Protecting Human Joy in the Age of AI: How Canadian Innovators Are Balancing Progress with Purpose

Tech Update: Protecting Human Joy in the Age of AI

Artificial intelligence is becoming a bigger part of our daily lives. The challenge now is to ensure Canadians can take advantage of AI’s benefits in smart and safe ways. This is the goal behind LawZero, a non-profit started by Yoshua Bengio, a Montreal-based AI pioneer. Bengio, a Turing Award winner and founder of Quebec’s Mila AI institute, envisions AI that can “understand, explain and predict” like an ideal scientist, with a core focus on protecting human joy and effort.

At Frontiers of AI, an event held during Toronto Tech Week, experts discussed how to keep that human-centered approach while maximizing AI’s potential. David Usher, musician and co-founder of Reimagine AI, highlighted concerns about how AI tools—especially large language models—might affect our ability to think deeply. He pointed out that creativity involves both the product and the process, and learning happens during the creative journey. Usher warns that simply relying on AI-generated content may weaken people’s learning experiences, especially for younger generations. Still, he remains optimistic that AI can fuel innovation if used thoughtfully.

Carbon Upcycling Supports Sustainable Construction

Canada plans to build 3.5 million new homes by 2030 while aiming for net-zero emissions. Sustainable material companies like Calgary’s Carbon Upcycling are key to this effort. The startup recently raised $24.5 million to capture and recycle carbon emissions from industrial waste, transforming them into low-carbon cement for construction projects.

Oneida Energy Storage Project Now Online

The Oneida Energy Storage Project near Brantford, Ontario, is officially operational after seven years of planning. It features 278 lithium-ion batteries linked to Ontario’s power grid, boosting the province’s energy storage capacity from 225 to 475 megawatts. The facility stores energy during low-demand periods and releases it when demand peaks.

This project is a collaboration between the Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation, NRStor, Aecon Concessions, Northland Power, and the Mississaugas of the Credit River Business Corporation. It demonstrates effective teamwork between Indigenous communities, government, and industry to support cleaner energy solutions.

Moment Energy Reaches Full Production

In British Columbia, Moment Energy has ramped up production at its North Vancouver factory. The company repurposes used electric vehicle batteries into energy storage systems, keeping them out of landfills. Earlier this year, Moment Energy secured US$15 million in Series A funding to expand operations.

Future Fields Advances Biotech with Flies

Edmonton’s Future Fields closed an $8 million Series A round to continue its unique biotech work. The startup engineers fruit flies to act as tiny bioreactors, producing complex proteins used in new drug development.

Green Graphite Wins Climate Solutions Prize

Green Graphite Technologies, based in Montreal, won the 2025 Climate Solutions Startup Prize, earning a $250,000 investment from Cycle Momentum. The company focuses on sustainable materials that contribute to climate goals.

By the Numbers

• US$15 billion: Lukas Walton, Walmart heir and the 42nd richest person globally, is investing this amount in green technologies supporting ocean conservation, regenerative agriculture, and clean energy.
• US$215 million: Multiverse Computing, a Spanish quantum tech company, raised this in Series B funding to reduce AI costs.
• 20,000 tonnes: French construction brand Point.P expects to produce this amount of cement-free concrete blocks next year using Montreal-based Carbicrete’s carbon-removal technology.
• $300 million: The federal government’s new Compute Access fund aims to help small and medium businesses develop and commercialize Canadian AI solutions. Applications close July 31.

For those looking to deepen their AI knowledge and skills, exploring practical AI courses can be a valuable step. Check out Complete AI Training’s latest courses to stay informed and prepared for AI’s growing role in creative industries.