By: Justine Brooks
28 Jul, 2025
Supporting the next generation of AI talent
July 28, 2025
Cohere discusses their sponsorship of the 2025 Deep Learning + Reinforcement Learning Summer School
This article was published in recognition of Cohere’s sponsorship of the 2025 DLRL Summer School
Each year, the CIFAR Deep Learning + Reinforcement Learning (DLRL) Summer School welcomes emerging AI talent from around the world to explore the foundational research, new developments and real-world applications of AI and machine learning.
Launched over 20 years ago, the program has trained over 2700 students, many of whom have gone on to become prominent leaders in the field. DLRL is made possible through the generous support of sponsors like Cohere, who not only provide essential funding but also create valuable learning and networking opportunities for students.
First coming on board as a sponsor in 2021, Cohere joined DLRL this year as a Gold sponsor. CIFAR sat down for an interview with Cohere co-founder Ivan Zhang to hear more about Cohere’s commitment to supporting the next generation of AI talent and why they chose to sponsor DLRL.
CIFAR: To start off, can you tell us a bit about what Cohere does and your role within the company?
Ivan Zhang: As a co-founder of Cohere, the leading security-first enterprise AI company, I drive product development and focus on public sector adoption of our cutting-edge AI solutions. I work closely with our technical teams to build North, our secure AI workspace platform, which empowers employees to accomplish more with custom AI agents. We are proud to partner with leading global enterprises, including Oracle, RBC, TD Bank, LG CNS, Fujitsu and Dell, to deliver secure AI solutions that solve real-world business problems.
CIFAR: What motivated Cohere to support DLRL as a gold sponsor? Was there a specific aspect of DLRL that resonated with Cohere’s mission?
IZ: We’re deeply committed to strengthening Canada’s leadership in AI and growing its talent pool. Supporting DLRL is our way of fostering innovation and nurturing the next generation of AI leaders right here in Canada. It’s part of our broader effort to build a thriving tech ecosystem that drives global impact.
CIFAR: Why does investing in the next generation of AI researchers matter to you and to Cohere as a company?
IZ: Having benefited from CIFAR’s generosity in our early days, we’re proud to support the next generation of AI leaders. Investing in these researchers is key to keeping the AI industry thriving long-term. At Cohere, we’re all about giving researchers the chance to make a real impact and build powerful tools for our customers. For Canada, AI is a game-changer for our economic growth and national security. By backing programs like DLRL, we’re growing the talent that will keep Canada leading in AI and make sure Cohere stays ahead of the curve.
CIFAR: How does your support for DLRL reflect Cohere’s broader values or long-term vision for AI?
IZ: Investing in AI research is a part of Cohere’s DNA, which is why we established Cohere Labs, our dedicated research arm. We’re focused on making advances in critical areas like AI safety, security and multilingual support, which are essential for both the global AI community and our customers. You’ll continue to see our team publishing groundbreaking papers that push the field forward, while also building practical solutions that directly benefit our customers. This dual commitment to innovation and real-world impact drives us every day.
CIFAR: Cohere is proudly Canadian yet globally ambitious. What influenced the decision to keep your HQ in Canada, and why was Montreal chosen as a natural location for a new office?
IZ: All three co-founders are Canadian, and we’re proud of our roots as we expand our global presence. Canada has been at the forefront of the AI revolution for decades, and we’re committed to continuing that leadership. With a thriving AI ecosystem and a strong talent pool, we have everything we need to succeed. That’s why we’re deepening our commitment with our new office in Montreal—it allows us to better serve customers across the country and forge new partnerships while strengthening Canada’s position as a global AI leader.
CIFAR: In your view, what sets the Canadian AI ecosystem apart from others globally?
IZ: The Canadian AI ecosystem is known for its strong emphasis on research and responsible innovation. Canada has a rich history of AI development and is home to world-renowned research institutions and top-tier talent. It’s been encouraging to see the support from leading enterprises and the government looking to leverage this technology to drive productivity and efficiency gains.
CIFAR: What advice would you offer to AI trainees and students who want to make a meaningful contribution in this fast-moving field?
IZ: AI is going to have a transformative impact on the way we live and work. My advice is to stay curious, keep learning and seek out opportunities to contribute to the field. The industry is constantly evolving, so it’s essential to stay on top of the latest developments. At Cohere, we offer internship opportunities that can help you gain practical experience and make a real impact.
Photo credit: Chris Onciul, Amii
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