Edmonton is home to one of the world’s top AI communities — and Amii is proud to be a driving force behind it. That leadership is reflected in Edify’s latest Innovation Issue, where members of the Amii team are recognized for their standout contributions to AI research and application. From foundational breakthroughs to real-world solutions, our work is helping shape the future of AI, from right here in Edmonton to around the globe.
Rich’s BIG Year
Edmonton is now home to a Turing Award winner. Richard S. Sutton, Amii’s Chief Scientific Advisor, research fellow and now Turing Award laureate, was bestowed with the highest achievement in computing (often considered the ‘Nobel Prize of computing’). Winning the award alongside long-time collaborator Andrew Barto, the two researchers were recognized for establishing the bedrock of reinforcement learning. Even with this well-deserved accolade, Sutton remains steadfast in his pursuit of understanding intelligence. With Sutton solidifying Edmonton’s place on the global AI map, his quest toward the ‘grand scientific prize’ continues. Read: The Power of Positive Reinforcement.
BLINC Lab Cinches the Cover
It’s been an incredible year for our friends at BLINC Lab. Co-led by Amii Fellow and Canada CIFAR AI Chair Patrick Pilarksi, BLINC Lab made their debut at the global Cybathlon competition, an international competition showcasing leading-edge assistive technologies for individuals with limb differences. The BLINC Lab team was the only North American team in the qualification heats, placed 8th in the world in the Arm Competition, and recorded a mini-documentary’ to tell the story — and they’re only getting started. Read Edify’s cover story: Augmented Humanity
The ABCs of AI in the Classroom
As AI continues to integrate into our modern lives, the need for AI literacy becomes increasingly essential. Since 2023, Jillian Kowalchuk, Amii’s Manager of AI Literacy, has been working with teachers, school boards and administrators across the country on interdisciplinary resource development for teachers in K-12 classrooms. The resulting learning kits for teachers have gone on to impact an estimated 50,000 students across the country. Read Edify’s interview with Jillian: Prompting a New AI Conversation.
AI vs. Anti-Indigenous Racism
This year, we were excited to collaborate with Shani Gwin and wâsikan kisewâtisiwin on a vital AI tool. This innovative project identifies and tackles online bias and anti-Indigenous hate speech. The project was selected from thousands of global initiatives to join the prestigious MIT Solve program. Ayman Qroon, machine learning scientist at Amii worked on the project and shares his experience working on such a globally impactful project. Read: Code Switch
Catch Us in Our Element
Reading about Amii's advancements offers insight, but experiencing our passion firsthand is transformative. Come experience Amii in our element at Upper Bound (May 20-23), our annual AI conference that’s not like your average AI conference. Immerse yourself in leading-edge insights from AI experts, connect with trailblazers in research and industry, and celebrate the legacy of a Turing laureate. Don't just read about it – be part of it. Secure your tickets today at www.upperbound.ai .