OTTAWA — April 27, 2021 // Carleton University and IBM Canada today announce a five-year collaboration agreement to enhance Carleton’s Institute for Data Science and equip students for essential jobs in emerging digital careers such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and data science.

The agreement establishes a framework for joint research and educational initiatives to boost the University's cross-disciplinary AI and Data Science programs and technology-rich learning environment.

“We're excited to expand our partnership with IBM Canada,” said Carleton President Benoit-Antoine Bacon. “AI, machine learning and cloud technology are transforming how we live and work, and this alliance will provide students with the research and learning opportunities needed to thrive in the jobs of tomorrow and future proof Canada’s workforce and economy.”

Steven Astorino, IBM Canada Lab Director and Vice President of Development for Data and AI, said: “As businesses continue to accelerate their digital transformation, there is an increasing demand for access to talent and emerging skills in growth areas of data science, AI and machine learning. With the expansion of our collaborative relationship with Carleton University, IBM will provide leading-edge technology, industry expertise and apprenticeship and training opportunities to help address the digital skills gap in Canada and build domestic talent for secure, high-paying careers in AI and data science that are already in high demand.”

Carleton and IBM Canada will develop new technological tools and training for graduate students and researchers. Additionally, during the first year of this agreement, IBM Canada is committed to providing:

• student apprenticeships with IBM Garage™, an end-to-end co-creation and innovation model for accelerating digital transformation;
• opportunities for collaboration on research projects, including interaction with the IBM Data Science Elite™ team;
• micro-credentials in data science, AI and machine learning through the Learn@IBM platform;
• IBM guest lecturers for ongoing and new programs in data analytics;
• support for further community outreach initiatives at Carleton with IBM experts in Enterprise Design Thinking.

The agreement creates opportunities for collaboration on research projects and academic initiatives to develop skills and foster work-integrated learning experiences. In addition, IBM Canada will be a member of a Data Science Advisory Board to provide guidance to the Institute and support delivery of the university's new standalone research master’s and doctorate programs in Data Science.

For more information on the Carleton University Institute of Data Science, please go to: https://carleton.ca/cuids/

About Carleton

Carleton University is a dynamic, research-intensive institution that engages in partnerships to address the world’s most pressing issues. The university’s corporate collaborations bring together world-class companies, researchers and a new generation of talent with its 32,000 students to deliver innovations and results that are driving a more prosperous, sustainable future.