Vector Institute announces nearly $2 million in scholarships for top Ontario AI graduate students
115 recipients were awarded a $17,500 merit-based scholarship from the Vector Institute for the 2024-25 academic yearOver 682 scholarships have been awarded since the Vector Scholarship in Artificial Intelligence program launched in 2018Over 90 percent of graduates are hired and remain in Ontario after graduation TORONTO, May 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, the Vector Institute announced the 115 recipients of the 2024-25 Vector Scholarship in Artificial Intelligence (VSAI). These $17,500 merit-based scholarships are awarded to top candidates enrolled in Vector-recognized master's programs or pursuing individualized AI study paths at universities across Ontario. "Vector is exceptionally proud of the high caliber and rich diversity of this year's student cohort. Our Scholarship in Artificial Intelligence is a key part of Vector’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of AI experts. By equipping them with the most sought-after AI skills and cultivating an ecosystem that encourages them to build their future in Ontario, Vector is ensuring that the top-AI talent strengthens Canada's economy as we drive AI adoption and reinforce our position as a global AI leader." -Melissa Judd, Vector’s Vice President, Research Operations and Academic Partnerships This year's VSAI recipients come from diverse academic backgrounds including engineering, computer science, health informatics, and business analytics. Upon graduation, they will join Ontario's growing community of highly-skilled AI talent. In total, the 2024-25 cohort was awarded over $2 million in scholarship funding. Beyond financial support, VSAI recipients and students enrolled in master’s programs recognized by the Vector Institute can attend events and talks that put them face-to-face with top AI researchers and teams from top Canadian employers, providing unique career opportunities. The master’s students are also given access to Vector’s Digital Talent Hub, networking events, and AI-specific professional development programming to ensure they are ready to join the workforce. Since 2018, Ontario companies and organizations have hired more than 2,000 Vector-affiliated students from AI master’s programs, including VSAI recipients. “It is an honour to be recognized by the Vector Institute, and I am grateful for the opportunity that this award affords me to continue my research in artificial intelligence. It is no secret that AI is reshaping the world around us, and I am excited to be a part of the local community working to leverage its power in innovative ways.” -Charlotte Barnes, MSc in Computer Science, University of Guelph This seventh round of VSAI recipients will attend 14 universities across Ontario. Six hundred and eighty two have been awarded since the program launched in 2018, and the number of Vector-recognized AI master's programs has grown to 26 across Ontario, reflecting the rising need for AI talent. This marks the third year in a row that Ontario universities have surpassed the province’s ambitious AI talent goal of 1,000 AI master's graduates per year. These graduates are also in high demand, with over 90 percent building their careers here in Ontario’s vibrant AI ecosystem. “On behalf of the Government of Ontario, we’d like to congratulate the 115 talented students who are recipients of the Vector Scholarship in Artificial Intelligence. Ontario is a leading source of tech and AI talent, and by fostering innovation in critical technologies, we are enabling domestic companies to compete and win on the global stage. Thank you, Vector Institute, for your continued support of the next generation of Ontario’s AI talent.” -Vic Fedeli, Ontario Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade This year’s scholarship program was supported by the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. The 2025-26 scholarship nomination dates will be announced in Fall 2024. Learn more about the Vector Scholarship in Artificial Intelligence Vector’s 2024 scholarship recipients Carleton University Yassin, Yousef - Master of Computer Science Lakehead University Boyle, Tanner - MSc in Computer Science, Applied AI McMaster University Falahati, Ali - MASc in Computational Science and EngineeringTrandinh, Winnie - MASc in Software EngineeringXue, Yuanqi - MSc in Computer Science Queen’s University Asad, Ali - MASc in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Field of study in AIBayley, Adam - MASc in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Field of study in AIShama, Ethan - MASc in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Field of study in AIDe Venezia, Rebecca - MSc in Computing, Field of study in AIIlie, Teo - MSc in Computing, Field of study in AIVandergrift, Matthew - MSc in Computing, Field of study in AIBabayan, Irina - MSc in Physics Queen’s University, Smith School of Business Bingeman, Laura - Master of Management in AIBattu, Ranveer - Master of Management AnalyticsBelimova, Tatiana - Master of Management Analytics Toronto Metropolitan University Meyappan, Vaishali Meena - MEng in Electrical and Computer Engineering, AI ConcentrationDas, Sharmi - MSc in Data Science and AnalyticsParmar, Tanish - MSc in Data Science and Analytics University of Guelph Kopel, Kayla - MSc in Applied Statistics, Collaborative Specialization in AIBarnes, Charlotte - MSc in Computer Science, Collaborative Specialization in AIChereddy, Spandana - MSc in Computer Science, Collaborative Specialization in AIVinden, Nicholas - MSc in Computer Science, Collaborative Specialization in AI University of Ottawa Albarham, Mohammad - MASc in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Concentration in Applied AIZhang, Yueteng - MASc in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Concentration in Applied AIFaghihi, Armina - MEng in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Concentration in Applied AISabourin, Nicole - MSc in Computer Science, Concentration in Applied AIXu, Ximei - MSc in Computer Science, Concentration in Applied AI University of Toronto Myslik, Frank - Executive Master of Health InformaticsWong, Jonathan - Executive Master of Health InformaticsJiao, Aoran - MASc in Aerospace Science and Engineering, Robotics and AISahak, Hshmat - MASc in Aerospace Science and Engineering, Robotics and AIKhaki, Samir - MASc in Electrical & Computer EngineeringAquino, Laurel - MSc in Applied ComputingAubry, Murdock - MSc in Applied ComputingChen, Daniel - MSc in Applied ComputingChen, Elsie - MSc in Applied ComputingDormer, Will - MSc in Applied ComputingLee, Sumin - MSc in Applied ComputingLi, Muhan - MSc in Applied ComputingLiu, Alex - MSc in Applied ComputingLiu, Andy - MSc in Applied ComputingMemon, Sameer - MSc in Applied ComputingQi, Sipu - MSc in Applied ComputingSen, Ujan - MSc in Applied ComputingBromley, David - MSc in Computer ScienceZhu, Kelly - MSc in Computer ScienceKazari, Kamyar - MSc in Health Systems Research, Health Systems AIRostami, AmirHosein - MSc in Health Systems Research, Health Systems AI University of Toronto, Rotman School of Management Choi, Jiwon - Master of Management AnalyticsHou, Sophie - Master of Management AnalyticsLalani, Armaan - Master of Management AnalyticsSethi, Tanmay - Master of Management AnalyticsTan, Zheng - Master of Management AnalyticsWoodman, Olivia - Master of Management Analytics University of Waterloo Brandon Jaipersaud - MASc in Electrical and Computer EngineeringMohammadHossein Koosheshi - MASc in Mechanical and Mechatronics EngineeringKurien, Joshua - MASc in Systems Design EngineeringBhalla, Kareena - Master of Data Science and Artificial IntelligenceKang, Yuxin - Master of Data Science and Artificial IntelligenceSong, Steven - Master of Data Science and Artificial IntelligenceGill, Lovepreet Singh - MEng Electrical and Computer EngineeringSchneider, Benjamin - MMath in Computer ScienceSheta, Hala - MMath in Computer ScienceYan, Xin - MMath in Computer ScienceSeebach, Lily - MMath in Data ScienceWang, Carolyn - MMath in Data Science University of Windsor Rice, Steven - MSc in Computer Science, Concentration in AI Western University Sandhu, Suharsh - Master of Data Analytics, Specialization in AIMoftah, Mahira - MEng in Software Engineering, Collaborative Specialization in AIHartman, Lucas - MESc in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Collaborative Specialization in AIMeawad, Mohamed - MSc in Cell biology, Collaborative Specialization in ML in Health and Biomedical SciencesMei, Zhimin - MSc in Computer Science, Collaborative Specialization in ML in Health and Biomedical Sciences York University Luther, Andrew - MSc in Computer ScienceNoroozi, Alireza - MSc in Computer Science York University, Schulich School of Business Neve, Dishita Pranaykumar - Master of Business AnalyticsPatel, Mansi - Master of Business AnalyticsSaklani, Akrit - Master of Business AnalyticsWu, Jiayi - Master of Business AnalyticsLuo, Cheng- Master of Management in AITang, Christine - Master of Management in AI The Vector InstituteLaunched 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. For further information or media enquiries, please contact: [email protected]
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