Seneca College has received federal support to help local and regional businesses seize new technological opportunities.
It will use the $641,800 grant from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) to establish the Centre for Innovation in Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technologies.
Researchers there will collaborate with industry partners to find AI solutions in sectors ranging from advanced manufacturing and commerce to creative media and finance. Examples of real-world applications include live transcription through speech modelling, predictive analytics to optimize battery systems, project performance management through machine learning and document classification using AI.
“Seneca is grateful for this NSERC funding, which will allow for more applied research that accelerates the adoption of AI-powered solutions for small- and medium-sized Canadian enterprises,” says Ben Rogers, dean of Seneca Innovation. “These projects also offer students with invaluable experiential learning opportunities and connections to potential employers.”
The federal government announced $46.9 million over two years for 74 grants that will foster applied research partnerships between colleges, CEGEPs and polytechnics and small to medium-sized enterprises to help those businesses seize new opportunities to grow and become more competitive.
The funding is provided through investments announced in the 2021 Federal Budget for the Applied Research and Technology Partnership grants, made available through the Tri-agency College and Community Innovation program, which is managed by the NSERC in collaboration with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.
Seneca has received federal funding to establish a research centre in artificial intelligence. Photo courtesy of CNW Group/Seneca College.
