U of T establishes new Hinton Chair in Artificial Intelligence with support from Google
Summary
The University of Toronto has launched the Hinton Chair in Artificial Intelligence, backed by $10 million from Google, to honor Geoffrey Hinton's legacy and advance AI research.
Why It Matters
This initiative highlights the growing collaboration between academia and industry in AI, aiming to attract top talent and foster innovation in crucial fields. It underscores the importance of sustained investment in AI research for societal advancement.
Key Takeaways
- The Hinton Chair is funded by a $10 million donation from Google, matched by U of T.
- This chair aims to honor Geoffrey Hinton's contributions and attract leading AI researchers.
- It is part of U of T's Third-Century Chairs program, aimed at enhancing research capabilities.
- The initiative supports the Canadian government's goal to attract global research talent.
- The chair will facilitate training for students and promote innovation in various fields.
U of T establishes new Hinton Chair in Artificial Intelligence with support from Google (photo by Nick Iwanyshyn) Published: December 3, 2025 By Advancement Staff The University of Toronto has established the Hinton Chair in Artificial Intelligence with $10 million in funding from Google. This new chair will honour the extraordinary legacy of University Professor Emeritus and Nobel laureate Geoffrey Hinton at U of T and Google by enabling the university to recruit and retain another brilliant, internationally recognized AI expert to make profound contributions to the field. “On behalf of the university, I would like to express our deepest gratitude to Google for this wonderful investment,” said U of T President Melanie Woodin. “This new chair will enable us to build on Geoff Hinton’s historic contributions in artificial intelligence and to advance our record of transformational research in fields of crucial importance to the world.” U of T is matching Google’s support with an additional $10 million in funding. This historic $20-million investment makes the Hinton Chair in Artificial Intelligence one of U of T’s most prestigious and generously supported advanced research roles, with substantial endowed support for a leading-edge AI researcher and additional funds to drive fundamental discoveries and insights – creating the intellectual underpinnings necessary to take AI to the next level. “Google is proud to partner with the University of Toronto in establishing this end...