Scale AI builds on research and talents with the launch of three new AI research chairs in Canada
With the aim of attracting and retaining some of the world’s leading artificial intelligence (AI) researchers and fostering talent development at our universities. Scale AI is moving forward with the creation of three new AI research chairs:
- The Scale AI Research Chair in Artificial Intelligence for Urban Mobility and Logistics, at HEC Montréal, held by Professor Carolina Osorio;
- The Scale AI Research Chair in Data-Driven Supply Chains, at Polytechnique Montréal, held by Professor Thibaut Vidal;
- The Research Chair in Data-Driven Algorithms for Modern Supply Chains, at the University of Toronto, held by Professor Elias Khalil.
With $3 million in funding, provided equally by Scale AI and the three academic institutions, each of these chairs will focus their research on applying AI to different aspects of supply chains. By 2023, Scale AI will have contributed to the establishment of 10 AI research chairs across Canada, for a total investment of $20 million.
“By introducing these new research chairs, Scale AI is helping Canada attract the best talent and to create more sustainable and competitive supply chains here at home.”
— The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
“Our government knows the important role research plays in accelerating the adoption of AI technologies and fuelling the industry’s growth. By introducing these new research chairs, Scale AI is helping Canada attract the best talent and to create more sustainable and competitive supply chains here at home,” says the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
Julien Billot, CEO of Scale AI, notes: “The creation of several university chairs is an unmatched incentive for attracting the best AI talent and stimulating the emergence of new applications. The three universities that will benefit from the chairs program stand out for their eagerness and ability to competitively integrate the AI ecosystem. I am certain of the considerable scientific and economic impact of their contributions and of their ripple effect on the entire community.”
“Artificial intelligence requires cutting-edge expertise, and the AI research chairs will support the recruitment of top experts and the training of the next generation of specialists.”
— Hélène Desmarais, Co-Chair of the Scale AI Board of Directors
For her part, Hélène Desmarais, Co-Chair of the Scale AI Board of Directors, adds: “Artificial intelligence requires cutting-edge expertise, and the AI research chairs will support the recruitment of top experts and the training of the next generation of specialists. Universities are an essential link in Canada’s AI ecosystem, and Scale AI acts as a catalyst to build a strong and sustainable foundation.”
Three chairs, three leading-edge research focuses
The Scale AI Research Chair in Artificial Intelligence for Urban Mobility and Logistics created by HEC Montréal will address the climate issues facing large cities due to urban mobility needs. “We are fortunate to have the financial support of Scale AI and to benefit from the experience and expertise of Professor Carolina Osorio to lead the project, which is as interesting scientifically as it is environmentally,” said Caroline Aubé, Director of Research and Knowledge Transfer, HEC Montréal. “The research team will develop analyses aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fuel consumption through modelling and optimization methods to guide the design of urban logistics and sustainable mobility systems.”
Polytechnique Montréal has entrusted the Scale AI Research Chair in Data-Driven Supply Chains to Professor Thibaut Vidal. “Professor Vidal is an expert in the development and application of optimization methods for machine learning and supply-chain optimization,” said Philippe A. Tanguy, President, Polytechnique Montréal. “He will focus his efforts on researching applications to improve the efficiency of supply chains while remaining transparent in the use of data.”
For its part, the University of Toronto is creating the Research Chair in Data-Driven Algorithms for Modern Supply Chains, held by Professor Elias Khalil. Markus Bussmann, Chair & Professor, Mechanical Engineering at the University of Toronto, says: “We are seeing a unique opportunity to increase the adoption of AI in supply chains by creating algorithms that leverage data collected along the value chain. Under Professor Khalil’s leadership, the team is focusing on research that will have real-world applications, with the ambition of enabling more companies to implement and benefit from AI in their processes.”
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