Introduction

Canada and Saudi Arabia are strengthening ties in the field of innovation, technology, and investment. From September 28 to 30, 2025, Canada’s Innovation Delegation visited Riyadh to explore partnerships that go beyond traditional trade. The initiative, organized by Inovia Capital and the Embassy of Canada, brought together Canadian startups, venture capital firms, and research institutions to connect with Saudi Arabia’s rapidly expanding innovation ecosystem.

Why Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia is undergoing a massive transformation under Vision 2030, focusing on:

• Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation
• Green Technology and Smart Cities
• Investment Diversification
• Startup and Talent Development

The Kingdom’s commitment to technology makes it a natural partner for Canada, which is already recognized as a global leader in AI and research.

Key Engagements

During the delegation’s visit, Canadian representatives met with several influential Saudi entities, including:

• Public Investment Fund (PIF)
• Neom and Sanabil Investments
• King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST)
• The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology
• The Garage (Saudi’s major innovation hub)

This created a platform for collaboration on projects ranging from enterprise AI to smart city initiatives.

Goals of the Delegation

1. Build Innovation Bridges – Connect Canadian expertise in AI and venture capital with Saudi Arabia’s emerging innovation landscape.
2. Support Responsible Growth – Align Canadian G7 priorities on ethical AI and digital governance with Vision 2030 goals.
3. Diversify Partnerships – Shift Canada–Saudi relations from resource trade to knowledge-driven sectors.
4. Nurture Talent Exchange – Explore opportunities for research collaboration and skilled workforce development.

Opportunities and Challenges

Opportunities:

• Expansion into the Middle Eastern market for Canadian firms.
• Saudi access to Canadian expertise in AI, machine learning, and R&D.
• Potential for joint investments and startup scaling.

Challenges:

• Aligning regulations and data governance frameworks.
• Adapting to cultural and business differences.
• Ensuring projects are inclusive, sustainable, and impactful.

What This Means Going Forward

This visit represents a strategic shift in global tech diplomacy, with Canada and Saudi Arabia working to establish long-term partnerships. Success will be measured through:

• Launch of joint pilot projects
• Investment commitments from both sides
• Growth in academic and research collaborations
• Development of talent pipelines and innovation hubs

Conclusion

The Canada–Saudi Arabia Innovation Delegation is more than a diplomatic mission—it is a bridge between two countries aiming to lead the future of technology. By combining Canada’s expertise in AI and Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030, both nations are poised to create a lasting impact on the global innovation landscape.

Evan Solomon, a respected political commentator and journalist, may not have a traditional tech background, but he brings a unique blend of public communication expertise and policy insight. His appointment reflects the government’s desire to connect technological growth with democratic accountability and public trust. With the rapid rise of AI and its increasing influence on everyday life—from healthcare and education to employment and governance—the need for dedicated leadership has never been more urgent. Solomon’s role will be to navigate this complex landscape, helping shape national policies that embrace innovation while protecting privacy, fairness, and inclusivity.

Positioning Canada as a Global AI Leader

Canada has been a quiet but influential player in the development of artificial intelligence. With roots in pioneering research—led by figures like Geoffrey Hinton, Yoshua Bengio, and Richard Sutton—Canada has played a foundational role in advancing machine learning and deep learning. The establishment of the new AI Ministry is a formal acknowledgment of this legacy and a commitment to re-establish Canada as not only a research hub but also a global AI policy and innovation leader.

The government’s move comes amid growing concerns that Canada is lagging behind in AI commercialization and investment compared to countries like the United States and China. While Canadian researchers continue to publish cutting-edge work, the lack of a coordinated national AI strategy has made it difficult for local startups to scale and for foreign investors to see Canada as a competitive AI market. With Evan Solomon now in charge, the government plans to roll out initiatives that strengthen Canada’s AI infrastructure, including funding for supercomputing power, grants for AI entrepreneurship, and clearer frameworks around AI regulation and data usage.

Solomon’s role will also involve attracting and retaining AI talent by creating more opportunities for collaboration between academia and industry. A major priority will be preventing brain drain, as many Canadian AI researchers have migrated to tech giants in the U.S. and Europe. By improving the domestic AI ecosystem, Canada hopes to keep its brightest minds within its borders, contributing to national growth. Furthermore, the AI Minister is expected to serve as a key representative in international discussions about ethical AI development, AI governance, and digital sovereignty—elevating Canada’s voice in the global debate on how this technology should be built and controlled.

Bridging Innovation with Public Trust

While the promise of artificial intelligence is vast, public anxiety around its risks is growing. From concerns about surveillance and facial recognition to fears over job displacement and biased algorithms, the general public is increasingly wary of how AI might impact their daily lives. This is where Evan Solomon’s unique background in journalism and public communication becomes a strategic asset. As someone skilled in translating complex ideas into public discourse, he is expected to lead a national dialogue on how AI can benefit society while respecting democratic values and human rights.

One of the AI Ministry’s primary tasks will be to create clear, citizen-friendly policies that ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability in AI systems. This could involve pushing for mandatory AI audits, algorithmic explainability, and stronger data protection laws. Public consultations and ethical advisory panels may also be introduced to make AI development more inclusive and reflective of diverse communities. In short, the Ministry will aim to make AI not just a tool for economic growth—but a force for social good.

Additionally, the Ministry is likely to support digital literacy campaigns, helping Canadians understand how AI works and how to navigate an increasingly automated world. Education, both in schools and the workforce, will play a critical role. Programs that upskill workers and train students in AI-related fields will be essential to ensure that Canadians are not left behind as AI transforms industries. This long-term vision is about embedding trust and ethics into the foundation of AI, not just reacting to problems after they arise.

By bridging innovation with inclusion, Canada’s new AI Ministry can become a model for other nations—showing that it’s possible to embrace cutting-edge technology while still putting people first.