Vector Institute 2024-25 annual report: Where AI research meets real-world impact

Vector’s latest annual report showcases research advancements and industry partnerships that strengthen Canada’s AI leadership

Vector bridges AI research and application, translating cutting-edge science into solutions that benefit Canadians. Over the past year, Vector’s research community achieved international recognition, while collaborations with industry and health partners delivered results, and expanding talent pipelines met surging demand. Strategically positioned at the heart of Ontario’s thriving ecosystem, Vector is strengthening Canada’s competitive advantage in the global AI landscape.

This year’s report details how Vector’s approach creates value across the AI ecosystem, showcasing the path from innovation to impact.

Highlights from Vector’s 2024-25 annual report

Research excellence drives Canadian leadership

Vector’s research community achieved international and national recognition this year with Vector’s Chief Scientific Advisor and co-founder Geoffrey Hinton receiving the Nobel Prize in Physics, while Faculty Member Sheila McIlraith earned the CAIAC Lifetime Achievement Award, and co-founder Raquel Urtasun was named Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. These are just a few of the achievements that reflect the calibre of Vector’s expanding research community, which welcomed four new Faculty Members and Canada CIFAR AI Chairs this year.

Beyond recognition, the research community is tackling pressing real-world challenges. Among other advancements this year, Vector researchers developed machine learning models that address inequities in liver transplant decisions, created AI-powered tools that detect Alzheimer’s disease with 92% accuracy through speech analysis, and advanced computer vision technology that provides surgeons with real-time guidance during operations.

Industry partnerships generate practical impact

Vector’s industry partnerships deliver practical AI expertise to Canadian companies. Through training, workshops, and hands-on collaboration, Vector provided over 50,000 hours of knowledge transfer across 32 industry sponsors, including a new Gold sponsor, Unilever and enhanced partnerships with founding sponsor CIBC. These partnerships enable companies to translate cutting-edge science into business solutions. For example, the AI Model Deployment Bootcamp helped Vector Gold sponsor Hitachi Rail develop expertise to improve predictive maintenance and safety monitoring, while Vector’s FastLane program enabled companies like PAVE AI to achieve 98% accuracy in automated vehicle inspections.

Talent development sustains growth

Vector helps develop the skilled workforce that sustains Canada’s AI advantage. Through scholarships, university partnerships, and connections with industry employers, Vector ensures talented graduates enter Ontario’s AI ecosystem and stay. Vector awarded 115 Vector Scholarships in AI this year while collaborating with universities across the province to develop job-ready talent. The approach works: 92% of graduates from Vector-recognized programs are employed or pursuing further education, with 91% remaining in Ontario.

Vector continues to bridge the gap between breakthrough research and practical solutions that drive economic growth and improve lives across the country.