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Canadian Tech in 100 Words

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Google Launches AI Flight Deals Tool in Beta

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Google has introduced Flight Deals, an AI-powered feature within Google Flights to help flexible travelers find cheaper fares. Using a custom version of Gemini 2.5, the tool parses natural language queries, such as “week-long trip this winter to a city with great food,” and ranks results by percentage savings.

The beta rollout begins this week in the U.S., Canada, and India. Pricing comes from real-time airline and travel company feeds. Regulators in the EU are investigating Google’s travel search dominance under the Digital Markets Act. Google says the tool’s goal is to improve travel planning.

Want to know more? Check out the source code on TechCrunch.

Google Launches $13M AI Fund in Canada

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Google Canada has launched a $13 million AI Opportunity Fund to upskill over two million Canadians in artificial intelligence. The initiative supports four organizations—Amii, First Nations Technology Council, Skills for Change, and the Toronto Public Library—to expand workforce training across diverse communities.

Amii will lead a national AI education consortium for students, while the First Nations Technology Council and Skills for Change focus on Indigenous and marginalized populations. The Toronto Public Library will offer free AI programs citywide. Google says the investment ensures Canadians are ready for an AI-powered economy, citing potential $230 billion in economic impact.

Want to know more? Check out the source code on Techtalent.ca.

Google Funds $5M AI Education Push in Canada

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Google Canada is investing $5 million through Google.org to support AI education nationwide. The grant will fund a consortium led by Edmonton-based Amii, uniting 25 Canadian post-secondary institutions to create AI curriculum resources. The goal is to reach 125,000 students across colleges, universities, and Indigenous institutes.

Amii CEO Cam Linke called the initiative a chance to turn Canada’s AI research strengths into widespread literacy. While Canada leads in AI research, adoption lags. A Google report estimates AI could add $230B to the economy and save workers 175 hours annually.

Want to know more? Check out the source code on Calgary.tech.

Meet the 14 Startups in Google Canada’s 2025 Accelerator

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Google’s 2025 Startups Accelerator: Canada program has launched with 14 innovative startups from across the country. This year marks a record five companies from Montréal, joining ventures from Vancouver, Saskatoon, Kitchener, Waterloo, and Toronto. The equity-free accelerator supports founders solving problems in health, energy, finance, and education with Google AI.

Selected startups include Luxsonic (VR for radiology), ConeLabs (AI infrastructure inspection), and Singularity Health (digital chronic care). Over three months, participants receive mentorship, AI tools, and investor access. Since 2020, 120 Canadian startups in the program have raised $480M and created 1,100 jobs.

Want to know more? Check out the source code on Techcouver.

TELUS Details $150M Data Transformation with Google Cloud

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At Google Cloud Next 25, TELUS shared how a sweeping data overhaul helped the telecom giant become an AI-driven enterprise. Head of Enterprise Data Engineering Stephen Lee described migrating from legacy on-prem systems to a unified cloud platform on Google BigQuery.

The transformation, supported by Accenture and Onix, enables self-serve analytics and generative AI across business lines. TELUS eliminated 30% of outdated data and now ingests from over 100 internal systems. The initiative contributed $150M in EBITDA gains and powers cross-unit innovation, including a new MDM initiative. “People, process, and technology—that’s what it takes,” said Lee.

Want to know more? Check out the source code on Techcouver.

Google Unveils AI Milestones at Google Cloud Next 25

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At Google Cloud Next 25 in Las Vegas, CEO Thomas Kurian showcased the company’s AI momentum, revealing over 3,000 product updates in 2024 and surging usage of Gemini and Vertex AI. More than 4 million developers now use Gemini, while Workspace delivers 2 billion monthly AI assists.

Google introduced its most powerful AI chip, Ironwood, and announced $75B in infrastructure investment. Agentspace, a new AI agent platform, and smarter Workspace features mark Google’s bid to lead in enterprise AI. “The opportunity with AI is as big as it gets,” said CEO Sundar Pichai.

Want to know more? Check out the source code on Techcouver.

Google Brings Wizard of Oz to Life with AI

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Google and Sphere Entertainment have announced a landmark AI collaboration to reimagine The Wizard of Oz for Sphere’s 16K immersive dome in Las Vegas. Opening August 28, 2025, the project uses Google Cloud and DeepMind’s Gemini, Veo 2, and Imagen 3 models to enhance resolution, extend scenes, and digitally recreate characters.

The film’s restoration, powered by Google’s AI infrastructure, has already processed over 1.2 petabytes of data. Sphere Studios and Magnopus are collaborating on the work, which aims to revolutionize cinematic storytelling—just as Technicolor once did in 1939.

Want to know more? Check out the source code here.

Google to Acquire Canadian Eye-Tracking Startup AdHawk for $115M

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Google is finalizing a $115 million acquisition of AdHawk Microsystems, a Waterloo-based eye-tracking startup. The deal includes $15 million in performance-based incentives. Founded in 2017, AdHawk develops low-power eye-tracking chips, hardware, and software, enabling devices to track gaze more efficiently than traditional sensors.

The acquisition aligns with Google’s renewed push into smart glasses following the discontinuation of Google Glass. AdHawk’s team will join Google’s Android XR division, supporting next-gen headset and smart glasses development. Google’s interest in AI-powered wearable tech continues, bolstered by its collaboration on Samsung’s upcoming Moohan headset.

Want to know more? Check out the source code on Bloomberg.

AI: The $230 Billion Opportunity for Canada

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2024 saw generative AI transform from experimental to essential for Canadian businesses. Companies like TELUS reaped efficiency and cost benefits through full-scale AI deployments. AI’s economic potential in Canada is vast, with predictions of a $230 billion boost and 175 annual work hours saved per employee.

Looking ahead, AI-powered products will reshape customer experiences, streamline workflows, and drive innovation in sectors like finance, telecommunications, and healthcare. Canadian startups like Cohere and Viral Nation are poised to scale with AI.

As AI adoption deepens, leaders must embed AI strategies into their operations, setting the stage for a transformative 2025.

Want to know more? Check out the source code on Techcouver.

Google Expands AI Capabilities with Gemini Update

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Google has launched a new version of its Gemini AI model, enabling advanced “agents” to perform tasks in digital and real-world environments. Project Mariner, a browser-based assistant, navigates websites and handles actions like filling shopping carts. Project Astra, initially embedded in smart glasses, offers conversational AI capable of retrieving and remembering user data.

Sundar Pichai, Google’s CEO, highlights Gemini’s improved task execution and external tool usage. However, Google promises human oversight for significant actions. As competitors like Amazon and Cohere also develop AI agents, Google aims to set benchmarks for responsible use.

Want to know more? Check out the source code on The Logic.