Montreal, July 16, 2026 — Mila – Québec Artificial Intelligence Institute and PolArctic Canada today announced a new partnership at Mila’s 2026 Indigenous AI Gathering to advance AI-powered sea ice forecasting and operational decision-support tools for the Canadian Arctic. This collaboration combines Mila’s world-renowned machine learning expertise with PolArctic Canada's predictive system, which is grounded in traditional Inuit knowledge, cutting-edge ocean science, and remote sensing technology. It points to a broader shift in how sovereignty is understood: built not only through physical infrastructure, but through digital and data infrastructure as well.
Led by Inuit technology founder and AI entrepreneur Leslie Canavera, PolArctic Canada combines AI, ocean science, satellite data and Indigenous knowledge to forecast changing sea ice conditions, insight that shipping companies, fisheries, and other operators depend on to navigate the Arctic safely amid an increasingly unpredictable environment. The announcement reflects a shared commitment to building sustainable northern economies through solutions grounded in both Western science and the lived expertise of Arctic communities.
Through this partnership, PolArctic Canada gains collaboration opportunities with Mila’s leading network of AI researchers, recruitment access to a pipeline of top-tier AI talent, and high-level knowledge-sharing. The collaboration also aligns with Canada’s AI Strategy and Arctic and Northern Policy Framework, contributing to a model for artificial intelligence built by Canada, for Canada's maritime frontiers. This collaboration combines generations of Indigenous knowledge with advanced data science to help reshape how Arctic research is conducted. By putting technology, expertise and decision-making tools into the hands of Northern communities, Mila and PolArctic are supporting a more resilient and sovereign future for Canada's Arctic.
"We are proud to partner with PolArctic Canada, a mission-driven, Indigenous-led, and deeply community-focused organization that aligns directly with Canada’s national priorities. As Arctic conditions become increasingly unpredictable, this collaboration highlights how localized intelligence is becoming vital for decision-making and ensuring that local populations are safe, informed, and resilient. Together, we are focusing on building sustainable economies in one of the world’s most complex operating environments by uniting Mila's scientific excellence with the lived expertise of Northern communities," said Valérie Pisano, President & CEO, Mila.
"By uniting PolArctic Canada's specialized Arctic intelligence with Mila's world-class AI ecosystem, we are building Canadian-made algorithms designed for the world’s most challenging frontier. This isn't just about code. We are forging deep-tech algorithms as uniquely Canadian as the steel of the ships they guide through Arctic waters. Ultimately, this partnership is about accelerating sovereign, next-generation technology that protects Arctic environments, de-risks critical supply chains, strengthens national security, and empowers Northern communities to thrive in a rapidly changing world," added Leslie Canavera, CEO, PolArctic Canada.
About Mila – Québec Artificial Intelligence Institute
Founded by Professor Yoshua Bengio, Mila – Québec Artificial Intelligence Institute is the world’s largest academic AI research center specialized in deep learning, home to a community over 1500 strong. Based in Montreal, Mila was created out of a unique partnership between Université de Montréal and McGill University, dedicated to advancing scientific breakthroughs that drive innovation and ensure AI benefits everyone. A non-profit organization, Mila is strongly supported by the Government of Canada and by the Government of Quebec. Internationally recognized for its influential research, global innovation partnerships, and leadership in multilateral efforts on responsible AI, Mila continues to shape the future of AI worldwide. For more information, visit mila.quebec.
About PolArctic Canada
PolArctic Canada is a Canadian joint venture delivering next-generation, AI-powered Arctic ice intelligence to navigate one of the world's most complex operating environments. Headquartered in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the company is a strategic partnership between Elituq Technology Inc. and the Arctic Economic Development Corporation (AEDC). Led by Indigenous technology founder Leslie Canavera, PolArctic Canada builds advanced ice-forecasting and decision-support tools. By uniquely fusing oceanographic science, cutting-edge satellite data, and lived traditional Indigenous knowledge, the company provides Canadian-specific research and data to support safer marine navigation, ecological stewardship, and informed Northern infrastructure planning.
