Emirati AI Leaders Engage with Canada’s Foremost Research Institutions
Eleven experts from the National Experts Programme's Artificial Intelligence track are studying advanced AI research translation and governance across leading Canadian academic and research centres.
A delegation of eleven Emirati artificial intelligence specialists from the National Experts Programme’s Artificial Intelligence track (NEP-AI) is currently engaged in an intensive study visit across Canada’s most prominent AI research institutions. The visit, which commenced on Monday and concludes on 2nd October, encompasses sessions at Mila, McGill University, Scale AI and Université de Sherbrooke, spanning Montreal and Sherbrooke.
The international programme seeks to examine how cutting-edge AI research can be responsibly applied within government operations and translated into commercially sustainable solutions. By connecting participants with leading researchers and innovators in major global AI hubs, NEP-AI facilitates comprehensive understanding of international AI applications, governance frameworks and industry best practices whilst fostering comparative learning and sustained international collaboration.
The specialist delegation encompasses professionals with expertise spanning computing and processing, generative artificial intelligence, human-AI co-design, AI chip development, autonomous systems, cybersecurity, responsible startup scaling and workplace transformation. Their backgrounds represent both government and commercial sectors, bringing diverse perspectives to the collaborative learning experience.
Research and Innovation Exploration
The visit includes engagement with Mila, a Montreal-based research institute renowned as one of the world’s largest academic AI centres. Participants will examine the institute’s evolution from a university laboratory into a globally influential research organisation, exploring the foundational elements of a thriving national AI ecosystem including funding mechanisms, talent cultivation, research strategy and government partnerships.
During the five-day programme, distinguished speakers will lead specialised sessions. Professor Yoshua Bengio, Founder and Co-President of LawZero and Mila’s Founder, will deliver insights on safe-by-design AI principles. Hugo Larochelle, Scientific Director of Mila, will address the future trajectory of AI research and the complexities inherent in advancing theoretical breakthroughs towards practical implementation.
At McGill University, the delegation will investigate responsible AI engineering and governance frameworks. Participants will engage with a live simulation exploring generative AI incidents affecting global shipping and trade, providing practical insight into crisis management within evolving technological environments. The programme will also examine how different jurisdictions approach AI regulation and how organisations can effectively respond to AI-related challenges.
From Laboratory to Market
Sessions involving Mila Ventures, Canadian technology startups and Scale AI will illuminate the transition of frontier research into viable commercial applications, encompassing investment pathways, technology partnerships and practical market deployment strategies. Two dedicated capstone sessions will enable participants to establish direct connections with researchers and AI professionals.
The visit concludes at Université de Sherbrooke, where participants will tour the Institut Quantique and the Interdisciplinary Institute for Technological Innovation (3IT). These visits will explore quantum computing advances and neuromorphic systems development, including methodologies for creating energy-efficient hardware architectures supporting future AI applications.
This international engagement forms part of NEP-AI’s comprehensive eight-month learning initiative, which brings together thirty-two Emirati specialists from government, technology and academia to advance the UAE’s national artificial intelligence priorities.
Source: WAM