Rivian elects Cohere CEO Aidan Gomez to board as it integrates AI into future EV models.

Rivian Taps AI Expertise with New Board Appointment

In an exciting move for the electric vehicle (EV) industry, Rivian has appointed Aidan Gomez, the CEO of Cohere, to its board of directors. This strategic appointment comes as Rivian gears up to integrate cutting-edge AI technologies into its expanding lineup of electric vehicles, aiming to stay ahead in an increasingly competitive market.

A Big Step Towards AI Integration in EVs

The appointment of Aidan Gomez marks a pivotal moment in Rivian’s drive to enhance the tech capabilities of its EVs. Since 2023, Rivian has been working on developing an AI assistant for its vehicles, aiming to offer more advanced in-car experiences for users. While specific details of Gomez’s role remain scarce, Rivian’s CEO RJ Scaringe emphasized that Gomez’s expertise will be instrumental in helping the company integrate new, cutting-edge AI technologies into its products, services, and manufacturing processes.

As part of their existing tech initiatives, Rivian already includes Amazon Alexa voice support in its vehicles, allowing users to control car functions like climate settings hands-free. This AI assistant initiative promises to take in-car AI a step further, possibly revolutionizing the way drivers interact with their vehicles.

Future Models with AI Power

Rivian is also expanding its product offerings. Currently, the company sells two luxury models — the R1T pickup truck and R1S SUV, both priced well over $100,000 USD. However, the company’s focus is shifting toward more affordable EVs, with plans to release the R2 model in 2026. Starting at $45,000 USD, the R2 will target a broader audience, with plans for even more compact models like the R3 and R3X by 2027. These models are expected to incorporate advanced AI features, ensuring that Rivian stays competitive as it broadens its customer base.

Strategic Partnership with Volkswagen

Alongside the AI push, Rivian has also entered into a joint venture with Volkswagen. The partnership, announced in June 2024, will involve Rivian developing software for VW’s upcoming ID. EVERY1 EV model, set to launch in 2027. This collaboration signals Rivian’s ambitions to play a bigger role in the automotive software space, leveraging its expertise in AI and technology.

Aidan Gomez’s AI Expertise Powers Rivian’s Future

Aidan Gomez, co-founder and CEO of Cohere, brings a wealth of knowledge to Rivian. Under his leadership, Cohere has focused on building generative AI models tailored for sectors like energy, finance, healthcare, and manufacturing. Before founding Cohere in 2019, Gomez worked as a researcher at Google Brain, collaborating with Geoffrey Hinton, one of the leading figures in AI. His background makes him an ideal choice to help Rivian navigate the complexities of integrating AI into next-generation vehicles.

While Cohere has not yet entered the automotive sector, the partnership with Rivian marks a significant step towards AI-driven innovations in the car industry, positioning the company as a key player in the future of smart vehicles.

Facing Competition from Industry Giants

However, Rivian’s move into AI-powered vehicles won’t be without competition. Major players like Google have already launched their Automotive AI Agent platform, offering conversational AI for cars from brands like Mercedes-Benz. Hyundai is also developing its large-language AI model, and Volkswagen plans to integrate ChatGPT into its cars.

With such stiff competition, Rivian’s commitment to AI innovation — coupled with Aidan Gomez’s leadership — could give the company a much-needed edge as it navigates the road ahead in the highly competitive EV and automotive tech industry.

Stay tuned to Maple News Wire for more updates on Rivian’s groundbreaking ventures in electric vehicles and AI integration.

Bird Construction Inc. has just marked a significant milestone by securing five major projects worth a total of over $650 million across its infrastructure, industrial, and buildings sectors. 

These projects span key industries, including defence, clean energy, and healthcare, positioning Bird as a leader in Canada’s construction landscape.

Defence Housing Initiative for Canadian Armed Forces

Among the major contracts is a new design-build contract awarded by Defence Construction Canada for the construction of 200 new residential units in Ontario. This project will help meet housing demands for Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and their families. Part of the Residential Portfolio Capital Investment Plan, this initiative is set to receive a substantial share of a $1.4 billion investment aimed at improving housing for the CAF over the next 20 years. The project will be managed by the Canadian Forces Housing Agency, with Bird Construction at the helm of the design and construction efforts.

Path2Zero Program: A Game-Changer in Clean Energy

Bird’s reach extends beyond housing into clean energy with a new contract in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta. The company is playing a key role in Dow’s Path2Zero Program, which will create the world’s first net-zero ethylene cracker site. This groundbreaking project is integral to Dow’s push to reduce emissions and will focus on achieving net-zero emissions for scope one and two. Bird will manage a range of services, including civil, mechanical, structural, piping, electrical, instrumentation, and insulation works to build out this ambitious site.

Long-Term Care Expansion in B.C.

Bird’s portfolio also includes a significant healthcare development in Kelowna, B.C. The company has been awarded the construction management contract for the expansion and renovation of the Cottonwoods long-term care (LTC) facility. The project will be completed in phases, with the first phase involving a new four-storey, 234-bed facility. This will provide much-needed long-term care for the region and include operational support services and an operations centre for managing multiple Interior Health locations. The second phase will see the demolition of older structures and the development of a new mass timber amenity space.

Woodfibre LNG: Site Development for a Net-Zero Facility

In addition to the clean energy project in Alberta, Bird is also working on the Woodfibre LNG project in B.C. As part of a 50/50 partnership in the Makhos Bird Joint Venture, Bird has been awarded a contract extension for early site development works. This project will lay the foundations for what is set to be the world’s first net-zero LNG export facility, producing 2.1 million tonnes of LNG annually. The facility is a vital step toward sustainable energy solutions in the LNG sector.

Nuclear Sector Support

Bird is also making strides in the nuclear industry. In collaboration with Ontario Power Generation, Bird and its Indigenous-led venture, Makhos Bird Joint Venture, have secured additional contracts for the design and construction of four projects that will support ongoing nuclear operations and refurbishments. This work will contribute to the longevity and safety of Ontario’s nuclear facilities.

Looking to the Future: A Strong Year for Bird Construction

With these contracts, Bird Construction is poised to make significant contributions to some of Canada’s most important sectors, from defence to clean energy and healthcare. The company’s ability to secure such diverse and high-value projects highlights its versatility and leadership in Canada’s construction industry.

Stay tuned to Maple News Wire for more updates on Bird Construction’s growth and the ongoing evolution of Canada’s infrastructure, energy, and healthcare projects.

Edmonton-based healthtech startup NiaHealth secures $2.5M to offer proactive health tests and prevent diseases.

NiaHealth: A New Era of Preventative Healthcare

Edmonton’s NiaHealth has officially exited stealth mode and announced a groundbreaking $2.5 million in pre-seed funding, with leading investors backing its mission to revolutionize healthcare. This early-stage healthtech startup is aiming to disrupt the traditional healthcare model by focusing on preventative health testing and helping individuals take control of their health before conditions develop.

The Future of Healthcare: Preventing Disease Before It Starts

The $2.5 million CAD round was led by Version One Ventures, with additional support from Sameer Dhar’s ScaleGood Fund, Garage Ventures, and Union Capital. Other contributors include prominent figures like Ivan Yuen, co-founder of Wattpad, and Blaine LaBonte of DJI Capital. The company’s mission is clear: to use AI insights, personalized diagnostics, and lifestyle coaching to help individuals detect health risks early and take proactive measures.

Streamlined Testing for Better Health Outcomes

NiaHealth’s just-launched beta program offers annual plans starting at $299 CAD, which cover 35 biomarker tests, including heart cholesterol levels, blood platelet counts, and metabolism. For those seeking a more comprehensive approach, a $599 CAD plan provides tests for hormone levels and other health markers. For individuals seeking concierge services and quarterly health coaching, the “Optimum” plan is available at $1,299 CAD.

A Promising Track Record

Having already conducted over 100,000 tests during its time in stealth mode, NiaHealth has seen remarkable results, with 90% of users discovering actionable health risks such as pre-diabetes or reduced kidney function. As Boris Wertz, founding partner of Version One Ventures, highlighted, NiaHealth’s ability to identify and address health issues before they become major problems is a significant game-changer in the wellness and healthcare industry.

Scaling the Future of Healthcare

Currently available in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Ontario, NiaHealth plans to expand both across Canada and internationally. The company is also set to introduce a “suite of new features” by 2025, which will personalize the service even further for users.

A Personal Journey Leading to Innovation

NiaHealth’s co-founder Sameer Dhar has a rich background in the healthcare sector, having co-founded Sensassure (a senior care firm) and worked as a managing director at Essity. Dhar’s personal journey towards preventative health began after he managed to reduce his own diabetes risk by 300% through lifestyle changes and testing. This passion for preventative care is now the driving force behind NiaHealth, which aims to make health management proactive rather than reactive.

NiaHealth’s groundbreaking approach marks a new chapter in preventative healthcare, giving individuals the tools and knowledge they need to take control of their health before it’s too late. Keep an eye on this innovative startup as it expands and evolves, making a lasting impact on the future of healthcare.

Stay tuned to Maple News Wire for more updates on the healthtech industry and its innovations.

Future News Laws Must Account for AI’s Impact on Media

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, AI chatbots are becoming the primary go-to source for information, increasingly replacing traditional news outlets. This shift has led Canadian researchers to warn that future legislation must adapt to address how generative artificial intelligence is utilizing news content without fair compensation for publishers.

AI-Driven Shift: The Growing Need for Media Compensation

A recent report from McGill University calls attention to the significant role AI companies are playing in content consumption, stating that these companies are using news content—often without consent—to train their models. With AI firms like OpenAI tapping into vast databases of news reports, media outlets are left questioning whether they should be compensated for the use of their intellectual property.

Sophia Crabbe-Field, the report’s lead author, highlighted the dilemma faced by news organizations. “AI companies are becoming billion-dollar entities by leveraging the very content created by media outlets, without returning anything to the publishers,” she explained. The question remains—how do we quantify and fairly compensate news organizations for this use?

The Struggle to Assign Value

Unlike other types of content, news is a public good, making it difficult to apply a straightforward dollar value to the work that AI companies profit from. Publishers like News Corp. have entered agreements with companies like OpenAI, but such deals often leave smaller organizations and independent publishers behind.

Crabbe-Field suggests that publishers should band together to create collective solutions for this emerging issue, warning that individual agreements might not serve their long-term interests.

Growing Legal Push for Fair Compensation

With lawsuits now emerging around the infringement of copyrights, media companies are starting to demand their share of the profits AI companies are making from their work. The Canadian Press, Postmedia, and other news organizations have filed lawsuits claiming AI companies are using their content without permission. They propose a compensation model that could involve payments per work or another system deemed “just” by the courts.

As these legal challenges unfold, there’s a broader discussion about how platforms like Meta and Google should contribute to funding the journalism industry. The Online News Act, which has been in place to extract compensation from certain search engines and social media companies, is one example of ongoing efforts to ensure media outlets are fairly compensated for their contributions to the digital ecosystem.

What’s Next? Navigating Future Legislation

Looking ahead, researchers like Crabbe-Field argue that future legislation must include “must-carry provisions” to prevent companies like Meta from circumventing rules. These provisions could force platforms to continue hosting news content, ensuring that news outlets don’t lose out on compensation due to platform avoidance.

As the influence of AI continues to grow, the demand for fair and transparent compensation mechanisms is more crucial than ever for ensuring the survival of independent media and the integrity of journalism in the digital age.

Stay tuned to Maple News Wire for more updates on the AI and media landscape, and the latest policy shifts shaping the future of digital content.

After a challenging start, Innovobot Resonance Ventures (IRV) is ready for a fresh start, led by seasoned investor Neha Khera, with a renewed focus on deep-tech startups.

A New Chapter for Innovobot Resonance Ventures

Montréal-based Innovobot Resonance Ventures (IRV) has just kicked off an exciting new chapter. Under the leadership of Neha Khera, a veteran investor, IRV is making its comeback with a refreshed vision aimed at tackling some of the most complex and rewarding deep-tech opportunities.

IRV, initially launched in 2018, had struggled to meet its fundraising targets, falling short of its $40 million CAD goal for its first deep-tech fund. However, with Khera at the helm, the firm is ready to regroup and re-enter the market, eager to back 25 to 30 innovative deep-tech startups over the next few years.

Neha Khera Brings Expertise and Vision

With a 13-year track record in venture capital, including leadership roles at MaRS Investment Accelerator Fund, 500 Canada, and 2048 Ventures, Neha Khera is no stranger to the world of early-stage investments. Khera’s arrival at Innovobot marks a pivotal moment for the firm, as she takes charge of its revitalized strategy.

In a recent interview, Khera expressed the firm’s readiness to “write cheques” and support startups that push the boundaries of artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and advanced materials. Under Khera’s leadership, the firm will focus on pre-seed investments, providing essential capital to startups that are developing breakthrough technologies with strong intellectual property (IP).

Challenges Lead to Strategy Adjustments

Despite IRV’s initial setbacks with its first fund, Mario Venditti, CEO of Innovobot, remains optimistic about the firm’s trajectory. He explained that by late 2023, it became clear that a $40-million fund was no longer feasible. However, this realization did not slow the firm down; rather, it led to a shift in focus and the strategic reorganization of the management team.

The changes included the departure of Zoya Shchupak, the former managing partner, and Sylvain Carle, who transitioned to a new role. These adjustments laid the groundwork for Khera’s appointment as managing partner, marking the start of a new era for IRV.

Focusing on Deep Tech and Fast-Growing Startups

With Neha Khera steering the ship, IRV’s renewed strategy is all about deep-tech investments—companies that require significant advancements in science or engineering. Khera believes that deep-tech will be where the next big wave of opportunity arises, as the business-to-business SaaS space becomes more saturated.

As Khera aptly put it, “The next big wave of opportunity is going to come from deep tech,” and Innovobot plans to be at the forefront of this revolution. The firm intends to back startups across Canada, with a particular emphasis on those that intersect with industries like supply chain, healthcare, and energy.

Raising Capital and Growing the Portfolio

While the firm is currently focused on deploying the remainder of its first fund, Khera is determined to expand the firm’s portfolio with more time-intensive deep-tech startups, as well as faster-growing software firms. To support this ambitious agenda, IRV is hiring for key roles, including an associate based in Montréal.

The firm’s current portfolio already includes promising companies like CarbiCrete, a cleantech startup focusing on decarbonized concrete.

Looking ahead, Khera expects the firm to close the first fund by December 2025, with plans to secure additional capital from new limited partners (LPs) to fuel future investments.

Looking to the Future: A Deep-Tech Powerhouse

Under Khera’s leadership, Innovobot Resonance Ventures aims to establish itself as a platform for early-stage investment in technology. With a strong leadership team, a refined investment strategy, and a focus on deep-tech innovation, IRV is primed to make significant strides in Canada’s tech ecosystem.

As Khera continues to shape the future of the firm, Innovobot Resonance Ventures is positioning itself as a key player in the deep-tech space, ready to transform the way venture capital supports innovative startups across Canada.

Stay tuned to Maple News Wire for more updates on Innovobot Resonance Ventures and the deep-tech revolution in Canada’s startup ecosystem!

In a bold move, several high-profile AI companies are expanding their presence in Montréal, aiming to harness the city’s rich pool of talent and accelerate their French-language product offerings.

AI Giants Set Their Sights on Montréal’s Talent Pool

As artificial intelligence continues to transform industries, four major companies—Alexa Translations from Toronto, along with U.S.-based firms Terzo, SafelyYou, and Ampliwork—are making a significant push to expand their offices in Montréal. This move comes as the city garners attention for its thriving AI ecosystem, backed by top-tier research institutions and attractive tax incentives.

These companies are collectively aiming to hire 220 AI specialists in Montréal over the next three years, a strategic initiative to enhance their AI capabilities and foster local growth. According to Stéphane Paquet, CEO of Montréal International, the influx of talent is a testament to the city’s increasing prominence in the AI sector.

Alexa Translations Leads the Charge with Advanced Language Models

Alexa Translations, a Toronto-based AI company, is at the forefront of this expansion. The company, known for its machine learning-powered legal and financial translation services, is adding 10 new hires to its Montréal team to further enhance its Québec French offerings. This is in line with the company’s ambition to refine its Infinite MT large-language model (LLM), which promises to revolutionize translation accuracy for high-stakes legal and business contexts.

Giovanni Iacovino, VP of Technology at Alexa Translations, emphasized the company’s search for individuals passionate about contributing to a fast-growing company. The Infinite MT model aims to provide more nuanced translations across English, French, Arabic, and Spanish while continuously improving its flexibility.

“We’re looking for individuals who are eager to make an impact and drive results as we refine our offerings for businesses in need of high-level translations,” said Iacovino.

Why Montréal is the AI Talent Hub

The strategic expansion in Montréal is driven by several factors, including the rich talent pool and generous R&D tax credits, making it an ideal destination for AI firms looking to scale their research and development efforts.

Ampliwork, a Boston-based AI startup, is another major player ramping up its operations in Montréal. The company, which specializes in custom AI agents, plans to hire 150 people in the next three years. The expansion is fueled by R&D tax credits such as those provided under the Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) program, which offer substantial financial incentives for companies investing in technological innovation.

Marco Buchbinder, founder and CEO of Ampliwork, explained the reasoning behind the decision: “Montréal offers an exceptional talent pool and the kind of research environment we need to scale our R&D efforts globally.”

SafelyYou and Terzo Capitalize on Montréal’s AI Expertise

SafelyYou, a San Francisco-based AI company that uses AI to monitor and enhance safety in senior living facilities, is another major tech firm to benefit from Montréal’s talent-rich ecosystem. The company is recruiting 50 AI experts to further its R&D in AI-powered fall detection systems. Loïc Juillard, CTO of SafelyYou, stated that Montréal’s strong research community provides the perfect environment for the company to expand its innovative solutions.

“This city offers the perfect blend of hardware, software, and AI expertise,” said Juillard. “It’s a great ecosystem for us to tap into.”

Meanwhile, Terzo, a Los Angeles-based fintech company, is hiring 12 engineers, analysts, and researchers to improve its multilingual financial intelligence platform. The expansion into Montréal allows Terzo to enhance its product offerings and cater to a broader European client base.

The AI Boom in Montréal: What’s Next?

With major players like Alexa Translations, Ampliwork, SafelyYou, and Terzo tapping into the city’s immense AI potential, Montréal is fast becoming a hub for AI innovation. The city’s combination of research expertise, tax incentives, and a skilled workforce is making it an attractive destination for global tech firms looking to push the boundaries of artificial intelligence.

As more companies flock to Montréal in search of AI talent, the city is positioning itself as a leading force in the global AI landscape. The future of AI development in Montréal looks promising, with numerous opportunities for both startups and established tech giants alike.

Stay tuned to Maple News Wire for more insights into the growing AI ecosystem in Montréal and the innovative companies shaping its future.