The UK and Canada have agreed to ramp up AI adoption among SMEs, strengthen tech ties and collaborate on semiconductor research.
At a G7 meeting in Canada the UK agreed to launch a joint semiconductor research network that will bring together experts from both countries to develop smarter and more energy-efficient chips.
The network has been backed by £1.16m from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and will be led by Prof Andy G Sellars at the University of Southampton.
The countries will also exchange knowledge of delivering AI in public services and swap successful digital tools and cloud services.
“The UK and Canada are working hand in hand to shape the future of technology – from smarter, greener chips to AI that improves everyday services,” said UK Technology Minister Ian Murray.
“This partnership will make life better for people in the UK. By sharing expertise and driving progress together, we’ll create new jobs and cut costs for hardworking people by bringing our public services into the modern age.”
At G7 talks in Montreal, the participating nations agreed on practical steps to help businesses adopt AI, including accelerating public-private partnerships, sharing best practice and investing in skills programmes.
“Canada and the UK have always been natural partners in science and innovation. This next agreement between the UK’s National Supercomputing Centre and Canada’s Digital Research Alliance is a huge win for both countries,” said Evan Solomon, Canadian Minister of AI and Digital Innovation.
“It unlocks world-class computing power, accelerates breakthroughs in AI and emerging tech, and strengthens the backbone of our shared digital future. I’m thrilled to see another partnership after our joint agreement — this is the kind of bold cooperation the G7 is all about.”
