Montréal, QC, May 5, 2020 — A two-million-dollar investment will be used to address the high demand in companies for a workforce qualified in artificial intelligence (AI), enabling them to increase their innovation capacity through the integration of student interns. This endeavour has been made possible by an agreement between Mitacs — a not-for-profit organization that fosters Canadian growth and innovation — and the Government of Quebec.
Artificial intelligence is a booming sector in Quebec, and particularly in Montreal. The technological transition it has incited has led to substantial new demands within companies, and keen interest among students. In order to respond to these demands and encourage innovation, the Government of Quebec and Mitacs are combining funding and expertise in a partnership that will allow some interns to work directly with Quebec companies, while others will push forward research within international collaborations.
These projects will mobilize companies, colleges, universities and their students. The initiative will increase the number of workers qualified in AI and will facilitate their subsequent recruitment. It will consequently contribute to reducing workforce shortages in the sector, while reinforcing Quebec’s appeal as a destination for international researchers.
Quotes:
Pierre Fitzgibbon, Minister of the Economy and Innovation, Government of Quebec
“Quebec is a trailblazer in artificial intelligence. Some of the world’s greatest talents in this area can be found in our universities, colleges and companies. Offering 500 post-secondary internship units to our companies and universities will allow Quebec to progress in this forward-looking sector. This is also an avenue that should be prioritized in supporting economic recovery and promoting our prosperity, both for today and tomorrow.”
Eric Bosco, Chief Business Development Officer, Mitacs
“One of the factors of success in artificial intelligence is collaboration between researchers, entrepreneurs, students and governments. Mitacs’s strength lies in creating partnerships between these parties to generate innovation. We are delighted to be able to count on funding from the Government of Quebec which will enable this deployment of interns into companies and universities.”
About Mitacs:
- Mitacs is a not-for-profit organization that fosters growth and innovation in Canada by resolving business problems with the help of research solutions from academic institutions.
- Mitacs is supported by the Government of Canada and all provincial governments.
- To learn about Mitacs and our programs, see mitacs.ca/newsroom.
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