The Montreal Artificial Intelligence Research Center and the Institute for Technological Innovation teamed up during the Prime Minister's visit to the UAE.
The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is set to open a new corporate research laboratory at Mil, an artificial intelligence (AI) research center in Montreal, thanks to a new partnership.
“Close collaboration with Mila scientists will accelerate fundamental discoveries and strengthen the global research ecosystem.”
Najwa Aaraj,
Technological Innovation Institute
Mila and the applied research unit of the Abu Dhabi Advanced Technology Research Council entered into the agreement during a meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney. visit to the UAE last week. The new lab will allow TII researchers to establish a presence in Canada, and Mila says the two organizations are “already looking at further expanding” the collaboration, including into applied research in artificial intelligence and quantum technologies.
“This agreement connects TII to one of the most vibrant artificial intelligence research communities in the world,” TII CEO Najwa Araj said in a statement. “Close collaboration with Mila scientists will accelerate fundamental discoveries and strengthen the global research ecosystem.”
Mila President and CEO Valerie Pisano, who attended the summit between the two countries last week, as well Dubai Future ForumThe partnership builds on the growing momentum between Canada and the UAE, positioning both countries “for breakthroughs with global impact,” he said.
The agreement follows a Canadian delegation traveling through the UAE last month to “build a practical partnership to deepen ties between Canada and the UAE through technology, investment and research collaboration,” wrote Inovia Capital partner Chris Arsenault, who co-led the delegation. Post on LinkedIn. The delegation included tech companies Cohere, Photonic and AppDirect, as well as Mila and its Alberta counterpart, Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii).
After the UAE was recognized as the “Country of Honour” at an exhibition dedicated to artificial intelligence conference ALL IN At the September Montreal event (co-hosted by Mila), relations between the two countries appeared to deepen. Canadian Artificial Intelligence Minister Evan Solomon signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding to explore investment opportunities in artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure between the two countries, and venture capital firm Inovia opened a new office in the Abu Dhabi World Market.
CONNECTED: Inovia Capital opens office in Abu Dhabi as Canada strengthens ties with UAE
The UAE reciprocated Canada's interest last week by announcing new structure invest up to US$50 billion (CAD$71 billion) in Canadian industries such as energy, artificial intelligence, logistics and mining.
While Canada has identified the UAE as an ideal business partner, human rights activists have highlighted the country's controversial human rights record. According to Human Rights WatchThe UAE places restrictions on the rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly, while employers have disproportionate control over migrant workers, who risk detention if they escape abuse. Sudan also accused the UAE of complicity in genocide at the International Court of Justice, UAE charges denies.
BetaKit reached out to Mila for comment on the human rights situation in the UAE.
In recent weeks, Mila has been forging partnerships both around the world and at home. Last week, the think tank entered into a partnership with BNP Paribas, a European banking and financial services provider. The partnership gives BNP Paribas access to Mila's research and talent pool, and gives Mila new opportunities to test its research in an operational environment. Mila has it too teamed up with Toronto-based BenchSci And posted Swedish royalties to discuss AI research collaboration and AI sovereignty this month.
Image provided Technological Innovation Institute.
