Ahoy Moves R&D Hub to Montreal, Plans 200 Hires

Ahoy, a Dubai-based physical AI startup, is relocating its research and development operations to Montreal. The company announced Wednesday at Startupfest that it will make Montreal its primary R&D hub and North American headquarters. It plans to hire 200 people for research and engineering roles. Ahoy also expects the move to create 300 additional jobs across the local ecosystem through third-party consulting and implementation firms.

The expansion follows a “nine-figure” deal to buy Wrk, a Montreal-based business process automation startup. The acquisition has not closed. Shinawi did not disclose terms.

Ahoy claims to be profitable with more than $100 million in annual recurring revenue. Its AI systems are deployed in airports and hospitals across the Middle East and North America. The company is looking to build on that progress by expanding in North America.