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Walking into the Edmonton Convention Centre for Upper Bound 2025, I was immediately immersed in a tidal wave of energy and expertise. This premier AI summit, hosted by the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii), truly lives up to its name, pushing beyond limits and embodying a spirit I like to call “Upper Bound.” The conference attracts more than 6,000 visionaries from around the globe, all converging to explore how AI is reshaping industries, economies, and our very future.
Delivering my keynote, “AI for All: Empowering Diverse Leadership in the Future of Startups & Funding,” was a highlight and an opportunity to share a message that resonates deeply both with my work at ventureLAB and as Co-Founder of The Firehood. True AI potential blossoms only when diverse voices lead, and dismantling barriers for underrepresented founders accessing crucial funding is paramount. “The future of AI is brighter and more robust when powered by inclusivity,” I stressed to a room hungry for change.
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The Upper Bound program, meticulously curated with more than 200 sessions and 16 thematic tracks, caters to everyone, from curious beginners to seasoned disruptors. Amii’s flagship programs like ML Exploration and Level Up support startups at various stages, underscoring Edmonton’s commitment to nurturing raw potential into scale-ready ventures. The deadlines were tight, but the rewards, subsidized admissions, expert mentorship, and real investor readiness are game-changing for Canadian startups pioneering new AI applications.
One of the most inspiring moments came while judging the AI startup pitch competition. The brilliance of Alberta’s AI talent shone through, with Bidblox, a proud Firehood alum and ventureLAB Accelerated Growth company, taking home the win. Their journey from promising startup to recognized innovator exemplifies what a supportive ecosystem can achieve. Early support, access to capital, and community scaffolding can transform ideas into scalable, impactful companies that lead not just locally, but on the global stage.
Edmonton’s AI ecosystem isn’t just about technological advancement; it’s about sustainable growth. The city is actively integrating clean energy initiatives within AI development, setting a forward-thinking example of how innovation can be responsible and impactful. This balance between groundbreaking science and environmental stewardship sets Edmonton apart as a leader in Canada’s AI future.
The collaboration and inclusivity I witnessed at Upper Bound are palpable. From deep technical discussions to accessible workshops, from policymakers to industry pioneers, this event brings together varied perspectives to spark fresh ideas and collective progress. It’s clear that Edmonton is not just in the AI race; it is setting the pace.
As I closed my time in Edmonton, I felt invigorated by the city’s potential. Amii and the broader community are building a vibrant, inclusive AI hub that is dynamic and future-ready. “Here, ‘upper bound’ is no longer just a phrase, it’s an aspiration, a commitment, and a promise to power the future of AI innovation in Canada.”
