Thales selects Canada as new global hub to boost artificial intelligence expertise

MONTRÉAL, Oct. 10, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - Today, Thales announced the creation of the Centre of Research and Technology in Artificial Intelligence eXpertise (cortAIx). Led by Thales, cortAIx, in collaboration with the MILA (Montreal Institute for Learning Algorithms), the IVADO (Institute of Data Valorization) and the Vector Institute of Toronto, will be located in Montréal, one of the world's leading Artificial Intelligence (AI) ecosystems. This investment supports Thales' global strategy of technology leadership.

This new centre supports the creation of approximately 50 new world-class jobs of AI researchers and developers. Their mission will be to advance the safe and ethical applications of artificial intelligence across Thales' vast product portfolio.  cortAIx will focus on creating solutions to help airlines, satellite operators, air traffic controllers, mainline and light rail operators, armed forces and critical infrastructure managers, make the best decisions in decisive moments ? from the bottom of oceans to the depths of space and cyberspace.

"With Thales' leadership and the support of our partners, we will leverage Montréal's unique ecosystem of world class talent and creativity to advance the applications of ethical artificial intelligence world-wide." - Patrice Caine, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Thales

cortAIx supports Thales' goal of being a world leader in AI while delivering future economic benefits to Canada. 

Leveraging the combined expertise of MILA, IVADO and the rich ecosystem of AI universities and laboratories, make Montreal and Canada the perfect place to develop cortAIx.

The biggest challenge faced by AI experts today is to perfect the understanding of the mechanisms behind AI developments, while simultaneously evaluating human behaviors as people interact with these new systems. The key mission of Thales' cortAIx is to build "AI inside" solutions that are safe and ethical while granting full authority to the human decision makers.

Building on Thales' recent acquisition of Guavus earlier this year and  Vormetric last year, the creation of cortAIx is yet another example of how Thales is strengthening its positioning in one of the key technologies at the heart of global digital transformation.

In the last three years, Thales has invested over ?1 billion in key digital technologies and recently announced the launch of its high-tech Digital Factory in Paris. This activity brings together leading technology experts who support the injection of big data and artificial intelligence into Thales solutions, while also ensuring data security ? a fundamental requirement of the modern digital economy.

Key Points

• The creation of cortAIx is another building block of our digital strategy, one of the key initiatives for company-wide growth
• Investment of 50 new world class experts in AI who will work together to strengthen the use of artificial intelligence in Thales products
• With the support of our partners, we will empower our customers with better decision making capabilities

About Thales
Thales is a global technology leader for the Aerospace, Transport, Defence and Security markets. With 64,000 employees in 56 countries, Thales reported sales of ?14.9 billion in 2016. With over 25,000 engineers and researchers, Thales has a unique capability to design and deploy equipment, systems and services to meet the most complex security requirements. Its exceptional international footprint allows it to work closely with its customers all over the world.

About Thales in Canada
Thales employs 1,800 highly-skilled employees in Québec City, Montréal, Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver working in Defence & Security, Avionics and Transportation. Thales in Canada has annual revenues of over $500 million, with customers in urban rail, civil aviation, defence and security.

About Montréal International (www.montrealinternational.com)
Established in 1996, Montréal International is a non-profit organization funded by the private sector, the governments of Canada and Québec, the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal and the City of Montréal. Its mission is to attract foreign investment, international organizations and skilled talent to Greater Montréal by providing assistance services tailored to their needs.

SOURCE Montréal International