News Summary

As the Elevate Festival gears up in Canada, discussions around artificial intelligence (AI) are taking center stage. Alex Kearney, an AI researcher formerly with DeepMind and now a co-founder at Artificial Agency, is a key figure at the event. She emphasizes the significant history of AI research in Alberta and its impact on the global stage. Kearney’s work focuses on developing AI-powered ‘behavior engines’ for video games, demonstrating the critical intersection between gaming and AI. Alberta, with its rich tradition in machine learning and reinforcement learning, continues to be a pivotal center for AI breakthroughs. Kearney highlights the innovative spirit within Alberta’s startup ecosystem, which combines risk-taking with a unique humility. However, she notes the need for Canada to celebrate its successes more vocally to counter the ‘brain drain’ to the US. Events like Elevate are crucial in showcasing Canadian innovation, providing a platform for researchers, investors, and innovators to collaborate and inspire the next generation of startups.