Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing how businesses work all around the world and right here in Edmonton, one expert is helping lead the way. Kirsten Poon, an AI analyst based in Edmonton, is known for turning complex technology into real solutions that help companies solve problems and work more efficiently. In this interview, Kirsten Poon shares how Edmonton is becoming a hub for practical AI, what it takes to build smart systems, and why teamwork and good data matter just as much as powerful algorithms.
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Kirsten Poon. You’ve been recognized as a leading AI analyst based here in Edmonton. To start, can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got involved in artificial intelligence?
Kirsten Poon: Absolutely, and thank you for having me. My background is in computer science and data analytics. I’ve always been fascinated by how we can use data to understand systems whether it’s human behavior, logistics, or business processes.
AI felt like a natural evolution of that interest. I started in machine learning research during my university years, but over time, I became much more drawn to the real-world, practical side of AI, building systems that actually make businesses run more efficiently or solve persistent industrial challenges. That’s what led me to focus on designing and deploying AI for commercial and industrial applications.
Interviewer: Your recent statement, “Edmonton is becoming a hub for practical AI solutions,” has drawn a lot of attention. What did you mean by that?
Kirsten Poon: Edmonton has long been known for academic excellence in AI, especially thanks to the University of Alberta, which has one of the top AI research groups in the world. But what’s been really exciting lately is how that research is now being translated into practical, scalable solutions.
We’re seeing a growing number of startups, tech companies, and even traditional industries in Edmonton that are adopting AI not as a novelty, but as a core part of their business strategy. The ecosystem is evolving, Edmonton is no longer just publishing papers; we’re implementing technologies that solve real problems.
Interviewer: Can you give us a few examples of the types of AI solutions you’re helping companies implement?
Kirsten Poon: Definitely. One area we’re focused on is predictive maintenance in manufacturing, using sensor data and AI models to predict equipment failures before they happen. That saves companies time and money, and it’s a huge value-add in industries like oil and gas or logistics, where downtime can be extremely costly.
Another example is intelligent automation in business operations, using AI to process large volumes of data, flag anomalies, or even recommend strategic decisions. We’re also working on supply chain optimization models that adapt to real-time changes, something that’s become critical after the disruptions we’ve seen in recent years.
Interviewer: Those are clearly high-impact areas. What’s unique about building these solutions in Edmonton?
Kirsten Poon: The community here is incredibly collaborative. We have access to top-tier research, a supportive tech network, and businesses that are genuinely open to experimentation and innovation. I think part of it is that Edmonton has a strong industrial base, and there’s a hunger for operational efficiency and transformation. We also have an environment where startups and enterprise partners are willing to co-develop and iterate. That kind of culture is what allows practical AI to flourish.
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Interviewer: Kirsten Poon, You mentioned “practical AI” several times. What does that mean to you?
Kirsten Poon: That’s a great question. Practical AI, to me, is about building solutions that are not only technically sound, but also usable, maintainable, and scalable within an organization. It’s not just about creating an impressive algorithm it’s about ensuring that algorithm can run on real data pipelines, work within a company’s existing tech stack, and actually be adopted by the teams who need it.
Too often, AI projects fail not because the model doesn’t work, but because it doesn’t integrate well, or there’s no buy-in from the business side. Practical AI is about understanding the business need as deeply as the technical challenge.
Interviewer: What are some of the biggest challenges companies in Edmonton face when trying to implement AI?
Kirsten Poon: One of the biggest is data quality. Many companies want to implement AI, but their data is siloed, unstructured, or inconsistent. So before we even train a model, a lot of effort goes into data preparation, cleaning, organizing, and structuring data in a way that’s usable.
Another challenge is change management. Introducing AI often means shifting workflows or even redefining job roles, and that can cause friction. We spend time working with cross-functional teams – IT, operations, finance, and so on-to make sure everyone understands the value AI can bring and how it complements their work rather than replaces it.
Interviewer: That sounds like a very human-centered approach to technology.
Kirsten Poon: It has to be. AI isn’t magic, it’s a tool. And like any tool, its success depends on how well people use it. That’s why we emphasize not just technical implementation, but also training, documentation, and ongoing support. We want companies to own their AI solutions, not feel dependent on a black box.
Interviewer: How important is collaboration in the projects you lead?
Kirsten Poon: It’s essential. I always say that AI doesn’t live in isolation, it thrives at the intersection of expertise. I work with data scientists, developers, business analysts, and often end-users. Some of the most important insights come from the people who are closest to the problem we’re trying to solve.
What’s great about Edmonton is that the community understands this. There’s a real willingness to share knowledge and work across disciplines, which accelerates innovation.
Interviewer: Are there any particular industries in Edmonton that are really embracing AI?
Kirsten Poon: Energy is a big one, given Alberta’s history. There’s a lot of investment now in optimizing operations, reducing downtime, and improving safety through AI. Healthcare is also growing – particularly around diagnostic support and administrative automation. And logistics is another major player, especially with Edmonton’s central location and role in national supply chains.
What’s exciting is that even more traditional sectors like agriculture and construction are exploring AI. That’s why I say Edmonton is becoming a hub, we’re not just doing AI in one vertical; we’re seeing adoption across the board.
Interviewer: What do you see as the future of AI development in Edmonton?
Kirsten Poon: I think we’re going to see deeper integration of AI into core business operations not just pilots or prototypes, but enterprise-wide adoption. I also believe we’ll continue to see more AI talent choosing to stay in Edmonton because the opportunities here are growing. We’re already seeing more startups founded here and international companies taking notice.
In the next five years, I think Edmonton can position itself as a national leader in AI deployment, not just research, but results.
Interviewer: For young professionals or students who want to follow in your footsteps, what advice would you give?
Kirsten Poon: Stay curious and get comfortable with both sides of the equation, the technical side and the human side. Learn to code, but also learn how businesses work. Get experience working on real projects, even small ones. And most importantly, find mentors and collaborators. No one succeeds in AI alone.
Interviewer: Final question, what keeps you excited about coming to work every day?
Kirsten Poon: The possibility of solving real problems. Every project is different, every dataset tells a new story, and every solution has the potential to make someone’s job easier or a company more efficient. That impact that tangible value, is what drives me. And doing that work here in Edmonton, surrounded by a vibrant, growing tech community, makes it even more rewarding.
Interviewer: Thank you, Kirsten Poon. Your insights are incredibly valuable, and it’s inspiring to hear how Edmonton is playing a leading role in practical AI development.
Kirsten Poon: Thank you, it’s been a pleasure.