Cultivating the Next Wave of AI Research Talent
Amii’s AICAP program is designed to complement and enhance the experience gained in a thesis-based MSc /PhD program – and accelerate early careers.
Professional Development
Gain skills and knowledge through workshops, presentations, and career spotlight sessions, and explore career options through self-directed online courses
Paid Work Opportunities
Gain hands-on experience and mentorship from Amii ML experts through paid Work-Integrated Learning Opportunities (WILOs), and receive updates on Amii Resident opportunities
1:1 Career-Building Resources
Ensure you’re putting your best foot forward through 1:1 resume review sessions and job interview support
Community Connection
Gather to work and socialize with your peers through our coworking space, coffee socials, and happy hours at Amii HQ in downtown Edmonton, and access an active online community through Amii’s Slack workspace
AICAP by the Numbers
What our program has delivered since its inception in 2020:
A Vibrant Community
1400+
Active program participants
Applied AI Immersion
16,500+
Hours of paid Work-Integrated Learning delivered since 2020.
Personalized Support
150+
One-on-one resume and interview coaching sessions completed.
Eligibility
Please read all our requirements carefully before applying to the AICAP program.
Are you an Undergraduate? Please see our Undergraduate Hub page.
Are you looking to pivot into AI from a different industry? Our AI Literacy programs are a great place to start.
Education
To be eligible for the AICAP program, you must be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate-level (MSc or PhD) program focused on AI.
Technical Skills
Must have skills and knowledge in programming (data structures, algorithms, linear algebra, statistics, and ML) and languages (Python, R, or MATLAB).
Interest & Experience
Demonstrated interest in AI, ML, or data science through academic projects, internships, work experience, or competitions, and intention to continue applying AI skills to current or future career goals.
Work Eligibility
Must be eligible to work in Canada (e.g., citizen, permanent resident, or valid work permit).
Amii Affiliation (Optional)
Affiliation with an Amii Fellow or Canada CIFAR AI Chair is beneficial, but not required.
Exceptional cases
In limited cases, some undergraduate or Non-CS Graduates may be considered for AICAP if they meet some of the following criteria:
Lab internship with an Amii Fellow
Startup project involvement with Amii
Executive role in AI-related student organization
Research internship focused on AI
Participation in an Amii-affiliated AI4Good Lab or UR2PhD cohort
FAQs
What exactly is the AI Career Accelerator Program (AICAP)?
AICAP is Amii’s flagship professional development program specifically designed for graduate-level technical AI talent. It is an application-based community that complements your academic research with industry-aligned skills, networking, and paid work opportunities.
What benefits do I get as a participant?
Participants gain access to a comprehensive suite of career-building resources, including:
Professional Development: Workshops, panel discussions, and "Career Spotlight" sessions with industry leaders.
Paid Work Experience: Exclusive access to apply for Work-Integrated Learning Opportunities (WILOs) and ML Residency opportunities.
Career Support: 1:1 resume reviews (after completing foundational modules).
Community & Space: Access to the Amii Slack workspace and our world-class coworking space at Amii HQ in downtown Edmonton.
Exclusive Access: Priority access to Upper Bound talent bursaries
Is AICAP an online course?
No, it is a comprehensive professional program. While we host a library of self-directed online learning modules (via our Rise platform) and some virtual workshops, the core value of the program lies in its community, in-person networking in Edmonton, and hands-on work contracts.
I am an undergraduate student. Can I apply?
AICAP is primarily designed for MSc and PhD students. Undergraduates are accepted only in rare instances where they are already deeply embedded in the Amii ecosystem—such as working in an Amii Fellow’s lab, leading an AI-related student organization, or participating in the AI4Good Lab.
Not sure if you qualify? Visit our Undergraduate AI Resource Hub to explore programs specifically designed for undergraduate talent.
I have 10+ years of experience in Software Engineering or Management. Is this for me?
AICAP is tailored for early-career researchers. If you have extensive industry experience and are looking to "pivot" into AI, our team would prefer to meet with you directly to provide a personalized recommendation for our professional literacy or industry programs.
For questions or guidance, please reach out to talent@amii.ca
Do I need a lot of prior research or industry experience to be accepted?
While you need a strong technical foundation (typically in CS, Engineering, Math, or Stats), you do not need to be a "finished expert." The program is geared towards current graduate students that may be pursuing research, and seek applicants that are eager to level up their experience beyond the lab!
What is the time commitment involved?
The program is designed to be flexible and "complementary" to your full-time graduate studies. You engage with the components that move the needle for you.
Workshops/Socials: Usually 1–2 hours per session.
WILO Contracts: Typically limited to a maximum of 15 hours per week to ensure your research remains your primary focus.
How does mentorship work within the program?
Mentorship is integrated through two main paths:
Technical Mentorship: During WILO contracts and Residencies, you work directly under the guidance of Amii’s ML experts and Product Teams.
Career Mentorship: Our Talent Team provides 1:1 support for resumes and interviews to help you navigate the transition from lab to industry.
What specific areas of AI are covered?
Because Amii is a general AI research institute, our programming covers the full spectrum—from the "Anatomy of AI in Research" to its application in Entrepreneurship, Startups, and Industrial Operations. Whether your focus is Reinforcement Learning, Computer Vision, or NLP, you will find relevant expertise here.
Who do I contact if I have more questions?
The Amii Talent Team manages AICAP. You can reach them directly at talent@amii.ca for any questions regarding eligibility, applications, or program benefits.
Apply Here
Before you apply: ensure you've read our eligibility requirements.
Still have questions? That's OK! Please email us at talent@amii.ca and our team will get back to you.