Edmonton Metropolitan Region – Today, the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with key industry, academic, and government partners, is excited to announce the launch of the AI x CE Strategy, a transformative initiative aimed at positioning the Edmonton Metropolitan Region as the leading hub in North America for the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Construction and Engineering (CE) sectors.

Key Objectives of the AI x CE Strategy:

• Enhance Competitiveness: Position the Edmonton Region as the leading jurisdiction for applied AI in Construction and Engineering, attracting global firms, technology entrepreneurs, investment capital, and skilled talent to Alberta.
• Create High-Paying Jobs: Employ over 100,000 Albertans in AI-related activities within the Construction and Engineering and trades sectors by 2035.
• Attract Significant Investment: Secure over $200 million in public and private funding annually for AI research and commercialization focused on construction and engineering.
• Drive Economic Growth: Achieve a direct GDP contribution of $25 billion annually from AI-driven products and exports in the CE industry by 2035.

"AI x CE represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the Edmonton Region," said Doug Griffiths, President & CEO of the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce. "By combining our region's strength in artificial intelligence with our globally recognized construction and engineering firms, we have the potential to create an economic engine that will set our region apart on the global stage."

The AI x CE initiative is a collaborative effort involving the Edmonton Region’s major construction and engineering employers, post-secondary institutions, the entrepreneur community, and innovation and technology partners. It will also be supported with grant funding from the Government of Alberta. The Edmonton Chamber of Commerce has retained Optimus SBR to manage the project.

“The adoption of robotics and artificial intelligence within the housing industry is the only viable solution to achieve the goals of governments to build an adequate supply of housing at affordable and attainable prices.” said industry partner Reza Nasseri, CEO of Landmark Homes and Founder of Promise Robotics. “The combination of robots, driven by AI will reduce the construction cycle time sign and transform the landscape of manufacturing homes in North America, Europe and elsewhere. I highly encourage everyone in our industry, from the general contractors to the trades, to get involved in this important initiative for Alberta. It will put Edmonton and Alberta at the forefront of housing innovation.”

The Edmonton Region's business community identified the untapped potential of integrating AI technologies—such as machine learning, robotics, and computer vision—into the CE industries and value chain. This initiative was identified as an opportunity through the Forward/Slash consultation work initiated in Fall 2023 under the direction of Edmonton Global. The strategy aims to address significant issues like labor shortages, productivity bottlenecks, and slow technology adoption while creating a new economic trajectory for the region.

“This announcement marks an example of what the Forward/Slash initiative aimed to achieve – mobilization and engagement of the Edmonton Region's business community to identify and lead what matters most. Our goal is for Forward/Slash to be 100% industry-led,” said Malcolm Bruce, CEO of Edmonton Global and member of the Forward/Slash steering committee. “We hope to build on the AI x CE Strategy with additional initiatives that align with the four strategic goals and position the Edmonton Region as the top destination in Canada for talent, investment, and business growth.”

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