondents to explain the most pressing issues they face in trying to access AI computing power, with level of access, cost, and security offered as examples. It also asks what level and type of high-performing computing power is required by respondents to grow their business or conduct research, and whether there are existing programs or support that they could use in the short term. Additionally, ISED wants to know if there are new approaches the government should consider to support researchers and industry members to access AI computing power while it works on the broader strategy. There is also a request for perspectives on incorporating Canadian-made computing hardware and software into ISED’s Sovereign Compute Strategy, as well as attracting and keeping AI talent in Canada. ISED said a number of models could be used to increase computing capacity, such as exploring public-private partnerships to develop computing infrastructure, or offering grants, tax, or energy incentives to computing infrastructure providers to promote increases in the supply and availability of computing resources. ISED is seeking input from businesses, AI developers, researchers, and Indigenous groups, as well as its AI ecosystem partners such as CIFAR, Vector, Amii, Mila-Quebec, and the Digital Research Alliance of Canada, in addition to other stakeholders. Canada is home to over 1,500 firms specializing in AI, according to ISED, with 20 public AI research labs, 75 AI incubators and accelerators, and 60 groups of AI investors from across the country. Since 2012, it said more than US$15 billion has been invested into Canadian AI firms. Globally, ISED said the AI market is projected to grow to $891 billion by 2028 “and could grow to over $1 trillion by 2030.” The Canadian AI market was estimated at $6.5 billion in 2023, and was projected to see annual growth of 33.9 per cent to $28.2 billion in 2028, it said. – Reporting by Hannah Daley at hdaley@thewirereport.ca

ISED launches consultation on AI computing power

News | June 27, 2024

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ISED launches consultation on AI computing power

News | June 27, 2024

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