Institute Supported by Canadian, Ontario governments, Industry, and
University of Toronto
TORONTO,
March 30, 2017 /CNW/ - Accenture
(NYSE: ACN) announced it is a founding sponsor of the new Vector
Institute for artificial intelligence (AI) in Canada. The relationship is based on a shared
mission to identify new business models for artificial intelligence
and to position Canada as a global
leader in the digital era.
The goal of the new Vector Institute — a
non-profit enterprise funded by industry and the federal and
Ontario governments — is to help
build and maintain Canada's
position at the scientific forefront of the global shift to
artificial intelligence (AI). Together with industry and
educational organizations including the University of Toronto, the Vector Institute will
promote and nurture Canadian talent and research excellence in deep
learning and machine learning, and actively seek ways to enable and
sustain AI-based economic growth in Canada.
The Vector Institute launch was led by Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne, federal Minister of Finance,
Bill Morneau, Ed Clark, Chair of the Vector Institute, and
Chief Scientific Advisor Geoffrey
Hinton. An Accenture demonstration showcased the latest in
AI technology, featuring the IPsoft Amelia AI platform and virtual
assistant, as well as a DAQRI Smart Helmet and Microsoft
HoloLens.
"We are excited to work with the Vector Institute on this
unprecedented collaboration in Canada, to explore how business, government,
academia and innovators can continue to master AI – which
increasingly is becoming the predominant way to create new
business, economic and social value," said Bill Morris, senior managing director and
Canada president of Accenture.
"Accenture is focused on helping our Canadian corporate and
government clients better understand how to apply AI to help
reinvent business models, unlock the trapped value of data, and
improve the way we live and work as a society."
Nicola Morini, global managing
director of artificial intelligence at Accenture, said, "Accenture
believes that businesses require strong partnerships across
industry, governments, centers for higher learning, and research
and development organizations, to take advantage of a new era in
which artificial intelligence will open up new sources of valuable
growth. The Vector Institute in Toronto is well-positioned to be a leader in
AI and our new relationship reflects Accenture's commitment to help
our clients transform their businesses and improve the outcomes
they achieve."
About Accenture
Accenture is a leading global professional services company,
providing a broad range of services and solutions in strategy,
consulting, digital, technology and operations. Combining unmatched
experience and specialized skills across more than 40 industries
and all business functions – underpinned by the world's largest
delivery network – Accenture works at the intersection of business
and technology to help clients improve their performance and create
sustainable value for their stakeholders. With approximately
401,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries,
Accenture plans to hire 1,300 people in Canada this fiscal year. Accenture drives
innovation to improve the way the world works and lives. Visit us
at www.accenture.com
SOURCE Accenture