A year after China overtook the USA as the number one country for AI investments, the Americans have reclaimed pole position. According to figures published by ABI Research, the United States received 52.3 percent of global AI investments in 2018. In 2018, investments in US-based AI technologies reached a total of $9.7 billion. This represents a staggering 120 percent year-on-year growth. Huge AI investments from companies such as Zoox, Cruise Automation, Zymergen, and Dataminr helped to propel the US back into the number one spot.

In recent years, AI technology has seen widespread adoption across a number of key industries--from healthcare and education to finance and security. But as the industry continues to mature, what factors are driving new investment activity and sector growth? Which countries are hotspots for AI innovation and development? And what are the budding trends worth monitoring? Sales Director Kevin Issadore walks through a recent Quid analysis on AI companies and patents to identify opportunities for disruption and innovation within the industry.

In recent years, AI technology has seen widespread adoption across a number of key industries--from healthcare and education to finance and security. But as the industry continues to mature, what factors are driving new investment activity and sector growth? Which countries are hotspots for AI innovation and development? And what are the budding trends worth monitoring? Sales Director Kevin Issadore walks through a recent Quid analysis on AI companies and patents to identify opportunities for disruption and innovation within the industry.

Number of companies: As of June 31, 2017, there were 2,542 AI companies worldwide, of which 41%, or 1,078, were located in the U.S. However, the difference between the U.S. and China – 486 companies – is huge. Capital investment: Based on existing data, U.S. – based AI companies have raised a total of 97.8 billion RMB (50.1% of global AI investment) compared to China-based companies that have raised 63.5 billion RMB (33.2% of global AI investment) Human capital: China has 39,200 AI specialists compared to the U.S.' 78,700. Training and retaining talent has become a critical impediment to the development of China's AI industry. Number of investment firms: The U.S. has three times the number of AI investment firms as China does.