UAE Technology Innovation Institute Opens Lab at Mila in Montreal

The United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) Technology Innovation Institute (TII) has announced the opening of a new corporate research lab at Mila, Montreal’s prominent artificial intelligence (AI) research center. This initiative follows a partnership agreement signed during a visit by Prime Minister Mark Carney to the UAE last week. The establishment of the lab is aimed at fostering collaboration between TII researchers and Mila scientists, ultimately enhancing the global research landscape.

According to TII CEO Najwa Aaraj, this partnership connects TII to one of the most dynamic AI research communities worldwide. “Working this closely with Mila’s scientists will accelerate foundational discoveries and strengthen the global research ecosystem,” she stated. The collaboration is expected to expand further into applied AI research and quantum technologies.

Strengthening Canada-UAE Ties

The agreement marks a significant step in the growing relationship between Canada and the UAE. Valérie Pisano, president and CEO of Mila, emphasized that this partnership builds on the momentum established during a recent summit that brought together leaders from both countries. She noted that such collaborations position both nations for breakthroughs with global impact.

The partnership follows a Canadian delegation’s recent tour in the UAE aimed at enhancing ties through technology, investment, and research collaboration. This delegation included representatives from tech companies like Cohere, Photonic, and AppDirect, along with members from Mila and the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii). The UAE was recognized as the “Country of Honour” at the AI-focused ALL IN conference in Montreal in September, further solidifying the relationship between these two nations.

In a recent development, Canadian AI Minister Evan Solomon signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding with the UAE to explore investment opportunities in AI and digital infrastructure. This has been complemented by Inovia Capital, which opened a new office in the Abu Dhabi Global Market to strengthen business ties.

Investment and Human Rights Concerns

The UAE has reciprocated Canada’s interest by announcing a framework to invest up to $50 billion USD ($71 billion CAD) in Canadian industries, including energy, AI, logistics, and mining. While Canada views the UAE as an attractive business partner, human rights advocates have raised concerns regarding the UAE’s track record.

According to Human Rights Watch, the UAE imposes restrictions on fundamental rights, including free expression, association, and assembly. Additionally, the organization highlights the disproportionate control employers exert over migrant workers, who often face severe consequences if they attempt to escape abusive conditions. The UAE has denied allegations of complicity in genocide in Sudan, which has been brought before the International Court of Justice.

BetaKit has reached out to Mila for comments regarding the UAE’s human rights record, indicating a growing awareness within the tech community of the broader implications of international partnerships.

In addition to the collaboration with TII, Mila has been actively pursuing partnerships globally and domestically. Recently, it joined forces with BNP Paribas, a leading European banking and financial services provider. This partnership will provide BNP Paribas access to Mila’s research and talent pool, while offering Mila opportunities to validate its research in real-world operational environments.

As AI research continues to evolve, the collaboration between TII and Mila stands as a testament to the potential of international partnerships in the field, despite the challenges posed by differing political and social landscapes.