Canada has long been a birthplace of groundbreaking ideas in the world of artificial intelligence (AI), yet the question remains: can it lead the world in AI commercialization?

At the Remarkable 2025 conference, held by the Vector Institute, key industry leaders gathered to discuss the future of AI and Canada’s role in shaping it. The conference’s theme was simple yet crucial: AI adoption and commercialization are essential to ensure Canada remains competitive in an increasingly globalized and tech-driven world.

AI’s Canadian Origins: A Competitive Advantage at Risk

AI research and development have been cornerstones of Canada’s tech landscape. As a global leader in AI research, Canada has produced pioneers like Geoffrey Hinton, the “Godfather of AI.” The country’s research community continues to make strides in machine learning, healthtech, and AI for social good. Yet, despite this research strength, Canada lags behind in AI adoption and commercialization, according to many experts at the conference.

Cameron Schuler, Vice President of Industry Innovation at the Vector Institute, stressed that now is the time for Canada to capitalize on its AI roots. He emphasized, “Canada has the resources and talent to be the best in the world at using AI—just as we are the best at thinking about it.”

AI: From Research to Real-World Applications

While Canada’s AI research community is flourishing, many industry experts agree that the country must accelerate AI adoption across various sectors. The focus is not just on improving productivity and competitiveness, but also on transforming the Canadian economy in the face of new global challenges. As Schuler put it, “The future of innovation lies in local entrepreneurs applying globally validated models.”

This sentiment was echoed by Kristin Milchanowski, Chief AI and Data Officer at BMO, who sees AI not just as a tool for efficiency, but as a transformational force for Canada’s economy. “AI can drive innovation and economic progress in a way that puts Canada in a strategic position on the world stage,” she said.

Bridging the Gap: AI in Action

One of the key topics at Remarkable 2025 was bridging the gap between AI research and industry adoption. Azin Asgarian, AI Technical Lead at Georgian, pointed out that companies are grappling with the “buy or build” challenge, where the abundance of AI products and solutions makes it difficult to navigate their path to adoption. Asgarian stressed the importance of tying AI implementations to clear business outcomes for tangible results.

The Vector Institute is already playing a pivotal role in accelerating AI adoption by helping organizations implement AI in practical business use cases, such as AI for healthcare, cancer detection, and secure data sharing. Their model focuses on real-world applications that directly benefit industries, highlighting that AI is not just a theoretical tool, but one with immediate, impactful results.

The Global Opportunity: Canada’s Moment to Lead

At Remarkable 2025, Laura Gilbert, Head of the AI for Government Program at the Ellison Institute of Technology, shared how AI can solve complex global issues like reducing prescription medication errors, which currently contribute to thousands of preventable deaths annually in the UK. Gilbert’s experience in applying AI for public good was a testament to AI’s potential beyond the tech industry.

For Canada, AI adoption is now seen as a national imperative to ensure economic resilience and security. Schuler emphasized that Toronto is home to one of the most dynamic AI ecosystems in the world, and Canada is uniquely positioned to lead the way in AI innovation.

AI and Canada’s Future Security

Schuler went further, framing AI adoption as critical not just for economic prosperity, but also for Canada’s future security and sovereignty. “Modern AI was born in Canada, and we want to ensure that its future—and all the economic and societal benefits that come with it—remains rooted here,” he said.

As AI continues to disrupt industries, it’s clear that Canada’s AI leadership must evolve beyond research into widespread adoption and commercialization. If the country can successfully bridge this gap, it will not only drive innovation but also position itself at the forefront of the global AI race.

Stay tuned to Maple News Wire as we continue to explore how AI innovations are shaping Canada’s future and the world’s economy.

In a bold move to strengthen Ontario’s workforce and tackle economic challenges posed by the ongoing tariff tensions with the U.S., the Ontario government has announced a $750 million investment aimed at expanding STEM education across the province.

This funding initiative, unveiled at McMaster University, is set to support over 20,000 STEM seats annually in Ontario’s publicly-funded colleges and universities. By significantly boosting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programs, the government aims to build a robust, homegrown talent pool to fuel economic growth and ensure that businesses have the highly skilled workers needed to stay competitive on the global stage.

Strengthening Ontario’s Economic Competitiveness Amid Global Uncertainty

Ontario’s decision to invest in STEM education is both strategic and timely. With the United States’ tariff actions creating economic uncertainty, the province is determined to bolster its productivity and future-proof its economy. Ontario Minister of Colleges Nolan Quinn emphasized that this investment will help create a resilient economy that can thrive, even amid external economic pressures.

“This essential investment will help address the growing demand for university STEM spaces, building the highly skilled workforce Ontario needs in critical sectors like advanced manufacturing, AI, and life sciences,” said Steve Orsini, President of the Council of Ontario Universities.

The investment comes at a critical time when Ontario is grappling with economic competition and productivity challenges. By enhancing STEM education, Ontario is positioning itself to retain and grow its economic advantage for the long term.

Why Now? Addressing the Talent Crisis and Increasing STEM Demand

Ontario is experiencing an unprecedented surge in demand for STEM education. Between 2020 and 2024, the number of students applying to undergraduate STEM programs at Ontario universities has jumped by 34 percent. This increase in demand further underscores the need for more accessible and affordable STEM education opportunities.

Premier Doug Ford has faced growing pressure from the business community to address Ontario’s talent crisis, with 75 CEOs calling for a skills development approach that aligns more closely with industry needs. Although the academic approach taken by the province in this latest initiative has sparked debate, it is clear that Ontario’s workforce needs to be equipped with advanced technical skills to thrive in industries like AI, advanced manufacturing, and life sciences.

Building a Talent Pipeline for the Future

The new $750 million funding package is part of a larger effort to meet Ontario’s future post-secondary needs. According to a recent Higher Education Quality Control of Ontario report, the province’s domestic post-secondary enrolments are projected to grow by 45 percent by 2046, requiring an additional 225,000 seats. Without strategic planning and investment, many Ontario students could be left out of their preferred programs.

In response to this demand, the Ontario government has already committed $1.3 billion in funding to support the growth of post-secondary institutions. This includes $100 million specifically allocated for STEM program costs, making it one of the largest investments in Ontario’s post-secondary education system in its history.

The Road Ahead for Ontario’s STEM Education and Workforce Development

As Ontario prepares to meet future challenges, this $750 million investment marks a pivotal step in ensuring that its talent pool remains competitive and well-equipped for the future. The government’s commitment to STEM education highlights its dedication to building a sustainable and resilient workforce, while also addressing economic pressures and the talent crisis facing the province.

Stay tuned to Maple News Wire for ongoing updates on Ontario’s economic strategies and how these investments in STEM education are helping shape the future of the workforce across the province.

Fluent Ventures raises $40M for early-stage global startups with a focus on Canadian innovation.

In an ambitious move to back global early-stage tech startups, Fluent Ventures has launched a $40-million USD fund, focusing on expanding proven business models into new regions and industries.

The Canadian-founded, San Francisco-based VC firm is betting that innovative models that work in Silicon Valley can be applied globally, with Canada playing a central role in its strategy. Alex Lazarow, Fluent’s founder and managing partner, believes that local entrepreneurs around the world are best suited to address their regions’ biggest challenges by using globally validated models.

Investing Beyond Silicon Valley

With a global focus, Fluent Ventures aims to disrupt the status quo by backing FinTech, health, and e-commerce startups between the pre-seed and Series A stages. Fluent’s strategy revolves around “geographic alpha”—looking beyond the traditional tech hubs to find opportunities in diverse geographies. Lazarow noted that Canada, with its innovative spirit and growing tech ecosystem, holds a strategic position for Fluent Ventures.

“We see Canada as a core geography and an essential part of our investment strategy,” Lazarow told BetaKit, highlighting his personal commitment to supporting Canadian startups.

A Unique Investment Strategy

Fluent Ventures is not just looking for businesses with great ideas—they are focused on companies applying proven business models to new markets. Lazarow’s experience—with backing seven unicorns in the last decade—has helped shape Fluent’s investment thesis, which involves making opinionated bets on global expansion.

With the fund’s first close in 2023, Fluent has already invested in 13 startups, including companies based in North America, Latin America, Africa, and Asia. These startups span industries such as agriculture, construction tech, and B2B platforms, to name a few.

The Future of Canadian Innovation

While Fluent Ventures’ approach targets global expansion, the firm sees Canada as a key player in driving innovation. Lazarow pointed out that Canadian startups are well-positioned to lead in “camel startups”, companies that focus on strong unit economics and cash flow management—a contrast to Silicon Valley’s focus on high-growth at any cost.

“It’s the default mode for most Canadian founders to focus on sustainable growth, and that aligns perfectly with our investment strategy,” said Lazarow, emphasizing the potential of Canada’s tech talent and innovative spirit.

Fluent Ventures: Leading the Charge in Global Tech Innovation

With a focus on global diversification and innovation, Fluent Ventures is set to play a significant role in supporting high-impact startups across the globe. Its unique approach to identifying and backing scalable business models has attracted strong support from venture capitalists and entrepreneurs worldwide, positioning Fluent as a major player in the global tech investment scene.

Stay tuned to Maple News Wire for more insights on Fluent Ventures’ global expansion and Canada’s role in the next wave of tech innovation.

At the World Summit AI in Montréal, a fascinating divide emerged as AI innovators raced to implement cutting-edge solutions, while researchers sounded the alarm on the potential risks of unregulated AI development.

With the AI landscape evolving at breakneck speed, the question remains: Should we accelerate AI adoption, or should we pause and ensure safety and ethics are in place?

The summit saw top AI figures like Bruce Stamm, Aleksandra Faust, and Lewis Stott pushing for quick wins, urging companies to “just get going” with AI agent deployment in the workplace. Their message was clear: AI agents, which can perform tasks autonomously for users, are the future. According to Stott, Cohere’s AI agent platform—which allows users to leverage agents for research and report drafting—will become a critical tool for companies seeking to stay ahead in the competitive landscape.

AI Agents: The Future of Work or a Risk to Control?

AI agents are touted as the next frontier for boosting workplace productivity. Stamm emphasized that companies failing to integrate AI now risk falling behind. The message was echoed across multiple panels, as the race for AI adoption intensified. Microsoft and OpenAI are betting big on AI agents, claiming they will revolutionize tasks, from customer service to software engineering.

However, Aleksandra Faust of Google DeepMind raised important concerns. She recommended companies to implement AI in areas where they can “afford to fail,” with human supervision in the early stages. She envisioned a future where software engineers evolve into prompt engineers, guiding AI to create applications with minimal human involvement. As Y Combinator CEO Garry Tan shared, AI-generated code has already made it possible for many startups to build entire businesses with little to no programming knowledge.

The Reality Check: Are We Ready for Full AI Integration?

Despite the optimistic tones of AI developers, researchers and ethicists at the summit were urging caution. Jason Alan Snyder, Chief AI Officer at Momentum Worldwide, warned against AI’s unchecked growth, emphasizing the need for regulation and ethics in development. His concern: AI is evolving faster than regulation can keep up, and this could have “catastrophic” consequences if not properly managed.

One of the most vocal critics was Yoshua Bengio, the Turing Award winner and co-founder of Mila AI Institute, who warned against the development of agentic AI. According to Bengio, AI agents programmed with goals could act autonomously, deceiving humans to preserve themselves, posing an existential threat to humanity.

A Call for Regulation and Ethical AI Development

As AI giants like OpenAI, Microsoft, and Cohere dominate the field, Bengio’s concerns about AI safety remain pressing. The push for regulation, particularly around bias and data transparency, was a significant theme at the summit. Colleen Lyons, an AI ethicist, raised alarms about “AI hallucinations” and the potential spread of harmful misinformation.

However, the industry is not ignoring these warnings entirely. Companies like Waabi are prioritizing safety in their autonomous vehicle projects, ensuring that AI models are not just “general-purpose” but highly specialized for specific tasks.

What’s Next for AI: An Unstoppable Force?

The debate at the World Summit AI makes one thing clear: AI is no longer a distant concept but an inevitable part of our future. As Bengio and others point out, the ethical development and careful implementation of AI must not fall behind the race for profit and technological superiority.

With AI’s power to transform industries, from healthcare to automotive, the key challenge will be balancing innovation with safety. As Stott notes, first movers in AI adoption will have a competitive advantage, but it remains to be seen whether they can navigate the risks that come with unchecked progress.

Stay tuned to Maple News Wire for more on AI’s evolution and its impact on the global job market, regulation efforts, and more.

France’s insurtech unicorn Alan enters the Canadian market with cost-effective, digital group health insurance for tech startups and small businesses.

After disrupting the European health insurance market, Alan, the French insurtech unicorn, is now setting its sights on Canada, bringing digital group health insurance to tech startups and small businesses.

Breaking the Mold: In Canada, just a few large companies control most of the health insurance market, often charging exorbitant fees for basic coverage. Mark Goad, Alan’s General Manager for Canada, shared his frustration with this oligopoly, pointing to the similarity to other industries where Canadians are overcharged, such as telecommunications and banking. “It’s time to bring competition to the Canadian health insurance landscape,” Goad said.

Revolutionizing Group Health Insurance

Alan’s approach is simple, efficient, and digital. Unlike traditional insurers who rely on brokers, phone calls, and hidden fees, Alan offers a fully online platform that allows businesses to purchase and manage group health insurance in just minutes. The company’s tech-driven platform eliminates the need for lengthy paperwork and reduces fees, charging just 15 percent—half of what incumbent insurers typically charge.

Affordable Plans for Startups and Small Businesses

Alan’s product offering includes three types of plans, each catering to the needs of small businesses and tech startups:

• Prescription coverage
• Dental care
• Paramedical services

These plans start as low as $86 CAD per person per month, with the most popular plan priced at $100 CAD per person per month. Currently available in Ontario and Alberta, the company is poised to expand into British Columbia and Québec pending regulatory approval.

A New Player in the Canadian Market

Having secured a licence from the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI), Alan is Canada’s first new health insurance carrier in nearly 70 years. The company’s entry into the market is expected to disrupt traditional insurance models and provide a more accessible and affordable alternative for businesses.

Alan’s goal is clear: to offer flexible, digital health insurance options that are affordable and simple to access, making it easier for companies to provide essential coverage to their employees without the hassle of traditional insurance practices.

The Future of Health Insurance in Canada

Alan’s bold move into the Canadian health insurance market signals a new era of competition, transparency, and affordability. By prioritizing digital solutions and reducing the cost of coverage, Alan is positioning itself as the go-to choice for startups and small businesses looking for efficient and affordable health insurance solutions.

Stay tuned to Maple News Wire for more updates on Alan’s Canadian expansion and other tech-driven innovations in the insurance sector.

Google for Startups Accelerator selects AI-driven companies in Canada’s 2024 cohort, offering mentorship, Google Cloud credits, and more.

In a pivotal shift towards artificial intelligence (AI), the Google for Startups Accelerator has unveiled its sixth Canadian cohort, marking a first where every participating startup integrates AI into their solutions. From workplace management to healthtech and fintech, this year’s cohort is firmly grounded in AI-driven innovation.

What’s Changed? In past years, AI-enabled startups dominated the accelerator, but now, all companies selected are either AI-native or heavily AI-integrated. This move underscores the growing reliance on AI to power the next generation of business solutions.

AI’s Transformative Role for Diverse Startups

While AI was previously a luxury, it’s now central to the development of products that can revolutionize industries. Iran Karimian, head of Google’s accelerator program in Canada, stated, “The cohort is diverse, but it’s all about this new age of AI.” This year, startups are eager to leverage Google’s advanced AI tools, such as the Gemini platform, which promises to enhance everything from data analytics to customer experience.

Among the standout participants are five Montréal-based startups, setting a new record for the city, with each eager to use AI to further refine their services. One such startup is FLiiP, a gym management platform that aims to introduce AI-driven features to optimize operations for fitness businesses. With a $4.4 million seed funding boost earlier this year, FLiiP is positioning itself for U.S. expansion by integrating AI-powered solutions.

Startups Focused on Practical AI Solutions

As AI is reshaping industries, companies like ConeLabs and Quanto are using this opportunity to fine-tune their AI algorithms for practical business applications. For instance, ConeLabs, based in Kitchener-Waterloo, is enhancing its AI-powered building inspection system to improve structural defect detection, while Quanto, based in Toronto, is working on scaling its automated bookkeeping platform with a strong focus on compliance and security.

AI adoption, as Karimian points out, isn’t just about innovation—it’s about creating impactful business outcomes. For these startups, AI is about solving real-world problems while being responsible in how it’s implemented. Anderson Petergeorge, co-founder of Quanto, emphasizes this delicate balance of cutting-edge technology and reliable solutions for customers.

Google’s AI Gatherings: A New Era for Founders

Google’s commitment to AI isn’t confined to its accelerator. The company recently rebranded its Founder Fridays meetups as AI Gatherings. These events have become must-attend for entrepreneurs interested in AI insights and implementation strategies. With the success of these meetups, especially the October 2024 edition in Montréal, Google is further solidifying its role as a leader in fostering AI adoption for startups.

A Strong Track Record of Success

Since its inception in 2020, the Google for Startups Accelerator has helped 120 Canadian companies raise $480 million in funding, creating over 1,000 jobs along the way. The accelerator’s continued focus on AI highlights how crucial this technology is to the future of business. With AI becoming an integral part of the startup ecosystem, the 2024 cohort stands as a testament to the growing role of artificial intelligence in shaping the next wave of business innovation.

Stay tuned to Maple News Wire for more updates on the AI startup ecosystem and its growing impact on Canadian businesses.

FundThrough expands with Ampla acquisition, securing $34.6M Series B funding for growth and tech improvements.

Toronto-based FundThrough, a leading provider of invoice factoring for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), is making big moves in the financial technology space. The company has announced the successful close of a $25 million USD (CAD $34.6 million) Series B round and the acquisition of Ampla, a U.S.-based invoicing platform. This new phase of growth positions FundThrough to enhance its service offering and deepen its U.S. market presence.

Strategic Growth Amid Economic Uncertainty

In a recent BetaKit interview, FundThrough CEO Steven Uster explained how the macroeconomic uncertainty has driven the company’s decision to raise fresh capital and pursue strategic acquisitions. Uster shared that despite the volatility, invoice factoring remains resilient during times of economic downturn, as businesses increasingly turn to alternative financing solutions when traditional lenders become more cautious.

“Factoring tends to outperform during periods of economic uncertainty because banks tighten up, and large clients hold onto cash longer,” Uster said. As many businesses face disruptions due to rising input costs, FundThrough aims to step in, providing much-needed liquidity to SMBs that are struggling to stay afloat.

Ampla Acquisition Enhances Automation and User Experience

With the addition of Ampla to its portfolio, FundThrough strengthens its technological edge. Ampla brings in automated onboarding and credit underwriting capabilities, allowing FundThrough to streamline its services for customers. This integration also makes it easier for SMBs to connect seamlessly with accounting software, offering a more efficient and user-friendly experience.

The Ampla acquisition marks FundThrough’s first deal since acquiring BlueVine in 2021. This has already resulted in 85% of FundThrough’s clients now hailing from the U.S., and the company’s revenue growth has been robust, increasing by 50% per year on average.

A Competitive Advantage for SMBs in Uncertain Times

The strategic acquisition comes as FundThrough navigates ongoing economic tensions between the U.S. and Canada. Despite these challenges, Uster is optimistic, noting that SMBs that don’t operate cross-border are relatively insulated from the disruption. Moreover, the company’s ability to support businesses during these uncertain times positions it as a key player in helping SMBs weather the storm.

FundThrough’s approach is timely, as invoice factoring proves especially effective in recessionary environments, where large corporations delay payments to smaller suppliers. As a result, SMBs often face cash flow crunches, making alternative financing solutions like those offered by FundThrough more attractive.

Looking Ahead: Scaling for the Future

With the new capital raised, FundThrough is gearing up for significant expansion. The company is now positioned to serve more SMBs, helping them navigate the turbulence of macroeconomic conditions and thrive despite challenges. Uster emphasized that the company will continue to explore synergistic opportunities for future acquisitions.

While the terms of the Ampla deal were not disclosed, Uster has high expectations for the integration. Ampla CEO Anthony Santomo is joining FundThrough as an adviser, and Uster has expressed confidence that Santomo’s deep connections in the investor community will play a pivotal role in shaping FundThrough’s future growth trajectory.

Building Stronger Foundations for SMB Growth

With a clear focus on expanding its service offering and advancing AI-powered solutions, FundThrough is primed to become a significant player in small business finance. By helping SMBs manage their cash flow and providing timely support, FundThrough is shaping the future of alternative financing in challenging economic times.

Stay tuned to Maple News Wire for more updates on FundThrough’s innovations and the financial technology landscape.