Dubai’s physical AI company Ahoy announced it will shift its R&D operations to Montréal, hiring 200 employees and making the city its North American headquarters as it deepens collaboration with AI research institute Mila.
- Ahoy will hire 200 staff in Montréal for R&D and operations.
- The company designates Montréal as its North American HQ and AI lab site.
- Partnership with Mila deepens; acquisition of Montréal startup Wrk underway.
What happened
Dubai-based AI firm Ahoy announced it is relocating its research and development operations to Montréal, making the city its primary R&D hub and North American headquarters. The company plans to hire 200 workers in roles spanning research, engineering, and go-to-market functions as part of this shift. Ahoy also disclosed it will establish a physical AI lab in Montréal alongside this expansion.
This move was publicized at the Startupfest event and comes shortly after Ahoy entered into a partnership with Montréal’s Mila AI institute. Additionally, Ahoy revealed a pending acquisition of Wrk, a local startup specializing in business process automation software, reportedly secured via a nine-figure deal, although terms are not fully disclosed.
Why it matters
Ahoy’s relocation underscores Montréal’s growing significance as a global AI hub, supported by its rich talent pool provided by institutions like Mila. By moving its core R&D functions and establishing a physical AI lab there, Ahoy is anchoring its innovation closer to top AI research, positioning itself for accelerated technological development and commercial deployment in North America.
The planned workforce expansion and ongoing acquisition of Wrk point to Ahoy's ambitions to broaden its AI capabilities and market presence. The company reports $100 million USD in annual recurring revenue and claims profitability, suggesting the move aims to scale operations sustainably while tapping into Montréal’s local ecosystem to drive further job creation and technology adoption.
What to watch next
Stakeholders should monitor the closing of the Wrk acquisition and how this integration enhances Ahoy’s product offerings in business automation within physical AI. The impact of the company’s hiring spree on Montréal’s AI community and job market will also be significant to observe, especially if Ahoy leverages existing partnerships to build a larger network of consulting and engineering firms.
Additionally, tracking how Ahoy deploys its AI solutions across sectors such as airports, utilities, and hospitals in North America will shed light on the company’s growth trajectory and technological influence outside the Middle East. The evolution of its relationship with Mila and the new physical AI lab’s outputs will be critical indicators of the firm’s R&D progress.