Canada’s largest AI competition announced

$1 Million Leaders Prize to launch at True North 2019

Communitech is excited to announce the Leaders Prize at True North, in partnership with the Schulich Foundation and Leaders Fund, and the University of Waterloo as the academic partner. This national competition will award $1 million to the winning team(s) solving a problem of global significance using artificial intelligence (AI). The detailed problem statement will be revealed at the True North Conference in June 2019.

“The goal of the competition is to capture the imagination of Canadians and unleash a wave of innovation,” said David Stein, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Leaders Fund. “The Leaders Prize at True North aims to solve a major problem with broad applicability, recognize leading AI talent within Canada, and inspire the next generation to pursue a career in technology. We expect that teams will be created from within our universities, our tech companies, and from recent graduates.”

The solutions developed through this competition should provide the foundation for a new product or company that will possess a distinctive edge in the marketplace. Individuals or groups residing in Canada can register to receive updates at leadersprize.truenorthwaterloo.com. The problem statement will be announced at the True North Conference on June 19 and 20, 2019, where teams/individuals can then apply.

“When it comes to artificial intelligence, Canada is leading the way. And as leaders, our job is to tackle large problems that both impact society and enhance prosperity,” said Iain Klugman, CEO, Communitech. “We see an opportunity to motivate and inspire talented Canadians to solve meaningful global problems.”

Applicants will have one year to solve the challenge problem, with the winner announced at True North 2020 in Waterloo Region.

“Canada has developed expertise in AI that could transform the way we live and work,” said Charmaine Dean, Vice President, Research at the University of Waterloo, academic partner for the prize. “Waterloo understands how to ensure that expertise can turn into commercial success across multiple sectors of our economy. I am certain the Leaders Prize at True North will showcase the best of our talent and ideas.”