Thales builds safer skies in Quebec with Mitacs‑fueled AI research

Where responsible AI research meets aviation safety and talent development

Thales, a global tech leader in defence, aerospace, cyber and digital, conducts advanced research through its cortAIx labs, which focus on AI applications in critical systems. The Canadian-based labs with a footprint in Québec City and Montréal explore technologies that must meet the highest standards of reliability and ethics given their use in applications that touch our everyday lives.

Mitacs has collaborated with Thales for years on projects that apply Al to aviation safety, including autonomous obstacle detection, improved take-off and landing systems, and predictive maintenance support tools. These innovations are designed to strengthen safety, trust, and decision-making in high-stakes environments.

The partnership has also delivered long-term talent retention in Quebec: former Mitacs interns now make up roughly one-third of the cortAIx workforce, underscoring the value of Mitacs programs in anchoring highly skilled workers in the province.

“Through its partnership with Mitacs, Thales applies AI to strengthen aviation safety, streamline critical operations, and drive innovation into business operations. This collaboration addresses complex aerospace challenges while cultivating top-tier talent—transforming research into a powerful engine
for sustainable business growth.”

— Jean-François Gagnon, Director, cortAIx Labs, Thales

Mitacs’s programs receive funding from multiple partners across Canada. We thank the Government of Canada, the Government of Alberta, the Government of British Columbia, Research Manitoba, the Government of New Brunswick, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Government of Nova Scotia, the Government of Ontario, Innovation PEI, the Government of Quebec, the Government of Saskatchewan, and the Government of Yukon for supporting us to empower Canadian innovation. 

Do you have a business challenge that could benefit from a research solution? If so, contact Mitacs today to discuss partnership opportunities: [email protected].