Artificial intelligence

In late September, I had the opportunity to attend ALL IN 2025, a premier artificial intelligence event hosted by Scale AI at the Palais des congrès de Montréal.

With 200 sessions, over 6,000 participants from nearly 40 countries, and the industry’s heavy hitters taking the stage, the ambition was clear: to transform AI into a primary growth engine for Canadian businesses.

What struck me most was the palpable confidence that AI is no longer just an academic pursuit; it has become a strategic weapon for organizations of all sizes. I walked away convinced that Quebec and Canada are rising to the challenge.

A Quebec Ecosystem That Means Business

At ALL IN, I saw the Quebec ecosystem at its best—not confined to the lab, but resolutely focused on real-world applications. Montreal is asserting itself more than ever as a hub where innovation translates directly into economic impact.

We saw local companies showcasing operational AI prototypes and tangible use cases across logistics, manufacturing, healthcare, and retail. The conversation has shifted from "what we could do" to "what we are already doing." This pivot is crucial for winning over C-suite executives. We need to stop viewing AI as a risky bet and start seeing it as a strategic asset.

I felt a sense of local pride, but also a sense of responsibility. To compete with global giants, inventing isn't enough: we must deliver, scale, and generate value. I saw firsthand a Canadian ecosystem that is more capable of this than ever before.

Scale AI: The Engine of Adoption

I no longer see Scale AI as a traditional research and funding cluster, but rather as a catalyst for corporate adoption. ALL IN, built from the ground up by Scale AI, is the physical manifestation of that vision.

They don't just subsidize innovative ideas; they invest in projects where SMEs collaborate with tech providers or startups to build bespoke AI solutions. This model de-risks innovation for companies—they aren't expected to carry the burden alone, but rather to plug into an ecosystem where combined strengths lead to success.

Cohere: An Inspiring Canadian Success Story

A major highlight was the presence of Cohere. For those unfamiliar, this Ontario-based company specializes in large language models (LLMs) tailored for highly regulated industries like finance, healthcare, and energy.

Seeing Cohere alongside names like NVIDIA and Mistral AI as a headline partner was significant. It’s a clear sign that a cutting-edge Canadian firm can hold its own in the global AI arms race. Their founders shared insights on responsible AI and the hurdles of large-scale deployment, proving that world-class AI can—and does—start right here.

Explicit Political Backing

The presence of Mélanie Joly (Minister of Industry) and Evan Solomon (Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation) gave the event a strategic weight that went beyond technology into the realm of national economics.

Minister Joly’s closing remarks emphasized that Canada must invest in innovation clusters to modernize sectors like supply chains and manufacturing. Minister Solomon announced a national AI strategy task force, signaling that the federal government intends to lead, not just follow.

Most importantly, Solomon noted that the government acts as a powerful "validator" and client for Canadian AI solutions. The partnership between the federal government and Cohere is proof that this isn't just talk—it's already happening.

My Take: We’ve Got This!

As I look back on the 2025 edition, I see more than just a conference; I see a turning point. Montreal has proven it can host the world, but more importantly, that it has the power to create high-impact AI innovation right here at home.

The message for Canadian businesses is simple: It’s now or never. The world is accelerating. If we want our organizations to lead rather than follow, we must seize this momentum, invest in AI, and think big.

I am genuinely optimistic. Whether in Montreal, Quebec, or across Canada, we have the tools to succeed. Let’s turn this ambition into our greatest engine for growth.