Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates), November 21, 2025 – Mila, the Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute, and the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), the applied research arm of Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), today announced a new strategic partnership. The agreement was unveiled during the official visit of the Right Honourable Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada, and as part of a multi-day visit of a Mila delegation to the UAE.
A partnership anchored in a shared aspiration for AI-driven impact
“Mila and TII share a deep commitment to pushing the frontiers of AI while advancing real-world applications in areas such as large language models, sustainable energy, robotics, and AI safety,” said Valérie Pisano, President and CEO of Mila. “By bringing our teams together, we are creating the conditions for an ambitious collaboration. This partnership builds on growing momentum between Canada and the UAE and will position both our communities for breakthroughs with global impact.”
Through this partnership, TII researchers will collaborate and contribute to Mila’s world-class innovation ecosystem. TII will also create a corporate research lab within Mila, enabling daily collaboration with AI scientists and establishing its presence in Canada. Both organizations are already considering further expansions of this collaboration, including opportunities in applied AI research and quantum technologies.
“This agreement connects TII to one of the most dynamic AI research communities in the world,” said Dr. Najwa Aaraj, CEO of the Technology Innovation Institute. “Working this closely with Mila’s scientists will accelerate foundational discoveries and strengthen the global research ecosystem. Together, we will not only prepare for the future, we will create it.”
Growing momentum in Canada-UAE innovation initiatives
The partnership comes at a moment of rapidly strengthening Canada-UAE ties in artificial intelligence. This follows a period of growing bilateral engagement in recent months, underscored by the UAE’s role as Country of Honour at ALL IN 2025, Canada’s largest AI event co-organized by Mila, and the Canada-UAE Memorandum of Understanding to support new investments in shared priorities such as digital infrastructure and AI adoption.
During Prime Minister Carney’s visit, Valérie Pisano took part in the Canada–UAE Investment Summit in Abu Dhabi, where senior leaders from both countries discussed long-term opportunities in sectors such as energy, AI, infrastructure, and advanced technology, areas central to a bilateral economic relationship that reached $3.4 billion in two-way trade in 2024.
Mila’s President and CEO also participated in the Dubai Future Forum, an event drawing on the collective intelligence of global thinkers and visionaries to explore not just what lies ahead, but how society might navigate it with purpose and imagination.
About Mila – Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute
Founded by Professor Yoshua Bengio, Mila – Quebec 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 through the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy 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 the Technology Innovation Institute (TII)
The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) is the dedicated applied research pillar of Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC). TII is a pioneering global research and development center that focuses on applied research and new-age technology capabilities. The Institute has 9 dedicated research centers in advanced materials, autonomous robotics, cryptography, AI and digital science, directed energy, quantum, secure systems, propulsion and space, and renewable and sustainable energy. By working with exceptional talent, universities, research institutions, and industry partners from all over the world, TII connects an intellectual community and contributes to building an R&D ecosystem that reinforces the status of Abu Dhabi and the UAE as a global hub for innovation. For more information, visit www.tii.ae
For more information: Eric Aach, eaach@national.ca, +1 514-569-3594
