TMU launching Canada’s first training program to integrate quantum computing, artificial intelligence and operations research

From logistics and supply chain management to communication and healthcare, there is a growing demand for experts in next generation technologies that employ automated and algorithmic decision making. To accelerate talent development in these areas, Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) has received $1.65 million over six years from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) through the competitive Collaborative Research and Training Experience program (CREATE) to launch a robust training program for highly qualified personnel.

Spearheaded by Sharareh Taghipour, an engineering professor and Canada Research Chair in Physical Asset Management, the Quantum Computing and Artificial Intelligence for Decision Optimization (QAI4DO) research training program will be the first in Canada to integrate the predictive analytics power of artificial intelligence, the prescriptive analytics capability of operations research and the computational power of quantum computing into a comprehensive curriculum for graduate students. These topics have been historically taught in siloes, with no focus on their interconnectivity and cross-over synergy. By combining these cutting-edge areas of research, professor Taghipour and her collaborators aim to equip over 200 student trainees with the technical and professional skills needed to make advancements in automated and real-time decision-making techniques and technologies.

Through hands-on learning, including boot camps, technical courses, research seminars, workshops, symposiums and internships, trainees will be coached to recognize the potential, benefits, challenges, methodologies and available toolkits for next-generation technologies. Ultimately, graduates will be able to adopt emerging trends, develop technology solutions for modelling and solve complex decision optimization challenges. The QAI4DO program will also serve as a model for future STEM training in Canada for its consideration of equity, diversity and inclusion principles at every stage, from trainee recruitment to research design. 

“This unique training program will help future professionals maximize the power of quantum computing and AI-enabled technologies and develop systems that make life better for all Canadians,” said Steven N. Liss, TMU’s vice-president, research and innovation. “Congratulations to professor Taghipour and her collaborators on being awarded this important grant.”

Led by a pan-Canadian network of universities and industry leaders, the QAI4DO program brings together some of Canada’s top minds in operations research, quantum information,  machine learning, trustworthy AI, business analytics, cybersecurity, computer science and industrial, civil, electrical and computer engineering. Together, this collaborative and interdisciplinary team will deliver education and develop new methodologies, toolkits and solutions through research.

Professor Taghipour will serve as the Program Director and work closely with co-principal investigators, including TMU professors Bilal Farooq and Atty Mashatan as well as professors Trung Q. Duong and Octavia A. Dobre from Memorial University of Newfoundland, professor Hans-Arno Jacobsen from the University of Toronto, professor Stephen L. Smith from the University of Waterloo, professor Peter Lewis from Ontario Tech University, professor Stefanos Kourtis from the University of Sherbrooke, professor Borzou Rostami from the University of Alberta and professor Shohini Ghose from Wilfrid Laurier University. The team also includes several academic collaborators, administrators and partner organizations.