Vanguard and University of Toronto announce strategic artificial intelligence research partnership Français
TORONTO, May 29, 2025 /CNW/ - Vanguard today announced a new research initiative in collaboration with the Department of Computer Science at the University of Toronto to advance AI research and innovation for investors and the financial services industry by drawing on the University of Toronto's world-renowned artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) program.
As part of this collaboration, the University of Toronto Department of Computer Science will establish several labs composed of professors, post-doctoral fellows, and students to collaborate with Vanguard's existing Toronto-based AI research team. Collectively, they will develop broad AI solutions and insights to address complex business challenges and drive innovation within the financial services industry.
"We are delighted to partner with the University of Toronto, a world-renowned academic institution at the cutting edge of AI innovation and research. This collaboration will not only enhance our capabilities to better serve investors with top-tier expertise and resources but also contribute to the broader field of AI, ultimately benefiting our clients and industry," said Nitin Tandon, Managing Director and Chief Information Officer, Vanguard.
The initial focus of this initiative and research will include developing greater insight into:
Responsible AI Principles: Ensuring ethical and transparent use of AI.
Cognitive AI: Developing AI systems that can understand and interact with humans more naturally.
Autonomous AI Agents: Creating AI systems capable of independent decision-making.
Adaptive Frameworks for LLM Training: Enhancing the training of large language models to improve performance and reliability.
"This partnership with Vanguard is a significant step forward in applying AI and ML to the financial services sector. By collaborating with Vanguard's skilled team, we aim to develop practical AI solutions that can directly improve people's financial decision-making and outcomes. This collaboration will also provide valuable hands-on opportunities for our students and faculty to work on real-world projects, contributing to Toronto's status as a global hub for AI research and innovation," said Eyal de Lara, Professor and Chair of the University of Toronto Department of Computer Science.
"Over the past fourteen years, we have proudly served Canadian investors and we are happy to grow our presence and team in Toronto, a city that is rapidly becoming a global hub for AI innovation and top technology talent," added Kathy Bock, Managing Director and Head of Vanguard Investments Canada Inc.
Investment in AI Research and Innovation
This program will include co-creating research papers, jointly participating in and hosting meetings, seminars, conferences and recruitment initiatives for research projects. This initiative will expand Vanguard's AI team in Toronto to 90 roles, along with providing internship opportunities for University of Toronto students.
About Vanguard
Canadians own CAD $132 billion in Vanguard assets, including Canadian and U.S.-domiciled ETFs and Canadian mutual funds. Vanguard Investments Canada Inc. manages CAD $96 billion in assets (as of April 30, 2025) with 38 Canadian ETFs and ten mutual funds currently available. The Vanguard Group, Inc. is one of the world's largest investment management companies and a leading provider of company-sponsored retirement plan services. Vanguard manages USD $10 trillion (CAD $13.7 trillion) in global assets, including over USD $3.3 trillion (CAD $4.5 trillion) in global ETF assets (as of April 30, 2025). Vanguard has offices in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe and Australia. The firm offers 441 funds, including ETFs, to its more than 50 million investors worldwide.
Vanguard operates under a unique operating structure. Unlike firms that are publicly held or owned by a small group of individuals, The Vanguard Group, Inc. is owned by Vanguard's U.S.-domiciled funds and ETFs. Those funds, in turn, are owned by Vanguard clients. This unique mutual structure aligns Vanguard interests with those of its investors and drives the culture, philosophy, and policies throughout the Vanguard organization worldwide. As a result, Canadian investors benefit from Vanguard's stability and experience, low-cost investing, and client focus. For more information, please visit vanguard.ca.
About the University of Toronto Department of Computer Science
The Department of Computer Science at the University of Toronto is a global leader in computing research and education, consistently ranked among the top computer science departments worldwide. Known for its pioneering contributions to areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, human-computer interaction and systems, the department fosters a vibrant academic community that brings together world-renowned faculty, innovative researchers, and ambitious students. With strong ties to industry and a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach, U of T's Department of Computer Science drives technological advancement and prepares graduates to become leaders in academia, industry and beyond.
The University of Toronto, founded in 1827, is Canada's leading public research university, recognized globally for its academic excellence and innovation. Across its three campuses, the university offers over 700 undergraduate and 200 graduate programs. U of T is home to world-changing discoveries and continues to shape a better future through research, teaching and public impact.
SOURCE Vanguard Investments Canada Inc.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Toronto Star
an hour ago
- Toronto Star
Canadian, European space agencies reaffirm relations amid political, economic anxiety
LONGUEUIL - Economic and geopolitical turmoil is forcing the Canadian and European space agencies to work together more closely, the organizations' leaders said Friday as they signed a joint statement reaffirming their long-standing collaboration. At the Canadian Space Agency's headquarters south of Montreal, Josef Aschbacher, director general of the European Space Agency, said economic uncertainty and global conflict are pushing Europe's space sector to establish its autonomy — and reassert links with allies.
Japan Forward
an hour ago
- Japan Forward
Japan Trials First Full-Flat Sleeper Bus
Japan's first trial run of a highway bus with full-flat seats is now underway, aiming to challenge the common view of night buses as cramped and tiring. The seats were jointly developed by Kochi-based operator Kochi Ekimae Kanko, a local model-making company, and a machinery manufacturer. Made entirely in Kochi, they meet the full-flat seating guidelines introduced by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism in November 2024. Since March, Kochi Ekimae Kanko has been operating a weekly round trip between Tokyo and Kochi on a trial basis, receiving positive feedback. With hotel prices climbing due to increasing inbound tourism, the service also aims to appeal to cost-conscious travelers. The full-flat seats are called Sommeil Profond, French for "deep sleep." Two rows of seats, front and back, convert into bunk-style beds, creating a private space similar to a capsule hotel. A large coach was remodeled to accommodate 24 seats across 12 bunk-style units arranged in three rows. The trial service began on March 11, running once a week between Tokyo and Kochi or Tokushima. The longest stretch of the trip takes about 13.5 hours one way. Passengers can stay fully reclined the entire time. Each seat is enclosed by curtains for privacy and comes with amenities like a blanket and pillow, offering a semi-private experience. The regular fare is expected to be around ¥13,000 JPY (about $90 USD), though the trial price has been set between ¥7,000 and ¥7,500. On the morning of May 21, the trial bus arrived at Kochi Station fully booked with passengers traveling for sightseeing or business. Yukari Ikezawa, a 37-year-old office worker from Kochi who took the round trip, said, "The vibrations bothered me a little, but on the way back, I was so tired I slept soundly. I felt much less fatigued compared to a regular bus." A company representative added, "These seats significantly reduce fatigue compared to standard ones. And since passengers can sleep while traveling, it also helps cut down on hotel expenses." Seats arranged to make full-flat "beds." (Courtesy of Kochi Ekimae Kanko) About 30 years ago, Kochi Ekimae Kanko's Chairman Kuninori Umehara saw sleeper buses during a visit to China. The company considered bringing the concept to Japan but had to put the idea on hold due to the lack of a legal framework at the time. Around 10 years ago, the company confirmed that there were no regulations on seat reclining angles. This opened the door to the idea of converting traditional seat designs into fully flat beds, and development began. Creating bus seats involves specialized knowledge and technical skills. To take on the challenge, the company partnered with local model maker Thermal Kobo and industrial machinery manufacturer Kakiuchi. Together, they repeatedly refined prototypes that could fold flat, maximize cabin space, and meet safety standards. They also consulted closely with Japan's transport ministry. It was determined that as long as the seats could return to an upright position, the bus would pass inspection under the Road Transport Vehicle Act. At the time, international safety standards for vehicle seating were based on a 25-degree seatback angle, and there was no established method to assess the safety of fully flat seats. However, as global discussions around safe seating in various postures began to grow, the ministry anticipated rising demand and introduced formal guidelines in November 2024. The guidelines require the following: A fall-prevention plate that can withstand 900 kilograms of force Two-point seatbelts Padding and safety features to prevent falls from the head and sides Clear evacuation routes and secure luggage storage Kochi Ekimae Kanko refined its design to meet these standards and successfully turned the concept into reality. Since the trial began, buses equipped with Sommeil Profond seats have been nearly full. Surveys show that about 80% of users gave the ride high marks, especially for reduced fatigue and improved sleep quality. The most common complaint, however, was the narrow bed size. In bed mode, each seat measures 180 cm (5.9 ft) in length, 48 cm in width, and 51 to 73 cm in height, depending on the seat. Some larger passengers reportedly have to curl up to fit. "There's definitely room for improvement," said a company representative. "But seat size is closely tied to pricing, so we have to be careful when considering any changes to the design." Wider seats would improve comfort but reduce the total number of seats. Since operating costs per bus trip — such as fuel — are mostly fixed, fewer seats would lead to higher fares. For reference, a standard 28-seat, three-row bus charges about ¥10,000 on the Kochi–Tokyo route. The full-flat model accommodates 24 seats, allowing fares in the ¥13,000–¥14,000 range. Passengers have also requested more storage space and power outlets. The company is reviewing these suggestions and plans to expand service this fall with two buses offering four round trips per week. Looking ahead, Kochi Ekimae Kanko aims to market the Sommeil Profond model nationwide. Talks are already underway with bus operators in Tohoku and Kyushu, and interest has been strong. A representative said, "Eventually, we believe half of all overnight highway buses could adopt full-flat seating. By switching between upright and flat modes, these buses could even serve as a new option for inbound tourism. We want to keep improving and expand this model across Japan." ( Read the article in Japanese . ) Author: Koji Maekawa, The Sankei Shimbun
Canada Standard
2 hours ago
- Canada Standard
Bringing Back the Buzz: The Social Evolution of Online Gaming
The transition from physical casino floors to digital platforms has fundamentally altered the gambling landscape. While online casinos offer unprecedented convenience and accessibility, many players yearn for the vibrant atmosphere that characterizes traditional brick-and-mortar establishments. The challenge for contemporary online gaming platforms centers on recreating that distinctive social energy which transforms casino visits from solitary activities into memorable communal experiences. Why Players in Canada Are Turning to Online Communities The rise of online gambling in Canada has opened up a world of convenience, variety, and privacy. But even the best bonuses and sleekest interfaces can't fully replace the energy of a live casino floor. That's where social features come into play. The roundup of the country's leading online casinos points to a growing trend: the most popular platforms are investing in more than just game variety?they?re building communities. Whether through Discord servers, multiplayer formats, or tournaments with built-in chat features, these options help Canadian players stay connected while gaming solo at home. Operators featured in ValueWalk's guide are increasingly offering robust social functions, including in-game communication and shared experiences. These tools serve not just to replicate the feeling of being surrounded by other players but to foster genuine interaction, competition, and even camaraderie. Live Dealer Games Bridge The Gap Live dealer games represent the most significant advancement in recreating authentic casino atmospheres within digital environments. These platforms connect players with professional dealers broadcasting from specialized studios, complete with high-definition cameras that capture every card shuffle and roulette wheel spin. The technology creates an immersive environment where players observe dealer expressions, hear the authentic sounds of chips and cards, and experience the genuine suspense of real-time gaming. Virtual Lounges Simulate Casino Environments Progressive online casinos have developed virtual lounge spaces where players gather between games. These digital environments simulate casino lobbies and waiting areas, providing dedicated spaces for casual conversation and social networking. Video chat capabilities allow players to see and speak with each other, creating face-to-face interactions that closely mirror physical casino encounters. Avatar Customization Enhances Personal Expression These virtual spaces often feature customizable avatars and personal profiles, allowing players to express their personalities and establish recognizable online identities. Some platforms incorporate virtual reality elements, enabling players to navigate three-dimensional casino environments and interact with other participants more naturally. The technology continues evolving to support larger group gatherings and special events that bring communities together. Discord Communities Connect Gaming Enthusiasts Many online casino enthusiasts have embraced platforms like Discord as gathering places for their gaming communities. These applications provide persistent chat rooms where players discuss strategies, share experiences, and coordinate group gaming sessions. Voice chat capabilities enable real-time conversations during gameplay, recreating the social commentary that naturally occurs around casino tables. Tournament Organization Fosters Competition These communities often organize tournaments, challenges, and special events that foster competitive camaraderie. Members share screenshots of significant wins, offer support during losing streaks, and celebrate collective achievements. The platform's integration with streaming services enables players to broadcast their gaming sessions, creating entertainment content while fostering audience engagement. Multiplayer Tables Encourage Strategic Thinking Multiplayer poker tables and tournament structures naturally encourage social interaction by bringing players together with common objectives. These formats require communication and strategic thinking that extends beyond individual gameplay decisions. Players develop reputations within gaming communities, form alliances, and engage in the psychological aspects of competitive gaming that define traditional casino poker rooms. Regular Tournaments Create Social Routines Tournament chat functions enable participants to discuss hands, analyze strategies, and build relationships that continue across multiple events. Regular tournament schedules create anticipation and foster routine social gatherings, much like weekly poker nights or monthly casino visits. The competitive element adds excitement while the social component maintains engagement between actual gaming activities. Social Media Integration Extends Connectivity Modern online casinos increasingly incorporate social media integration, allowing players to share achievements and invite friends to join gaming sessions. Mobile applications include about friends' activities and achievements, maintaining awareness of community members' gaming experiences. Some platforms offer gift-giving features, enabling players to send virtual tokens of appreciation or celebration to fellow participants. Augmented Reality Shapes Future Gaming Mobile casino apps are now introducing , which mixes digital content with the real world. Because of these technologies, people may soon be able to experience casino nights in their homes through virtual means, while remaining in touch with friends far away. Online casinos are committed to keeping gambling fun by developing social features. Although technology improves, socializing and interacting with others remain the primary factors that attract people, so digital platforms create new ways to replicate the charismatic atmosphere found in land-based casinos.
