UK and Canada Sign Landmark Agreement to Boost ai Research and Development
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[img src=”https://www.britishcouncil.org/news-images/2021%20UK%20Canada%20AI%20agreement_1280x540.jpg” alt=”UK and Canada ai agreement”]
The United Kingdom (UK) and Canada have signed a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding on computing to collaborate on advancing artificial intelligence (ai) research and development. The agreement was signed by UK Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan and Canadian Minister for Innovation, Science and Industry François-Phillippe Champagne in Ottawa.
Improving Compute Access for ai Research
The new agreement recognizes the increasing importance of access to state-of-the-art computing infrastructure for conducting cutting-edge ai research. Both countries will explore opportunities for collaboration on providing compute power for shared research priorities, such as biomedicine. They also plan to work together and with like-minded nations on sustainable models for sharing compute capabilities.
UK-Canada Science and Technology Partnership
This agreement builds on the UK-Canada science and technology partnership, which was renewed during Secretary Donelan’s visit. The partnership focuses on key areas of collaboration between British and Canadian researchers, including quantum computing, ai, semiconductors, and clean energy.
Pioneering Collaborative Programs
Academics and researchers from both countries have been actively involved in collaborative programs, receiving £350 million ($476 million) in funding between 2020 and 2023. This includes pioneering initiatives such as the first industry-led partnership on quantum technologies and a project on arctic ecosystems in collaboration with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami.
Harnessing Emerging Technologies for Good
The renewed UK-Canada science and innovation ties reflect the two countries’ commitment to harnessing emerging technologies as an “active force for good.” Both the UK and Canada highlighted opportunities to link leading ai researchers in their respective nations.
Commitment to Technological Innovation
With a combined $5 trillion economy, the UK and Canada have pledged to collaborate closely on technological innovation for the benefit of both countries and the wider world. The compute accord marks an important step toward realizing that vision in the critical field of ai.
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