IBM is partnering with Montreal’s Institute for Data Valorization (IVADO) as it expands its operations in the city.
IBM said it also plans to hire 100 people for its Client Innovation Centre in Montréal which will be focused on AI and Salesforce solutions. In the next year, IBM will be looking to expand its AI practice in Montréal by hiring people for roles like machine learning engineers, data scientists, full stack developers, and data engineers. As part of its partnership with IVADO, IBM will tap into the network’s pool of over 1,100 affiliated scientists from Université de Montréal, HEC Montréal, and Polytechnique Montréal.
IBM first announced a partnership with Salesforce in March 2017. Through the partnership, IBM Watson and Salesforce’s Einstein AI are connected to enable new capabilities for Salesforce, such as predictive insights from unstructured data, dedicated consulting services, and weather insights for firms in areas like the insurance industry, which can use the data to send safety and policy information to customers at risk of being impacted by severe weather events.
IBM serves a number of North American clients through Salesforce-certified talent in the Montreal CIC. In the next year, IBM plans to hire more Salesforce consultants, developers, and architects.
“The strength of our local business and research community is a key reason why Montréal has become a global hub in AI,” said IVADO CEO Gilles Savard. “IVADO is pleased to see a leader like IBM invest in – and partner with – our ecosystem as IVADO believes in the importance of strong collaboration between academia and businesses. IBM already delivers value to its clients through AI and, moving forward, we are thrilled to have our top minds work with IBM to deliver even more innovation and value.”
IBM Canada launched its IBM Client Innovation Centre in Montréal (CIC) in 2016. Through the client innovation centre, the company offers application development to private and public clients in Canada.