IVADO

What IVADO does

IVADO (Institut de valorisation des données) is a Quebec-based AI, data science, and operations research consortium founded in 2016 with the inaugural Canada First Research Excellence Fund (Apogée Canada) grant. Headquartered in Montreal at 950 Av. Beaumont, it operates as a multi-sided coordination platform anchored by five Quebec universities (Université de Montréal, Polytechnique Montréal, HEC Montréal, Université Laval, and McGill University — the "U5"), Mila (Quebec AI Institute), more than 2,000 affiliated researchers, and over 180 industrial members totaling 200+ partners. Its core activities fall into four pillars — research funding (IAR3 clusters, exploratory projects, visiting scholars), training (MOOCs, professional programs, the twice-yearly job fair, and the new PMI-CPMAI certification), technology transfer (collaborative research with industry, PARTENAR-IA funding, and the DémultiplIA entrepreneur program), and community engagement (thematic semesters, Action Inclusion challenges, student committee). Industrial membership fees, government grants (notably the 2022 Apogée grant of $124.5M for IAR3), research-project co-funding, and training/dissemination revenue together form the operating budget, with collaborative project activity generating $9.5M and research support disbursement reaching $11M in 2022-2023.

The technology stack combines deep-learning foundations (Yoshua Bengio as Scientific Director, with active research on generative flow networks and responsible AI) with domain expertise in natural language processing, computer vision, multimodal learning, recommendation engines, optimization (e.g., Optinav maritime routing), and predictive analytics. The product surface centers on programs rather than packaged software: MOOCs (Recommender Systems, Machine Learning in Finance, Deep Learning Essentials), the AutodIAg self-diagnostic tool, the COVID-19 Data Hub platform (winner of the 2024 Open Data Quality Award), and structured funding instruments such as PARTENAR-IA, Scientifique en action/résidence, and the postdoctoral entrepreneur track. Recent strategic moves point toward commercialization of certifications (PMI-CPMAI), expansion into clinical AI (Sorintellis, Bioeureka), and public-sector digital innovation (Retraite Québec, Revenu Québec, Autorité des marchés financiers). Leadership transitioned in May 2026 with Nathalie de Marcellis-Warin appointed CEO, succeeding Luc Vinet, who had overseen the IAR3 grant acquisition.

Name

IVADO

Legal name

Institut de valorisation des données (IVADO)

Website

https://ivado.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

2016

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

IVADO is a Quebec-based AI research consortium connecting 5 universities, 2,000+ researchers, and 180+ industrial partners to fund, train, and transfer responsible AI across sectors.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

AI Research Consortium

NAICS

Professional and Management Development Training (61143), Computer Training (611420), Educational Support Services (611710), Business Associations (813910)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Engineering, Accounting, Research, Management (8700)

akta.pro primary industry

Data Science, Machine Learning & AI (Modeling, MLOps, GenAI) (EDABAFAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Data, Analytics & AI Training (BI, Data Engineering, ML/GenAI) (BPAEANAH), Model Transparency, Explainability & Interpretability (XAI) (HDAAAMAB), AI & Machine Learning (Foundations & Applied) (EDAMACAG)

Keywords

• AI research consortium
• Data science training
• Collaborative research programs
• Technology transfer services
• AI talent development

Headquarters

HQ city

Montréal

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Government Research Funding (Apogée Canada): IVADO receives substantial federal funding through the Apogée Canada Excellence Research Fund. Received $124.5M federal grant for IAR3 project, with total leveraged funding exceeding $500M over seven years. First Apogée grant (2016) was focused on 'Data Serving Canadians'.
2. Industrial Membership Fees: Over 180 industrial partners pay membership fees. 22 new members joined in 2022-2023 bringing total to 200. Approximately 30 startups supported through industrial membership. Industrial collaboration generates $9.5M in collaborative research projects.
3. Research Grants and Scholarships: IVADO distributes $11M in research support through scholarships and grants annually (as of 2022-2023). 64 new scholarships awarded in 2022-2023 including postdoctoral entrepreneur awards. $1.279M in new student scholarships in 2022-2023.
4. Training Programs: Training revenue from professional development courses, MOOCs, and customized training programs. 3,300+ participants acquired new AI knowledge through training programs in 2022-2023. New training direction established to accelerate AI adoption.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

IVADO is a Quebec-based research consortium that connects academic researchers from five partner universities with industrial organizations through collaborative research projects, professional training programs (MOOCs and customized courses), technology transfer support, and startup assistance. The organization funds and facilitates AI and data science research, distributes scholarships and grants, and helps companies adopt AI technologies by matching them with academic experts.

Product overview

IVADO (Institut de valorisation des données) is a Quebec-based research consortium bridging academia and industry, rather than a traditional product company. The organization offers a portfolio of programs and services organized around four pillars: Talents (training and education including MOOCs, professional programs, and talent events), Knowledge (research funding through R3AI clusters, exploratory projects, and visiting researcher programs), Transfer (collaborative research facilitation, startup support including DémultiplIA, Scientifique en action, Scientifique en résidence, and PARTENAR-IA), and Community (thematic semesters, Action Inclusion challenges, and student engagement). Key platforms include the COVID-19 Data Hub for research data consolidation. IVADO connects over 2,000 researchers with 180+ industrial members to accelerate responsible AI development and adoption across sectors including healthcare, finance, energy, and supply chains.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Industrial Membership Program
• Collaborative Research Projects
• MOOCs IVADO
• Programme Adoption et innovation en intelligence artificielle
• Thematic Semesters Program (Programme de semestres thématiques)
• IAR3 Research Clusters (Regroupements de recherche)
• Programme Projets exploratoires IVADO
• Long-Term Visiting Researcher Program
• DémultiplIA
• PARTENAR-IA
• Scientifique en action
• Scientifique en résidence
• Postdoctoral Entrepreneurship Funding (Financement Postdoc entrepreneur.e)
• Parcours Action Inclusion
• AutodIAg
• COVID-19 Data Hub Platform

Quantifiable outcome

• $9.5M generated in collaborative research projects in 2022-2023
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability12 records

Feature2 records

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered strategic and core.

• BioeurekastrategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 June 2026Strategic alliance announced June 2026 for AI-assisted pathogen diagnosis, leveraging IVADO's AI expertise for healthcare applications.
• PMI MontrealstrategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 June 2026Strategic partnership announced June 2026 to roll out PMI-CPMAI® certification in Quebec, combining IVADO's AI expertise with PMI's project management certification.
• Retraite QuébecstrategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 May 2026Partnership announced May 2026 to foster digital innovation in the public sector, applying AI solutions to government services.
• SorintellisstrategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 April 2026Strategic scientific collaboration announced April 2026 for clinical trial intelligence powered by TrialsBank™. Academic experts from UdeM, Université Laval, Mila, and IVADO working on AI-driven recommendation engines for clinical development.
• Université de MontréalcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2026Primary host institution and founding partner of IVADO. One of the U5 universities in the IAR3 research program. Vice-recteur à la recherche Marie-Josée Hébert serves as IVADO board president.
• Polytechnique MontréalcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2026U5 partner university in IAR3 research program. Contributes expertise in engineering, computer science, and applied mathematics to IVADO research initiatives.
• HEC MontréalcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2026U5 partner university in IAR3 research program. Contributes expertise in business analytics, data science, and operations research.
• Université LavalcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2026U5 partner university in IAR3 research program. Research collaborations span multiple AI and data science domains.
• Université McGillcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2026U5 partner university in IAR3 research program. Contributes to diverse research areas including health systems, neuroscience, and AI.
• Georgia Tech (AI4Opt)strategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 August 2022International collaboration through AI for Optimization (AI4Opt) institute, part of NSF. Workshop development collaboration for supply chain optimization research.
• CHUM (Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal)strategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2021Healthcare partner in Action Inclusion Challenge developing AI solutions for inclusion challenges including accessible patient information and multilingual chatbots.
• Banque Nationale du CanadastrategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2021Financial institution partner in Action Inclusion Challenge developing AI solutions for accessibility, including navigation solutions for visually impaired individuals in new bank headquarters.
• IBMstrategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2021Technology partner in Action Inclusion Challenge working on AI solutions for gender representation in STEM and inclusive innovation practices.
• Myelin SolutionsstrategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2021Healthcare technology partner in Action Inclusion Challenge developing Synerpsy platform for neurodiversity accessibility and literacy level analysis.
• ISTEAH (Institut des Sciences, Technologies et Études Avancées d'Haïti)strategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 September 2021Partnership launched September 2021 offering scholarships to 4 Haitian students for supervised research internships at Quebec universities. Funded by Apogée Canada to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Mila - Quebec Artificial Intelligence InstitutecoreTechnology or Integration · 29 September 2021Mila is one of IVADO's member research centers, specializing in machine learning. IVADO's primary role is connecting the research community including Mila with industry players.
• AIMS (African Institute for Mathematical Sciences)strategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Partnership since 2019 promoting data science talent in Africa. 24 AIMS master's students received scholarships through this partnership (2019-2023).
• Hitachi EnergystrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational collaboration on innovative electrical systems modeling and stability analysis for sustainable energy. Partner in collaborative research with RTE (France).
• RTE (Réseau de transport d'électricité, France)strategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerFrench electricity transmission network operator partnering with IVADO researchers on electrical systems modeling and grid stability research alongside Hitachi Energy.
• CIRANOstrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch center partner in sustainable finance initiative 'IA et FinDurable' studying ESG disclosure and environmental impact evaluation.
• IVADO LabscoreTechnology or IntegrationSeparate but closely linked entity handling TRL 5-9 projects (from development to market launch). Different building from IVADO. Core execution partner of Scale AI supercluster.

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Mila - Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute: Mila is a Montreal-based AI research institute specializing in machine learning, founded by Yoshua Bengio. It is IVADO's closest peer, sharing the same city, the same Scientific Director, and overlapping industrial membership and federal funding through the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy.
• Vector Institute: Vector Institute is a Toronto-based AI research consortium and one of the three federally funded Pan-Canadian AI Strategy hubs. It is directly comparable to IVADO in mandate (industry-academic AI bridge, training, applied research) and competes for industrial members and federal AI funding.
• Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii): Amii is the Edmonton-based AI research institute and the third federally funded Pan-Canadian AI Strategy hub. It mirrors IVADO's model of university-affiliated AI research, industrial membership, and training programs, and competes for member mindshare in Western Canada.

Emerging players

• IVADO Labs: IVADO Labs is the commercial execution arm of the IVADO ecosystem, handling TRL 5-9 projects. Although distinct from IVADO, it shares leadership, branding, and the Scale AI supercluster relationship, making it a sibling entity rather than a direct competitor, but the closest emerging counterpart for commercialization.
• Scale AI (Canada's AI-Powered Supply Chains Supercluster): Scale AI is a Canadian industry-led AI supercluster of which IVADO Labs is a core execution partner. While more applied and supply-chain focused, it is comparable as a Canadian AI ecosystem orchestrator and a likely collaborator/competitor for industrial AI project funding.

Broad incumbents

• CIFAR (Canadian Institute for Advanced Research): CIFAR is a Canadian research organization that convenes multi-institution research programs, including the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy. It is comparable to IVADO in its consortium-style research facilitation, scholar funding, and convening role, but operates at a broader, pan-disciplinary level.
• MIT Schwarzman College of Computing: MIT Schwarzman College of Computing is a large, established university-based AI research and education hub. It is comparable to IVADO in its integration of AI research, policy/ethics, and industry engagement, and is a useful international benchmark for academic AI consortium models.
• Stanford HAI (Human-Centered AI Institute): Stanford HAI is a U.S. university-based AI research institute focused on human-centered, multidisciplinary AI development. It is comparable to IVADO in its academic-led, multi-stakeholder model and its emphasis on responsible AI research, and is a strong international peer for benchmarking.
• Alan Turing Institute: The Alan Turing Institute is the UK's national institute for data science and AI, hosted across multiple universities. It is structurally similar to IVADO as a multi-university, government-funded AI research consortium with industrial partnerships, training, and policy engagement.
• INRIA (French National Institute for Research in Digital Science and Technology): INRIA is France's national public research institute for digital science, with deep expertise in AI and partnerships with RTE (an IVADO partner). It is comparable to IVADO as a government-funded, multi-site AI research organization that links academic researchers with industry and trains doctoral talent.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/IVADO/playlists
• Facebookfacebook.com/groups/studentsIVADO
• Xx.com/IVADO_Qc
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ivado

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about IVADO