Gov. Spencer Cox led a delegation of Utah business leaders and policymakers to the Mila Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute in Montreal as part of a trade mission to Canada. Mila is known for its cutting-edge AI research and close collaboration between academia and industry. The visit aimed to understand the institute’s successful approach to AI regulation and commercialization.
Inspired by Mila, Utah plans to invest $100 million in Convergence Hall, a state-funded hub for AI innovation, set to open in 2026. Lawmakers hope the facility will attract investors, students, professors, and startups, fostering collaboration between academia and industry to address critical industry challenges.
The trade mission also focused on forging economic ties with Canada in AI and energy sectors. Utah attendees expressed interest in replicating successful partnerships like Recursion, a Utah-based biotech company that collaborated with a Montreal AI startup to revolutionize drug discovery.
The delegation also discussed AI policy with Canadian experts, who praised Utah for its innovative approach to AI regulation. Utah was the first state to pass legislation holding companies liable for AI violations of consumer protection laws and established the Office of Artificial Intelligence to explore regulatory guardrails while allowing for innovation.
Overall, the trade mission to Canada highlighted Utah’s commitment to AI innovation and collaboration. The visit to Mila provided valuable insights into best practices for integrating AI research with industry, paving the way for future partnerships and economic growth in the region.
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