The strategy’s first phase of implementation allowed Mila to identify priority areas in line with its AI adoption efforts. Mila identified eight parallel fully integrated and complementary tracks, each targeting a specific component of AI adoption. Mila will also develop two priority industry verticals (health and climate/energy) to help organizations operating in these sectors to leverage AI and increase their impact.
Drawing from the strategic focus areas and program objectives outlined in the previous section, Mila will deploy 8 parallel tracks, each targeting a specific component of AI adoption:
Mila has also been working to scale its capacity to design, pilot, deploy and/or expand a wide range of outreach activities and specific engagements to advance the adoption of AI in Canada. These programs will support cutting-edge initiatives to apply the results of research outcomes, develop AI skills through real-world implementation, and deploy AI-enabled solutions that capture social or economic opportunities.
In 2021-2022, program efforts focused on:
In 2021-2022, program funding enabled Mila’s applied machine learning research team to develop proofs of concept AI models in experimental areas through co-funded projects with an organization:
The applied machine learning research team closely collaborated with Optina Diagnostics in the development of the Retinal Deep Phenotyping™ diagnostic platform for detecting the cerebral amyloid status and other key biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease.
The applied machine learning research team also worked with another company that processes thousands of ID document verification requests on a daily basis for a wide range of clients and are working on developing systems that can aid humans in detecting digital forgeries by flagging such likely forgeries and highlighting the areas of the ID document that are suspect.
In 2021-2022, Mila focused its efforts on the following:
The funding allowed us to focus on and accelerate the advancement of two key projects:
AI against Modern Slavery (AIMS). Initiated by Mila, the AIMS project seeks to provide an open source tool capable of automating the analysis of statements related to the Modern Slavery Act.
Legal AI Databank. The goal for the AI Databank is to enable NGOs, policy makers, lawyers and judges to identify meaningful ways to hold AI developers accountable for the human rights abuses perpetrated by their technologies.
In 2021-2022, efforts were made towards:
Health
The fight against climate change
Mobilizing a multidisciplinary team to explore Mila’s strategic action areas related to climate, energy and sustainability and build a strong vertical focused on applying AI to fighting climate change.
Much of the above work has led to the launch of the new Industry section on the Mila website, which highlights the services offered to organizations by Mila’s teams.
Several videos outlining these services have also been made available online to support a targeted promotional campaign to be rolled out in the summer of 2022.