Technology

Government of Canada launches public consultation on artificial intelligence computing infrastructure

Published

2 years ago

June 27, 2024

Feedback will inform the development and implementation of measures related to Budget 2024’s $2 billion investment to boost Canada’s sovereign AI data processing capacity

OTTAWA, ON, June 26, 2024 /CNW/ – Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the greatest technological transformations of our age, and it offers transformative opportunities for economic development and productivity enhancements, as well as new opportunities for workers in every sector. To capitalize on these opportunities in a safe and secure way, Canadian researchers and companies will require considerable access to advanced and high-performing computing power, or “compute.” The Government of Canada seeks to build on Canada’s leadership in AI and increase domestic access to the compute power that researchers and AI developers require for training and deployment.

Today, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, announced the Consultation on Artificial Intelligence (AI) Compute, which will help inform the design and implementation of a new AI Compute Access Fund and a Canadian AI Sovereign Compute Strategy proposed in Budget 2024. The consultation includes the AI Blueprint, a discussion paper that outlines Canada’s opportunity and ambition on AI.

The consultation will engage Canadian researchers, innovators and businesses in identifying the best strategies for investing in Canada’s AI future, and it will be carried out through a range of means and venues, including online. The government will also engage civil society, Indigenous groups and other interested stakeholders.

Through this consultation, the Government of Canada is taking steps to ensure Canadian organizations, businesses and researchers have access to the compute capacity they need to safeguard Canadian data and intellectual property while pursuing advanced AI.

The government is steadfast in securing Canada’s world-leading AI advantage to create economic growth and well-paying opportunities for generations to come. AI is a rapidly growing sector, and through this consultation, we will help ensure a fair chance for every generation to succeed in this pivotal field.

Quote

“Artificial intelligence offers workers and business incredible opportunity, and Canada has proudly always been a leader. This consultation will harness Canadian leadership, from researchers to end users, to help make sure that Canada continues to keep its advantage and that our economy is well positioned to take advantage of all the opportunities of AI. This will strengthen and secure Canada’s AI advantage and domestic access to compute power.”

– The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

Quick facts

The consultation will be open from June 26 to September 6, 2024.All organizations are invited to participate in this consultation so as to maximize the benefits of this $2 billion investment and ensure sustainable access to sovereign compute capacity. Following completion of the consultation, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada will publish a “What We Heard Report” summarizing the feedback received.Since the 1980s, Canada has been a leader in AI, made possible by its deep talent, its leading innovation and the scientific discoveries of Canadian researchers.Insufficient domestic computing capacity exposes Canadian researchers and firms to fragile international supply chains for AI computing power, posing challenges in terms of cost, security of access, and the privacy and security of Canadian data.Budget 2024 announced $2 billion over five years to launch a new AI Compute Access Fund and a Canadian AI Sovereign Compute Strategy, which will provide Canadian researchers and AI companies with the tools needed to be competitive in a rapidly advancing global landscape.Budget 2024 also proposed $50 million to create an AI Safety Institute of Canada to ensure the safe development and deployment of AI.The Government of Canada is supporting the responsible development and adoption of AI across the Canadian economy through a suite of measures—including the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act (Bill C-27) and the Voluntary Code of Conduct on the Responsible Development and Management of Advanced Generative AI Systems.In 2017, Canada was the first country to establish a national AI strategy. The Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy is helping Canada maintain its position as a world leader in AI, businesses be more competitive and Canadians benefit from growth in the digital economy. Phase 2 of the strategy was announced in 2022, with funding of more than $443 million.

Associated links

Artificial intelligence ecosystem Consultation on Artificial Intelligence (AI) Compute Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy

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Technology

Hexagon Interim Report 1 January – 31 March 2026

Published

42 minutes ago

April 23, 2026

STOCKHOLM, April 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ —

First quarter 2026

Continuing operations

Operating net sales of 963.8 (961.5) resulting in organic growth of 8%Net sales including acquired deferred revenue amounted to 963.6 MEUR (961.5)Adjusted gross earnings of 606.3 (619.1) resulting in a 62.9% (64.4) gross marginAdjusted operating earnings (EBIT1) of 251.3 MEUR (248.7) resulting in a 26.1% (25.9) EBIT1 marginAdjusted earnings per share of 6.7 Euro cent (6.5)Earnings per share of 58.4 Euro cent (5.0)Cash conversion of 77% (60)Recurring revenue of 289.9 MEUR (308.0), 6% organic growthOctave reported operating net sales of 327.2 MEUR (361.3) and adjusted operating margin of 25.2% (26.6)Adjusted earnings per share including discontinued operations of 9.1 (9.4)Earnings per share including discontinued operations of 59.9 Euro cent (7.0)

For further information, please contact:
Tom Hull, Head of Investor Relations, +44 (0) 7442 678 437, ir@hexagon.com
Anton Heikenström, Investor Relations Manager, +46 8 601 26 26, ir@hexagon.com

This is information that Hexagon AB is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact person set out above, at 08:00 CET on 23 April 2026.

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/hexagon/r/hexagon-interim-report-1-january—31-march-2026,c4338783

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https://mb.cision.com/Main/387/4338783/4053482.pdf

Hexagon Interim Report Q1 2026

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SOURCE Hexagon

Technology

Dragonpass Empowers Financial Institutions with End-to-End Loyalty Solutions at Money20/20 Asia

Published

42 minutes ago

April 23, 2026

BANGKOK, April 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Dragonpass, a leading global travel and lifestyle platform, participated in Money20/20 Asia, showcasing its customer loyalty solutions for banks, payment providers, credit card issuers, and fintech companies across APAC and globally.

As one of the most influential fintech events worldwide, Money20/20 Asia gathers decision-makers across the financial ecosystem. At the event, Dragonpass demonstrated how financial institutions can enhance customer engagement and build long-term loyalty through integrated travel and lifestyle experiences.

Established in 2005, Dragonpass has evolved from a lounge provider into a loyalty solutions partner, serving more than 800 global clients and over 40 million members worldwide.

At the core of Dragonpass is a business structure that combines global supply aggregation, a technology-enabled engagement platform, and consumer-facing lifestyle services — providing a one-stop solution across the customer lifecycle.

Leveraging data-driven insights, Dragonpass enables partners to design and optimise loyalty programs, incorporating customer segmentation and tiered incentive structures, alongside curated campaigns and entitlement configuration — driving more effective customer activation, engagement, and retention.

Its offering includes a broad portfolio of travel and lifestyle benefits such as airport lounge access, fast-track, dining, airport transfers, and lifestyle experiences. These are supported by flexible delivery models, including API integration, white-label solutions, and ready-to-deploy digital platforms, enabling seamless integration into clients’ customer journeys.

As customer expectations evolve, the industry is shifting from standardized benefits to more personalized, experience-led loyalty models. Insights from Dragonpass’s Loyalty Index show that customers increasingly value trust, rewards, simplicity, recognition, and exclusivity, with preferences varying across markets.

“Financial institutions today are looking for more effective ways to engage customers beyond traditional rewards,” said Jane Zhu, Co-founder and CEO of Dragonpass. “User engagement is at the core of loyalty, and technology — especially AI — plays a key role in enabling deeper and more relevant customer connections.”

Dragonpass works with leading global brands including Mastercard, Visa, HSBC, and Revolut, supporting them deliver differentiated value propositions and enhance customer engagement through scalable, customizable solutions.

Through its participation at Money20/20 Asia, Dragonpass aims to strengthen its presence in the APAC market and build strategic partnerships with organizations seeking to elevate their customer engagement strategies.

About Dragonpass

Dragonpass is a global travel and lifestyle platform providing premium airport and travel experiences across 140+ countries. By integrating global supply and technology, Dragonpass enables partners to deliver seamless, personalized experiences and drive customer loyalty.

Media Contact

Dragonpass PR
Email: brandmarketing@dragonpass.com
Website: www.dragonpass.com

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SOURCE Dragonpass

Technology

SBI Life Insurance registers New Business Premium of ₹42,551 crores for the year ended on 31st March, 2026

Published

42 minutes ago

April 23, 2026

MUMBAI, India, April 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — SBI Life Insurance, one of the leading life insurers in the country registered a New Business Premium of ₹42,551 crores for the year ended on 31st March, 2026 vis-a-vis ₹35,577 crores for the year ended 31st March, 2025. Single premium has increased by 28% over the year ended on 31st March, 2025.

Establishing a clear focus on protection, SBI Life’s protection new business premium stood at ₹4,622 crores for the year ended 31st March, 2026, marking a growth of 13%. Protection Individual new business premium registered a growth of 23% and stood at ₹973 crores for the year ended 31st March, 2026. Individual New Business Premium stands at ₹29,783 crores with 13% growth over the year ended on 31st March, 2025.

SBI Life’s profit after tax stands at ₹2,470 crores for the year ended 31st March, 2026 with a growth of 2% over the year ended on 31st March, 2025.

The company’s solvency ratio continues to remain robust at 1.90 as on 31st March, 2026 as against the regulatory requirement of 1.50.

SBI Life’s AUM also continued to grow at 9% to ₹4,87,163 crores as on 31st March, 2026 from ₹4,48,039 crores as on 31st March, 2025, with the debt-equity mix of 62:38. 94% of the debt investments are in AAA and Sovereign instruments.

The company has a diversified distribution network of 3,58,506 trained insurance professionals and wide presence with 1,230 offices across the country, comprising of strong bancassurance channel, agency channel and others comprising of corporate agents, brokers, Point of Sale Persons (POS), insurance marketing firms, web aggregators and direct business.

Performance for the year ended March 31, 2026

Private Market leadership in Individual New Business Premium and Individual Rated Premium with market share of 25.5% & 22.9% respectively.Annualized Premium Equivalent (APE) stands at ₹ 24,266 crores with growth of 13%Individual New Business Sum Assured stands at ₹ 4,46,337 crores with 61% growthImprovement in 13M & 49M persistency by 53 bps & 107 bps respectivelyValue of New Business (VoNB) stands at ₹ 6,667 crores with growth of 12%VoNB Margin stands at 27.5%Indian Embedded value (IEV) stands at ₹ 80,791 crores with 15% growthProfit After Tax (PAT) stands at ₹ 2,470 crores with 2% growthOperating Return on Embedded Value stands at 19.7% Assets under Management stands at ₹ 4,87,163 crores with 9% growthRobust Solvency ratio of 1.90

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