About Vector Institute
Vector Institute transforms cutting-edge artificial intelligence research into practical solutions that drive Canada’s economic growth and improve lives. As a globally-renowned AI research institute, we bridge the gap between academic discovery and industry adoption through partnerships with leading researchers, businesses, and government organizations.
Where AI breakthroughs turn into real-world impact
We will drive excellence and leadership in Canada’s knowledge, creation, and use of artificial intelligence to foster economic growth and improve the lives of Canadians.
What we do
Research and Talent
Vector advances the frontiers of artificial intelligence through world-class research and develops the next generation of AI leaders. Our faculty and researchers tackle pressing challenges in machine learning, deep learning, and AI safety while training exceptional talent through scholarships, university partnerships, and mentorship programs. We ensure Canada’s AI ecosystem has both breakthrough discoveries and skilled professionals to implement them.
AI Adoption
We help Canadian organizations successfully deploy trustworthy AI through engineering support, training programs, and direct collaboration. Our industry partnerships provide practical expertise that enables businesses to translate cutting-edge research into competitive advantages. From healthcare systems to financial services, we accelerate AI adoption across sectors while ensuring responsible implementation.
Vector Institute’s impact
Founded in 2017 with $135 million in funding from Canadian governments and 40+ industry partners, Vector has established Canada as a global AI leader. We operate from Toronto’s Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus, connecting with a vibrant ecosystem of research, academia, and commerce.
Explore Vector Institute
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Vector Institute located?
Vector is located in the West Tower of the Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus.
Is the Vector Institute an academic/research facility?
Vector itself is not a university. Vector is an independent not-for-profit corporation that works closely with its partner universities, but Vector itself neither admits students nor grants degrees.
How is the Vector Institute funded?
Vector launched in March 2017 with combined total funding commitments of $135 million over its first five years. The institute is funded by the Government of Canada through the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR), the Government of Ontario through the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, as well as nearly 40 companies in the Canadian economy across a range of sectors.
Who governs Vector?
The Vector Institute is officially incorporated as an independent, not-for-profit corporation. It is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors drawn from the private sector, public sector, academic and research communities. The Board of Directors receives no compensation for their volunteer duties. Learn more about our leadership team.
Can I attend a talk or seminar held at Vector?
Due to space limitations our internal talks are currently only available to Vector Faculty and their students, and to Vector Postgraduate Affiliates and Faculty Affiliates. From time to time Vectors hosts and/or sponsors talks that are open to external audiences. As these are scheduled, specific information about public events is available on our website.
The Vector Institute also hosts the Vector Distinguished Lecture Series, a public talk series for academic and industrial data scientists in the Greater Toronto Area to discuss advanced machine learning topics. Past talks in this series are available here on YouTube.
Vector Institute sounds like a cool place to visit. Do you offer tours?
The Vector Institute is not open to the public, and we currently do not offer public tours of our research space given the disruption to business and research operations.
Individual Vector Faculty Members and graduate students at Vector are welcome to provide tours to their respective collaborators or prospective faculty, students, and postdoctoral fellows.
Tours for large groups, business leaders, or government representatives need to be planned in advance by Vector’s professional staff. Inquiries can be made to info@vectorinstitute.ai.
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