The Québec government awards $23.4 million to Scale AI for the development of AI talents

“We are at a key moment of research and innovation in artificial intelligence. By developing cutting-edge training in this field, we ensure that our economy’s transformation will take place in an efficient and sustainable manner. This project will make it possible to adapt the current workforce and support companies in the implementation of solutions that compensate for labour shortages and increase their productivity. I am proud to support scale ai’s initiative” – Minister Jean Boulet, ministre du Travail, de l’Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale du Québec.

Thanks to this funding, scale ai will support training activities for Quebec workforce on AI-based business challenges, tools and techniques. Over 25,000 professionals, managers and executives will take part in these training programs by 2023 in order to update their skills and prepare them to respond to economic and business transformations. Scale ai’s academic partners will deliver these courses.

“Developing IA expertise ensures an increase in productivity for our businesses and thus benefits Quebec’s entire territory.”

— Julien Billot, CEO of Scale AI

Academic Collaboration

Quebec has developed university research centres in the field of artificial intelligence that are envied around the world. However, AI is still confined to only certain parts of the Quebec economy that are in direct contact with these research centres.

“It is absolutely essential to deploy this knowledge so that all economic actors in Montreal and across Quebec can benefit from it” – Hélène Desmarais, Scale ai Board Co-Chair

The objective is to mobilize universities, research centres and Cegeps in the main economic centres of Quebec in order to offer a wide array of AI training courses that are adapted to the changing needs of the market for individuals and companies.

“The presence of leading AI researchers, particularly at IVADO, MILA and its affiliated institutions including HEC Montréal, Polytechnique Montréal, Université de Montréal and McGill University, provides a strong influence and a major vehicle for attracting new talent and leadingedge training. We must take advantage of the presence of these leading university research centres to train future AI teachers from academic institutions in the major regions of Quebec that are able to offer AI training,” added Desmarais.

See press release