Artificial intelligence isn’t just about flashy apps and viral tools — it also relies on substantial infrastructure behind the scenes, including data centers, cloud platforms, networking equipment and specialized software. In Canada, a handful of firms are playing meaningful roles in this expanding ecosystem, helping power AI adoption across industries and creating potential long-term growth opportunities for investors.

One standout Canadian company in this space is BlackBerry Ltd. (TSX: BB). While many people remember BlackBerry as a smartphone pioneer of the past, the firm has since reinvented itself around cybersecurity and embedded systems. BlackBerry’s software platforms help secure connected devices and endpoints — a critical need as AI systems proliferate across enterprise environments. With AI increasing the demand for secure data processing and endpoint protection, BlackBerry’s shift toward software and services positions it to benefit from long-term enterprise tech spend.

Another company deeply tied to AI infrastructure is Kinaxis Inc. (TSX: KXS), a provider of cloud-based supply-chain planning tools. Kinaxis uses advanced analytics — increasingly augmented with AI — to help large enterprises manage complex logistics, demand forecasting and production planning. As supply chains become more data-driven and AI-enabled, demand for platforms like Kinaxis’s grows, allowing it to expand recurring revenue while deepening customer relationships. Its enterprise focus and recurring subscription model give it insulation from short-term economic swings and make it attractive for growth investors.

In the telecommunications space, TELUS Corporation (TSX: T) plays a supporting role in AI infrastructure by providing the network connectivity and data capacity that AI systems depend on. AI workloads often require high-bandwidth, low-latency networks — especially for applications like edge computing, autonomous systems and real-time analytics. TELUS’s investments in fiber broadband and 5G technology help build that foundational layer, enabling other AI innovators to scale without bottlenecks in data movement.

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These companies illustrate different facets of AI infrastructure: cybersecurity and software platforms (BlackBerry), AI-enabled enterprise applications (Kinaxis), and connectivity (TELUS). None of them are pure AI plays like headline tech names, but they all benefit from the structural growth in data usage, automation and machine learning adoption. Their revenue streams are tied to long-term trends — like digital transformation, secure connectivity and intelligent business planning — which could translate into durable growth if these macro trends persist.

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For investors looking to gain exposure to AI without buying narrow, high-volatility tech stocks, these Canadian names offer diversified forms of participation in the AI value chain. They’re not short-term moonshots, but rather established businesses that are integrating AI into their offerings and benefitting from rising demand for AI-ready infrastructure.