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

1000+

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.

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.

If you are currently an undergraduate, see the section on undergraduate requirements below, and also explore our other talent-development opportunities.

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

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.

I have 10+ years of work experience. Can I still apply?

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 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.