KIRKLAND, QC, Feb. 8, 2024
/CNW/ - Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, has entered into a multi-year
agreement with the Vector Institute in Toronto, an independent not-for-profit
corporation dedicated to advancing the field of artificial
intelligence (AI) through world-class research. This
agreement will allow Merck Canada to gain access to Vector's
exceptional research capabilities and expertise in AI and engage
with its robust and thriving ecosystem to drive innovation in
healthcare.
As such, Merck Canada will have the opportunity to tap into
Vector Institute's extensive network of AI researchers, engineers,
and startups. This interaction will provide a fertile ground for
Merck Canada to exchange ideas, connect with premier talent, and
stay abreast of the latest advancements in AI technologies and
methods applicable to life sciences.
"We are excited about the opportunities that our collaboration
with the Vector Institute brings to Merck Canada. Together, we will
explore the potential of AI to transform the way we address
healthcare challenges and deliver impactful solutions that benefit
patients in Canada and beyond,"
said Marwan Akar, Managing Director
at Merck Canada.
"We recognize the power of AI in driving customer engagement at
Merck. As digital transformation continues to redefine what's
possible in healthcare, we look to organizations like Vector to
help us find innovative ways to leverage machine learning and deep
learning to improve health outcomes," added Abhishek Narayan Singh, Vice President, Data
Science, at Merck.
"Canadians deserve modern health care solutions using the best
technologies and tools available. We are thrilled to welcome Merck
Canada to Vector's sponsor community. Together with Vector,
Merck's strong commitment to innovation in health will help realize
AI capabilities that can be life-changing for patients," said
Tony Gaffney, President and CEO,
Vector Institute.
About Merck
At Merck, known as MSD outside of the
United States and Canada,
we are unified around our purpose: We use the power of leading-edge
science to save and improve lives around the world. For more than
130 years, we have brought hope to humanity through the development
of important medicines and vaccines. We aspire to be the premier
research-intensive biopharmaceutical company in the world – and
today, we are at the forefront of research to deliver innovative
health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of
diseases in people and animals. We foster a diverse and inclusive
global workforce and operate responsibly every day to enable a
safe, sustainable and healthy future for all people and
communities.
In Canada, Merck markets a
broad range of vaccines, pharmaceutical and animal health products
and is one of the top R&D investors in Canada, with investments totaling more than
$90 million in 2022 and more than
$1.6 billion since 2000. Based in
Kirkland, Quebec, Merck employs
approximately 635 people across the country. For more information
about our operations in Canada,
visit www.merck.ca and connect with us on LinkedIn and X
@MerckCanada.
About the Vector Institute
Launched in 2017, the Vector Institute works with industry,
institutions, startups, and governments to build AI talent and
drive research excellence in AI to develop and sustain AI-based
innovation to foster economic growth and improve the lives of
Canadians. Vector aims to advance AI research, increase adoption in
industry and health through programs for talent, commercialization,
and application, and lead Canada
towards the responsible use of AI. Programs for industry, led by
top AI practitioners, offer foundations for applications in
products and processes, company-specific guidance, training for
professionals, and connections to workforce-ready talent. Vector is
funded by the Government of Ontario, the Government of Canada through the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy, and leading industry sponsors from
across multiple sectors of Canadian Industry.
SOURCE Merck Canada Inc.