The federal government has announced almost $2 million to support artificial intelligence at the Université de Moncton.
Federal minister and Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe MP Ginette Petitpas Taylor announced the investment from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
The funding will allow the university to acquire computer equipment and tools and to create a new professional master’s program in artificial intelligence and data science.
An Atlantic Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence and Data Management (PLEIADE) will also be established which will aim to find internships and research projects for students with the help of external partners.
“Through this announcement, we expect to be able to attract talent into various already existing programs and meet society’s needs in artificial intelligence, data science, robotics, by offering training entirely in French,” says U de M president and vice-chancellor, Dr Denis Prud’homme.
This training will not be limited to traditional students since the institution also plans to create microprograms for people in the labour market.
“The investment announced today will be a game-changer not only for the University, but also for our regions,” adds Francis LeBlanc, Associate Vice-President for Research and Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research.
“The creation of the Atlantic Center of Excellence in artificial intelligence and data management will allow us to attract talent from around the world and contribute to the economic development of New Brunswick, while meeting the needs of society.
“This hub will build on our existing strengths, such as our five research centers and groups, as well as several current programs, and will result in an overall investment of $8 million over the next five years.”
The Master’s in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science will be available starting in the fall of 2023.
