France–Quebec Collaborations in AI: IVADO and Inria Conclude the 1st Edition and Extend their Joint Initiative

On December 2 and 3, IVADO and Inria celebrated the conclusion of the first edition of the Franco-Quebec exchange semester in artificial intelligence, designed to intensify collaboration between the research ecosystems of the two territories by funding research stays for researchers in France and Quebec. By promoting encounters between researchers on both sides of the Atlantic, this program aims to create an environment favorable to the emergence of ambitious AI projects and to strengthen scientific ties between France and Quebec in the long term.

At the closing event, the participating teams presented the progress of their work, illustrating the diversity of topics related to artificial intelligence and the complementary nature of the expertise mobilized. Their preliminary results confirm that a structured collaboration framework, jointly supported by IVADO and Inria, is a powerful lever for bringing about innovative projects with a strong scientific impact.

At the heart of this program is a shared vision: to support artificial intelligence research that is both excellent and socially responsible, rooted in sustainable international collaboration. By joining forces in Quebec and France, IVADO and Inria aim to foster the emergence of new knowledge, encourage the transfer of skills, and contribute to the development of AI that serves society. Supported by pooled financial resources, structured mobility opportunities between France and Quebec, and the mobilization of their networks of stakeholders, this initiative offers an environment conducive to accelerating innovation and strengthening the societal impact of AI research.

“This program was a wonderful opportunity to forge new scientific ties and strengthen existing partnerships around significant issues in artificial intelligence. We are pleased to announce that this IVADO INRIA exchange program will be renewed next year, and we invite all members of our communities to take advantage of it.”
– Luc Vinet, Executive Director, IVADO

“We are proud to have launched with IVADO in 2025 this new initiative dedicated to France-Quebec exchanges in artificial intelligence, and to have observed its impact as links created or strengthened between researchers in Quebec and researchers from Inria teams and French AI Clusters (3IA Côte d’Azur, SCAI, MIAI for this first edition). In the continuity, the second edition will also be open on the French side to members of Inria teams and researchers affiliated with one of the nine French AI clusters, as part of of the AI program, of Inria Program Agency and of Inria’s role in the research component of the French AI strategy (SNIA).”
– Cécile Vigouroux, PhD, Director for International Relations, Inria

 

Building on the success of this first edition, the two institutions are pleased to announce the renewal of the program. A new call for funding will be launched in early 2026 to support a second cohort and continue building strong and innovative scientific collaborations between France and Quebec, building on the areas explored during this first edition. The two organizations will also explore new ways to further structure their ties, both scientifically and institutionally.