#Canada #Montreal #AI Development #LawZero #Canada Germany

Canada and Germany Collaborate to Fund LawZero

On September 17, 2026, at the ALL IN event, the Canadian and German governments unveiled a landmark financial commitment, pledging up to CAD $300 million to LawZero. This substantial investment aims to accelerate the development of a fundamentally new type of advanced, safe, and high-performing artificial intelligence (AI).

Rapid advancements in AI technology have raised significant safety concerns, as evidenced by recent incidents where systems have breached security boundaries. There is an urgent global need for reliable solutions that ensure AI systems are developed in ways that adhere to national values and safeguard human well-being. The joint investment from Canada and Germany underscores a strong faith in LawZero's technical approach and the pivotal role it can play in advancing sovereign leadership in next-generation AI systems.

This funding is critical for implementing the next phase of LawZero's technical roadmap, which will enhance its international research team and establish world-class computing infrastructure. These advancements will facilitate LawZero's expansion into Europe by opening a new office in Berlin, enriching its already vibrant innovation ecosystem.

As part of this growth phase, LawZero will establish dedicated and sovereign computing infrastructure in Canada, in partnership with Canadian firms Hypertec and 5C. This collaboration is set to provide LawZero with the cutting-edge computing power necessary for large-scale research while embedding its infrastructure, expertise, and essential AI capabilities within Canada.

LawZero's flagship approach, termed Scientist AI, redefines reliability as a core competency. Unlike existing autonomous AI systems that pursue their own objectives, Scientist AI is designed to reason transparently and deliver evidence-based, reliable results, devoid of self-interest. As LawZero furthers its mission to develop safe and advanced AI technologies, Scientist AI aims to act as a safeguard for current advanced models, accelerating scientific breakthroughs and enhancing awareness of AI risks and mitigation strategies.

Statements from Government Officials

The Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, Evan Solomon, emphasized, "Canada's future in artificial intelligence hinges on developing cutting-edge systems that reflect our values and safeguard our interests. By investing in local innovations like Scientist AI, we bolster Canada's sovereign AI capabilities and ensure the next generation of AI is developed responsibly."

In alignment with this vision, Minister of Industry Mélanie Joly added, "Supporting LawZero, a Canadian organization that champions secure and impactful AI, strengthens our national competencies and contributes to job creation, all while ensuring advanced technologies are developed responsibly for the benefit of Canadians."

Dr. Karsten Wildberger, Germany’s Federal Minister for Digital and Administrative Modernization, highlighted the partnership, stating, "Through the Scientist AI program, we are enhancing the proven partnership between Canada and Germany. This innovative approach leverages mathematics to develop intrinsically safe AI, ensuring it remains under human control and operates solely based on facts, much like an objective scientist."

Yoshua Bengio, founder and scientific director of LawZero, noted, "As AI-related risks escalate, our priority must focus on creating solutions that ensure this technology is implemented safely. The support from Canada and Germany signals a decisive turning point, allowing us to advance the global agenda for safe AI while reinforcing our technological sovereignty."

Hypertec’s CEO, Simon Ahdoot, commented on the necessity of collaboration, stating, "It’s crucial to develop a world-class sovereign computing infrastructure in Canada for LawZero to facilitate safe AI development on our soil. This partnership represents what is needed to fully harness AI’s potential."

5C’s CEO, Jonathan Ahdoot, expressed pride in providing the necessary computing capacity to support LawZero's large-scale research in Canada.

About LawZero

LawZero, based in Montreal, is a nonprofit startup dedicated to developing technical solutions for highly effective AI systems that are safety-oriented from the start. Founded by Turing Award winner Yoshua Bengio, LawZero connects fundamental research on AI safety with the development of technical solutions. The organization's operations are backed by a diverse Board of Directors and a global advisory board, comprising renowned figures like Maria Eitel, former Prime Ministers Jacinda Ardern and Stefan Löfven, and author Yuval Noah Harari. With initial funding from philanthropic organizations and governmental support from Canada and Germany, the project is paving the way for ethical and responsible AI development. Learn more about LawZero's research initiatives at lawzero.org.