SASKATOON — Saskatchewan Polytechnic is part of a multi-sector group in charge of growing the artificial intelligence sector in the province after helping establish Artificial Intelligence Saskatchewan with industry leaders, academic institutions, and government bodies.
Sask Poly’s Digital Integration Centre of Excellence is tackling the challenge of helping Canadian companies use AI technology to improve their efficiency, competitiveness, and sustainability in their respective industries.
AiSK, a non-profit group aiming to be a one-stop shop for the rapidly growing AI sector, will receive $35,000 from Sask Poly in the next three years as part of a funding agreement to fulfill its mission of becoming the province’s central hub for AI innovation.
The money will enable AiSK to host events, convene industry roundtables and deliver programs and services that help advance AI adoption in the province. DICE Director and Research Chair Dr. Terry Peckham will sit on the AiSK advisory board.
Saskatchewan’s industry and academic leaders will join Peckham on the AiSK advisory board, which includes representatives from the University of Saskatchewan, Economic Development Regina and the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce.
DICE’s work involves industry-led partnerships and engages in applied research across various sectors, being a Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council-funded Technology Access Centre. They specialize in data analysis, storage, transmission and display.
Peckham and his team’s current research focuses on the industrial application of machine learning, particularly with sensor-based systems, and on data integration and migration for machine learning across data silos.
Sask Poly President and CEO Dr. Larry Rosia said they are excited to join AiSK and contribute to developing a vibrant AI community across Saskatchewan, as they see the urgent need for businesses to harness AI’s competitive advantages effectively.
“By supporting these companies, DICE empowers the industry to integrate cutting-edge AI solutions that optimize operations and prepare for future growth. Being a founding member of AiSK aligns with our commitment to innovation and provides our students and faculty with unique opportunities to engage with the AI community,” said Rosia.
AiSK founder and interim Executive Director Alex Fallon said the AI sector and the technology it brings is an economic growth opportunity for Saskatchewan.
“AiSK will help the province seize this opportunity by creating a central hub for AI - bringing together the public, industry, academia and all levels of government to create a thriving AI sector,” said Fallon.
