Executive Summary

Canada is among the pioneers when it comes to AI research and development. It’s home to a bustling scene that pairs academia with industry, with the aid of government funding. Machine learning is touching a variety of disciplines, but the marketing field is emerging as the primary area for designing real-world business applications.

Why is Canada attracting global tech companies for artificial intelligence research?

Canada’s AI ecosystem is thriving. Particularly in Montreal, Toronto and Edmonton, clusters of AI innovation have developed to tie private enterprise to academia, where advanced machine-learning research attracts top talent.

What do consumers think of their engagement with artificial intelligence?

Consumer perceptions of their engagement with AI is low, likely due to the behind-the-scenes nature of the technology. Algorithms for pervasive consumer services from Facebook, Google, Amazon and others rely on AI to provide more personalized experiences, but a large portion of consumers do not see the connection.

Which industry uses artificial intelligence effectively?

Applications in marketing have become the most mature business AI deployments. Programmatic advertising channels deliver optimization built with machine learning, chatbots have become a proven method of customer engagement and recommendation engines power better ecommerce experiences.

WHAT’S IN THIS REPORT? This report looks at the why and how of Canada’s thriving AI scene. It covers the research and development infrastructure, consumer attitudes toward machine learning and the top applications for brands and marketers.

KEY STAT: AI startups cover a range of industries, but marketing is the top area for machine-learning testing and development, with no less than 38 firms working on AI for marketing solutions in Canada.