The Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) and the Vector Institute have announced a landmark partnership aimed at accelerating Canada’s artificial intelligence (AI) talent pipeline and bolstering the nation’s competitiveness in emerging technologies.
The new collaboration will focus on equipping students and startups with vital skills and experience to fuel AI innovation across Canada. Central to this effort is ICTC’s national Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Digital program, which provides students with AI-focused work placements, advanced training, and real-world experience. Over the next three years, the $1.5 million initiative will deliver 150 paid student placements, helping to build a strong, future-ready workforce.
Students placed through the program will work closely with Vector Institute’s FastLane community—a network of AI-powered startups—to bring cutting-edge research and products to market faster. By embedding technical talent directly into early-stage companies and SMEs, the initiative aims to accelerate commercialization and drive growth within Canada’s innovation economy.
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“This partnership represents a strategic investment in Canada’s future, one that strengthens our innovation economy and ensures that Canadian talent is driving global competitiveness in emerging technologies,” said Namir Anani, President and CEO of ICTC. “By combining real-world experiences with cutting-edge research and training, we’re equipping students with the skills they need to thrive while heightening Canada’s innovation economy.”
Glenda Crisp, President and CEO of the Vector Institute, added, “As the nexus of the Ontario AI ecosystem, Vector is uniquely placed to connect the province’s world-class AI talent with SMEs and startups from our FastLane community. Our work with ICTC will ensure that Ontario maintains a vibrant commercial AI ecosystem where AI talent wants to live and build their careers.”
With AI adoption growing rapidly worldwide, this collaboration underscores Canada’s commitment to developing the next generation of skilled professionals and strengthening the country’s position as a global leader in AI innovation.
