G7 Commits to AI and Quantum Tech in New Policy Roadmap

The G7 summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, had more pressing global issues on the table, but one important tech development flew under the radar. For the first time, the G7 nations formally committed to integrating artificial intelligence and quantum computing into policy planning, particularly in public services and small business support.

Canada will take the lead by hosting new “rapid solution labs” to help government agencies effectively deploy AI. G7 leaders also agreed to build a roadmap for government AI projects and share a catalog of open-source AI tools across member nations.

These steps aim to enhance efficiency in public services and provide smaller companies with greater access to AI resources. The G7 called small and medium enterprises “the engine of our economies” and pledged to help them understand and use AI to boost productivity.

The G7’s Common Vision

The initiative builds on earlier efforts, including Japan’s Hiroshima Process on generative AI and Italy’s focus on public sector AI. According to Western University’s chief AI officer, Mark Daley, quantum computing remains in early stages, but holds significant potential for transforming key industries.

On the quantum front, the G7 released a “common vision” document backing more public and private investment in quantum science. The group acknowledged the technology’s promise in fields such as drug development and materials science, as well as its potential to break current encryption standards.

The timing of the announcement aligns with the United Nations’ International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. The G7 also flagged a growing concern: AI’s energy use. Leaders have warned that increased adoption of AI will strain energy grids and exacerbate environmental challenges. They also pledged to expand access to AI in developing countries to help close the digital divide.

Florian Martin-Bariteau, a Canadian tech policy expert, noted that domestic control over emerging technologies is still uncertain. “Let’s hope this ecosystem stays Canadian,” he said, citing past acquisitions of Canadian AI firms by large U.S. tech companies.

A Long-Lasting Effect

While these tech moves didn’t make front-page news, they signal growing urgency among major economies to stay competitive and secure in a world shaped by AI and quantum advances. Companies potentially affected include IBM (IBM), Alphabet (GOOGL), Microsoft (MSFT), and smaller quantum players like D-Wave (QBTS), IonQ (IONQ), Rigetti (RGTI) and others.

Using TipRanks’ Comparison Tool, we’ve gathered all the quantum-related tickers mentioned in the article that could benefit from the G7’s new roadmap. This gives investors a clear, side-by-side view of each stock and a broader perspective on the quantum technology sector.