IVADO Launches a Call for Proposals for the 2027–2030 R3AI Research Clusters

Montréal, June 9, 2026 – IVADO is pleased to launch a Call for Proposals for the 2027–2030 R3AI Research Clusters. This initiative is part of IVADO’s flagship program for Robust, Reasoning and Responsible AI, developed in collaboration with its five partner universities (U5): Université de Montréal, Polytechnique Montréal, HEC Montréal, Université Laval, and McGill University.

The recent release of Canada’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy: AI for All, reaffirms the importance of investing in research, talent, adoption, and infrastructure to strengthen Canada’s prosperity, trust, and sovereignty in the field of AI. IVADO’s R3AI Research Clusters provide a tangible way to advance these national priorities.

About the Call

Building on the success of the first edition launched in 2024, this call aims to further advance the R3AI vision by mobilizing the research community around ambitious, interdisciplinary, and collaborative initiatives capable of addressing the rapid evolution of AI.

IVADO will invest up to $20 million over three years (2027–2030) to support the establishment or consolidation of approximately 8 to 12 Research Clusters. As an indication, each Cluster may receive up to $1.95 million for the entire funding period.

Objectives

Proposals must demonstrate:

strong scientific ambition and a clear impact strategy;
coherence and integration of research activities within a collaborative framework;
the development of local, national, and international collaborations;
strengthened partnerships with industry, governments, and external stakeholders;
knowledge mobilization and training of the next generation of talent;
alignment with IVADO’s 2025–2030 EDI Action Plan;
a strategy for securing complementary funding to ensure the long-term sustainability of activities.

For existing Clusters, this call represents an opportunity to consolidate achievements, refine scientific positioning, and amplify scientific and societal impact. IVADO also encourages the submission of proposals introducing new, emerging, and innovative AI research directions.

Research Themes

IVADO currently supports research across 10 thematic areas: the Neuro-AI Gap, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, Implementation and Deployment Science, EDI and Indigenous Communities, Molecules, Environment, Health Systems, Supply Chains, and Security. This funding program provides an opportunity to add up to three new thematic areas to IVADO’s current research themes.

Eligibility

Teams will consist of one Principal Investigator and up to three Co-Principal Investigators affiliated with one of IVADO’s five partner universities (U5), as well as Co-Investigators from other institutions in Canada or internationally. Collaborators and various national and international partners may also join the team.

Important Dates