Theory ofChange
We believe that by fostering inclusive collaboration, ethical innovation practices, high-visibility platforms, and community engagement, we can accelerate the development of responsible AI solutions that advance public good in Ottawa and beyond.
Our Framework
A comprehensive approach to building responsible AI solutions through strategic inputs, activities, and measurable outcomes
Inputs
What we invest
- Skilled facilitators, mentors, and conference speakers (academia, tech industry, policymakers)
- Funding for hackathons, innovation mini-grants, and the annual conference
- Partnerships with universities, civic tech groups, nonprofits, and tech hubs
- Open-source tools, ethical AI resources, and innovation toolkits
- Accessible community spaces for hackathons, workshops, and the conference
Activities
What we will do
- Organize regular Responsible AI Hackathons across Ottawa
- Host training workshops on AI ethics, design thinking, and tech for good
- Facilitate cross-sector research collaborations between academia, startups, and civic organizations
- Launch an open innovation platform for responsible AI projects
- Provide seed funding, mentorship, and visibility to promising innovators
- Advocate for policy frameworks supporting responsible AI development
- Host an annual flagship conference ("AI With Intent: Governing Intelligence for Public Good") to showcase innovations, promote dialogue, and strengthen partnerships
Outputs
What we produce
- 10+ hackathons held annually
- 500+ responsible tech projects and prototypes developed over 10 years
- 100+ responsible AI practitioners trained per year
- 50+ collaborations formed between researchers, developers, and civic groups
- 1 high-impact annual conference uniting 300+ participants yearly across sectors
- A publicly accessible Responsible AI Innovation Directory to showcase Ottawa-grown projects
Outcomes
Short to Medium-Term Change
- Growth of a vibrant community of responsible AI innovators
- Increase in AI solutions aligned with fairness, transparency, inclusivity
- Strengthened partnerships between tech developers, civic groups, academia, and government
- Elevated public dialogue and trust around responsible AI through the yearly conference
- Increased access to ethical AI resources and networks for Ottawa-based innovators
Impact
Long-Term Change
- Ottawa becomes internationally recognized as a hub for ethical and responsible AI innovation
- AI technologies developed locally serve as models for public good globally
- Communities experience increased protection, empowerment, and benefits from AI systems designed with integrity and public interest
Our Guiding Principle
At the Ottawa Responsible AI Hub, we are grounded in the belief that artificial intelligence must be developed and governed in ways that uphold the rights, values, and wellbeing of all people in our city, our country, and our world. As Canada's capital and a growing global technology center, Ottawa has a unique role to play in leading the responsible advancement of AI.
We are committed to fostering a future where AI systems are transparent, inclusive, equitable, and trustworthy — reflecting the democratic principles, diversity, and spirit of innovation that define both Ottawa and Canada as a whole.
Through collaboration, education, research, and advocacy, the Ottawa Responsible AI Hub seeks to ensure that AI technologies serve the public good, enhance social trust, and strengthen the communities we call home.
Our Core Commitments
Our work is guided by five key commitments that form the foundation of all our initiatives
Collaboration (Bringing together diverse voices)
We foster partnerships across Ottawa's vibrant research institutions, government bodies, technology companies, and civil society, ensuring that a broad range of perspectives — especially those often underrepresented — shape the future of AI.
Transparency (Open practices)
We champion openness in AI development and governance, promoting clear communication, accessible decision-making, and visibility into how AI systems are built, deployed, and evaluated.
Inclusivity (Serving all communities, not just elites)
We are committed to ensuring that the benefits of AI reach everyone — including Indigenous peoples, newcomers, youth, and marginalized groups — leaving no one behind in the digital transformation.
Accountability (Responsibility for impacts)
We believe that organizations and developers must take full responsibility for the social, ethical, and environmental impacts of the AI systems they create and must address unintended harms with integrity and urgency.
Focus on Public Good (Aligning with Ottawa's civic values)
We prioritize initiatives that strengthen public trust, protect human rights, and contribute to a safer, more just, and more equitable society — reflecting Ottawa's tradition of civic leadership and service to the community.
In Everything We Do
AI must be governed with intention, built with care, and deployed for the benefit of all.
This principle guides our every action, conversation, and collaboration, ensuring that Ottawa leads by example in building a future where technology empowers all people.
