# Protein Industries Canada Proposal ## Executive Summary The Vector Institute will partner with Protein Industries Canada (PIC) to build a comprehensive data readiness improvement training program for PIC’s member companies. At the heart of this program is the use of real-world examples, interactive coding exercises, and reflective discussions to help companies build capacity, knowledge and skills in the field of AI. As a one-of-a-kind centre of AI research excellence in Ontario, Vector is well-positioned to be a strategic partner in helping PIC achieve it's goals through both technical and non-technical educational programming. ### Month 1: AI/ML Fundamentals and Ethical Considerations During the first month, participants will learn key AI/ML concepts and terminology. This is meant to give participants a baseline understanding of how the technologies and methods could add value to their organization and help them recognize when to consider ML versus other technical solutions. Participants will also learn how to apply design thinking to AI, discuss ethical issues, and reflect on strategies for mitigating bias. ### Month 2: Data Readiness for AI/ML Through Vector's ongoing work with various SMEs, some of the biggest hurdles when adopting AI include difficulties identifying appropriate use cases, technical infrastructure challenges, and a lack of access to quality data. During the second month, participants will propose their own business use cases and gain insights for tackling them from Vector's ML experts. Participants will also learn more about data collection, structure, and organization in order to build the appropriate infrastructure for ML models. ### Month 3. Working on a Company Use Case Each participating PIC company works individually with Vector’s team on their business use case. Vector will help source example datasets, establish a data management plan, and identify appropriate ML methods in order to develop a PoC. Throughout the training program, Vector will host guest lectures, tapping into it's network of SMEs and researchers in the agricultural sector.