UK, Canada Sign Agreement to Advance AI R&D

Canada and the UK have signed an agreement to collaborate on computing power for advancing AI research. The “Memorandum of Understanding” commits both countries to explore ways of providing affordable access to high-powered computing for AI development. 

The agreement, signed by UK Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan and Canadian Minister for Innovation, Science, and Industry François-Phillippe Champagne, solidifies their commitment to exploring avenues for affordable access to high-performance computing crucial for advancing AI.

Recognizing the importance of compute power and data in AI advancement, the agreement will foster joint innovation by improving access to computing infrastructure. The focus includes collaboration on shared research priorities like biomedicine and developing sustainable models for sharing compute capabilities. 

This agreement builds upon the broader UK-Canada science and technology partnership, emphasizing collaboration in quantum computing, AI, semiconductors, and clean energy. Both nations have actively engaged in joint programs, with UK Research and Innovation awarding £350 million between 2020 and 2023 for collaborative initiatives in quantum technologies and arctic ecosystems to create a positive impact.

This involves different events, such as the initial industry-led collaboration on quantum technologies and a joint project concerning Arctic ecosystems with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami.

According to  Secretary Donelan, this “unique partnership” across science and innovation will harness emerging technologies as an “active force for good.”

With a combined $5 trillion economy dedicated to technological collaboration for mutual and global benefit, the agreement marks a crucial step in realizing this vision in AI.