University of Waterloo launches Artificial Intelligence Institute

Apr. 19, 2018 - The University of Waterloo has launched the Waterloo Artificial Intelligence Institute this month, bringing together researchers and businesses in an effort to prepare Canada for future economic and advanced technology disruption. The university describes Waterloo AI as focusing on end-to-end innovation ranging from foundational to operational AI. "Foundational AI advances the field as a whole through research in a number of areas, including statistical learning, deep learning, game theory and data science. Operational AI develops scalable, secure and transparent solutions for a wide range of applications," it says. As part of its mandate, Waterloo AI will pursue new areas of research with societal and business impact including manufacturing, autonomous systems, human-machine interaction, healthcare and more, and will emphasize "timely access to expertise to individuals and industry." "The launch of Waterloo AI enhances Canada's leadership in foundational and operational AI as it brings together world renowned researchers with industry to accelerate innovation and prepare for future disruptions," said Feridun Hamdullahpur, university president and vice-chancellor.