LG set to launch its first AI lab in Canada, partners with University of Toronto

In recent months, the city of Toronto in Canada has been growing as a technology hub, with the launch of major ventures like Nvidia's new AI research lab, and Alphabet subsidiary Sidewalk Labs' aim to build a futuristic neighborhood in the city.

Now, LG Electronics, part of the LG Corp. conglomerate, has announced that it will soon be opening an AI research lab in Toronto to "define the future of artificial intelligence" in the coming years. Additionally, the Seoul-based company has also entered into a five-year multi-million-dollar research partnership with the University of Toronto.

This will be the firm's first Canadian AI lab and will serve as an extension of its Silicon Valley AI lab in Santa Clara, California. In an interview with Bloomberg, Dr. I.P. Park, President and CTO of LG Electronics, noted that the lab is set to launch in Toronto this fall, despite the firm having initially considered Montreal as a possible set-up location as well.

In a press release regarding the announcement, Dr. Park identified the three main pillars of LG's AI strategy:

"The first is the ability to evolve with time, so the more you use our products, the better they evolve to meet your specific needs. The second is the ability to integrate AI into diverse touchpoints – to have a seamless, consistent user experience across the entire LG product portfolio, from connected appliances and TVs to connected cars and smartphones. The third is openness; our strategy is to provide the best AI experience for LG customers, leveraging the complementary capabilities of leading partners across the ecosystem."

He believes that AI solutions, particularly those developed with machine learning tools "will revolutionize how we interact with the world around us".

Under the new partnership, LG will build upon its Open Platform-Open Partnership-Open Connectivity strategy, with researchers from the University of Toronto lending their expertise to aid the development of source technologies for the future. Meric Gertler, President of the University of Toronto, views this as an exciting new partnership that "strengthens opportunities for our faculty, students and start-up companies across a whole range of disciplines." To further complement its work, the Korean company will be looking to consult with and invest in North American start-ups as well.