Honouring Abhishek Gupta at the Montreal Startup Community Awards 2024

Je m'appelle Renjie Butalid et je suis le co-fondateur de Montreal AI Ethics Institute (MAIEI).

I had the privilege of working closely with Abhishek to bring MAIEI to life and shape it into what it is today. I want to share three thoughts with you tonight.

First, when I say the world has lost an intellectual giant in AI ethics and responsible AI, I’m not exaggerating. Through his tireless efforts in building MAIEI and fostering the AI ethics community, Abhishek put Montreal—and our tech community—on the global map for these critical issues. While tonight we celebrate Montreal’s startups, we also celebrate his life as a member of this community. Abhishek won Community Organizer of the year in 2018.

Second, Abhishek’s impact went far beyond his professional achievements. I’d like to acknowledge his parents, Uncle Ashok, Auntie Asha, and his brother, Abhijay, who are here with us tonight. Uncle and Auntie flew in from India two days ago and will be in Montreal for the next few months. And together with his brother, we’re planning a memorial in January of next year to honour Abhishek’s remarkable life and legacy.

Lastly, Abhishek had the entrepreneurial spirit to take MAIEI from zero to one. I am committed to taking it from one to ten—and, with the support of this incredible community here in Montreal and our partners around the world, to take it from ten to one hundred—and beyond. If anyone here is interested in building alongside myself, my team and our global community, I’d love for you to reach out.

I want to thank Ilias, Simran, and the entire MTL NewTech team for this space to honour Abhishek and his spirit. Merci.