News Summary

Mitacs, a Canadian organization, is playing a vital role in retaining AI talent within the country by connecting researchers with businesses in need of their expertise. Led by Shabnam Haghzare, the Senior Advisor and National AI Lead, Mitacs focuses on bridging the gap between academia and industry, helping to prevent the brain drain of AI professionals. The organization supports pre-seed and early-stage companies with funding and strategic partnerships, facilitating the transition of research ideas into commercial ventures. Since 2018, Mitacs has supported over 11,000 enterprise partners and 46,000 interns, contributing to more than 35,000 innovation projects and investing $1.42 billion in research and development. In alignment with Canada’s Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy, Mitacs is crucial in moving Canadian AI research from theory to real-world application, ensuring that Canadian ideas are commercialized domestically. Success stories include former interns leading departments and contributing to significant medical advancements, such as the development of an AI model to detect skin cancer and a real-time AI bedside monitor for postoperative complications. Mitacs’ efforts underscore the importance of developing and retaining AI talent to enhance Canada’s global competitiveness in the AI sector.