Vancouver-based Sanctuary AI has received new funding from BDC Capital’s Thrive Venture Fund and InBC Investment Corp. While the exact amount of the investment remains undisclosed, this funding brings total capital to CA$140 million. Previous investors include Accenture, Bell, Export Development Canada, Evok Innovations, Magna, SE Health, Verizon, and Workday Ventures.
Sanctuary AI aims to develop the first general-purpose robots with intelligence comparable to humans, focusing on improving worker safety, productivity, and sustainability. These robots are designed to address labor shortages across various industries by performing multiple tasks, unlike traditional robots that are typically specialized for single functions.
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Recent Developments and Innovations
The company recently unveiled its sixth-generation robot, “Phoenix,” an AI-driven humanoid, in May last year. Sanctuary AI has also received CA$30 million from the Canadian government through the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) to support its advancements.
Founders and Vision
Founded in 2018 by Olivia Norton, who also co-founded D-Wave, Kindred, and Creative Destruction Lab, Sanctuary AI envisions AI in the physical world as the next major technological frontier. Norton highlighted the impact of aging populations, declining birth rates, and shifting work perspectives as key drivers for automation and intelligent systems.
Supporting Female-Led Innovation
Michelle Scarborough, Managing Partner at Thrive, expressed pride in supporting innovative, women-led Canadian startups like Sanctuary AI. Leah Nguyen, Chief Investment Officer at InBC, emphasized the potential growth and economic impact the startup could bring to British Columbia.
This strategic funding positions the canadian company to continue its pioneering work in developing intelligent robots, contributing significantly to the future of automation and robotics.
