IBM announces more than $18M to try and strengthen research and innovation in Newfoundland and Labrador
by CM Staff
The two initiatives will focus on innovation and research in data science and astrophysics, genetic analysis, artificial intelligence, machine learning, image analysis and scientific computing.
Centre for Analytics, Informatics and Research (CAIR) Server Room at Memorial University, NL. Photo credit: Rich Blenkinsopp, Memorial University of Newfoundland.
ST. JOHN’S — On May 27, Memorial University, IBM Canada, the Government of Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador announced the launch of two new initiatives – the Centre for Analytics, Informatics and Research (CAIR) and the Accelerated Analytics and Machine Learning (AAML) project.
Led by Memorial, the two initiatives will focus on innovation and research in such diverse fields as data science and astrophysics, genetic analysis, artificial intelligence, machine learning, image analysis and scientific computing.
CAIR will reportedly be equipped with powerful high-performance computers able to process huge amounts of complex data, leading to faster insights for projects such as AAML.
Memorial will receive a more than $18-million investment from the Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, as jurisdictional partners, and private-sector partner IBM. This includes a $16-million, in-kind investment of hardware, software and staffing from IBM during a period of four years. IBM will also provide free development and cloud credits to early stage entrepreneurs and startup companies via the Startup with IBM program. ACOA is providing $1.4 million towards the two initiatives and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will contribute $1.35 million.
Working with Memorial, IBM will try and drive economic development in the province by supporting skills growth via the IBM SkillsBuild program. The free digital training program helps learners develop valuable new skills and find jobs, regardless of their background or education. SkillsBuild provides learners with professional workplace readiness and technical skills and enables them to earn digital badges recognized by the market.
“Ongoing collaborations with our government and industry partners allow Memorial to meet the challenges and opportunities of our province and beyond. These significant investments will further enhance Memorial’s capacity in strategic areas, provide world-class scientific training opportunities for faculty and graduate students and allow Memorial to continue supporting the tremendous growth of the local technology industry.” said Dr. Vianne Timmons, President and vice-chancellor, Memorial University.
