Seneca Polytechnic and Microsoft Strengthen AI Education Partnership
Seneca Polytechnic and Microsoft Canada have announced a significant expansion of their strategic collaboration, marking a new multi-year commitment to advance artificial intelligence education and innovation. This enhanced partnership builds upon the relationship first established in 2024, introducing fresh elements and AI advancements designed to transform the postsecondary learning experience.
New AI Integration Across Academic Programs
The expanded relationship demonstrates how Seneca continues to align with evolving higher education and employment trends. Students and employees will gain early access to the latest Microsoft AI innovations, while the institution continues to innovate with Microsoft Foundry, formerly known as the Azure AI Platform. This unified, interoperable AI platform serves as a cornerstone for the partnership's technological infrastructure.
Working collaboratively with Microsoft partner Adastra, Seneca will integrate agentic AI learning opportunities directly into classroom environments. This initiative includes providing students with Microsoft Azure tools to advance their AI knowledge and practical skills. Within AI-focused programs specifically, faculty members will work closely with Microsoft to incorporate agentic AI into curriculum development, ensuring students gain hands-on experience that prepares them for success in emerging job markets.
Career Preparation Through Practical Experience
Seneca is further enhancing career pathways by offering co-op opportunities to students across various technology programs. These positions will enable students to work directly with Adastra and Seneca's Information Technology Services department to build custom AI solutions, providing invaluable real-world experience.
"Seneca is delighted to continue working with Microsoft as we explore new ways to equip students with the skills and knowledge today's workplaces demand," stated David Agnew, President of Seneca Polytechnic. "Together, we are accelerating innovation by embracing AI as central to education and employment."
Canada's Growing AI Adoption
According to Microsoft's AI Diffusion Leaderboard, Canada currently ranks 14th globally in AI adoption, with usage now reaching 35% of the population. This demonstrates significant leadership in implementing AI technology effectively. Today's announcement builds directly upon this national momentum toward broader AI integration.
"AI will be a defining driver of Canada's competitiveness, but it only delivers value when it's adopted broadly and responsibly," explained Matt Milton, President of Microsoft Canada. "By deepening our collaboration with Seneca Polytechnic, we're helping bring trusted, secure AI into the tools and experiences that students and educators both use, helping more people build the skills and confidence to thrive in Canada's future AI economy."
Comprehensive AI Learning Environment
In recognition of this new commitment, Mr. Milton toured Seneca's Newnham Campus as part of the announcement to observe Microsoft AI applications in action. This continued work with Microsoft represents part of Seneca's ongoing evolution in artificial intelligence education.
This January, Seneca welcomed both domestic and international students to its new Master of Artificial Intelligence Design & Development program, marking the institution's historic first-ever master's degree offering. All students now have access to My Tutor, an AI learning companion utilized across various courses, alongside AI-powered tools that help prepare students for presentations, sales pitches, job searches, and interviews. Additionally, Microsoft 365 Copilot chat is available to all students and employees, further enhancing the technological ecosystem supporting education at Seneca Polytechnic.
