International Game Technology (IGT) recently announced a 5-year investment agreement with the McKenna Institute at the University of New Brunswick in Canada to fund education and research opportunities in AI, data science, gaming software and hardware platforms and automation. The agreement also will fund two new faculty positions and an innovation-director role.
Dr. Paul Mazerolle, UNB president and vice-chancellor, said, “IGT’s investment in innovation will help UNB and the McKenna Institute establish New Brunswick as a national center for design in regulated gaming technologies. It will provide our students with increased opportunities to use AI and data science to develop knowledge and skills in a field that is in high demand.”
Renato Ascoli, IGT chief executive officer for Global Gaming added, “This strategic agreement between IGT, UNB and the McKenna Institute will fortify gaming technology, data science and artificial intelligence platforms at UNB. IGT’s strong commitment to New Brunswick takes an important step forward with our establishment of this significant research and educational partnership in the region. Our investment can greatly foster the development of a larger and more effectively aligned talent pipeline in gaming-related technologies.”
In a statement, the McKenna Institute commented it was committed to positioning New Brunswick as a globally competitive digital economy. The Institute frequently works with businesses, academia and government on initiatives to promote digital literacy, attract talent to New Brunswick, support research and development and job creation.
IGT works with governments and regulators in more than 100 jurisdictions worldwide, enhancing players’ gaming experiences in lotteries, gaming machines, sports betting and digital.
