IBM, Polytechnique Montréal launch sustainable forest AI

IBM and Polytechnique Montréal launched a collaborative initiative to apply artificial intelligence and quantum computing to the Canadian forestry sector.

IBM said the partnership will work to provide decision-making tools that will help address operational challenges in an industry valued at CAD $33.4 billion, according to Natural Resources Canada. IBM emphasised the need for more sustainable practices as the industry confronts climate change and complex supply chain challenges.

Polytechnique Montréal, a Canadian engineering university with a focus on AI and data-driven sustainability, will join IBM's Impact Accelerator program. The institution is also a member of the IBM co-founded Sustainability Quantum Working Group, which includes founding members such as Hydro-Québec and the Université de Sherbrooke.

The partners are set to develop an AI and quantum-enabled platform designed to support forest management, harvesting decisions, yield prediction, and logistical planning. The platform will be designed to integrate operational data using machine learning, explore digital twins, and incorporate optimisation techniques to help companies align their financial, logistical, and environmental objectives.

Through the IBM Impact Accelerator, Polytechnique Montréal will have access to IBM's technology, including its quantum systems and operational AI resources, to support these goals, including IBM Quantum System One.

"We're in an era where advanced technologies like AI are moving beyond innovation labs and into communities to solve real supply chain and infrastructure challenges. This new IBM Impact Accelerator cohort shows what's possible when we combine our tools with local insight to build stronger, more sustainable systems," said Justina Nixon-Saintil, Vice President and Chief Impact Officer at IBM.

The collaboration will occur in two distinct phases over a two-year period.

The first phase launches with the IBM Garage methodology, which focuses on rapid digital transformation and targeted outcomes. In the subsequent development and implementation phase, technologies will be configured to meet the requirements of the forest sector, and pilot implementations will be conducted in selected communities.

The partnership is supported by IBM's co-created solutions and expertise, as well as involvement from EY and ServiceNow. EY will provide workshops and coaching, while ServiceNow is expected to contribute technical guidance and digital transformation services to eligible schemes. 

IBM has committed to up to CAD $45 million in cash and services for the Impact Accelerator program through 2029. The company stated that efforts have focused on sustainable agriculture, energy, water management and urban resilience, with an estimated 2.5 million people benefiting directly from previous projects.

"This new partnership with IBM will be key to enable us to fully develop the AI and quantum-enabled decision-support tool we are currently working on which aims at transforming the raw forest biomass into a wide range of products while providing sustainable forest management and harvesting," said François Bertrand, Vice President of Research and Innovation at Polytechnique Montréal.