TELUS Digital to invest $1M over three years to drive frontier research in AI-fueled customer experience (CX) applications, software, and solutions
TELUS Digital Experience, a leading global technology company deploying exceptional customer experiences, will expand its global AI research footprint with the launch of the TELUS Digital Research Hub at the University of São Paulo (USP) in Brazil on March 18. Through a $1 million investment over three years, the state-of-the-art facility will serve as a collaborative research space, attracting leading global AI research talent to drive advancements in artificial intelligence (AI)-fueled CX. The TELUS Digital Research Hub will be located within the Center for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (CIAAM) located at USP, an integrative center established in November 2023 to catalyze innovation and foster discussions on technological, economic, and social impact. TELUS Digital is joining a notable group of global companies, including Motorola, IBM, and Itaú, already established at the Center that are contributing to CIAAM’s AI research ecosystem.
“The launch of TELUS Digital’s partnership with USP and our new TELUS Digital Research Hub on campus marks an exciting milestone in our company’s sustained commitment to advancing AI research and development, incorporating diverse perspectives to mitigate bias and promote responsible AI, and contributing to the global dialogue on AI’s potential,” said Renato Vicente, Director, TELUS Digital Research Hub. “Our company’s dedication to providing exceptional, AI-fueled customer experiences and outcomes for the brands we serve globally will help direct our research agenda over the next three years. This will include advancing the capabilities of Fuel iX™, our proprietary, generative AI platform and suite of solutions that personalize, secure and scale digital interactions. By uniting academia and leading CX industry experts, our goal is to leverage the strengths of both groups to create innovative and transformative real-world applications with measurable impacts.”
“USP is a leading force in artificial intelligence research, contributing a significant share of Brazil’s scientific advancements in the field,” said Fabio Cozman, Director of the Center for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning at USP. “The presence of TELUS Digital will both enhance research initiatives and provide an atmosphere of innovation to students.”
To define the TELUS Digital Research Hub’s research focus and agenda, a Steering Committee composed of industry and academic leaders has been established. Its inaugural members include:
- Professor Renato Vicente, Director, TELUS Digital Research Hub
- Gagan Tandon (GT), Managing Director, AI & Data, TELUS Digital Solutions
- Bret Kinsella, General Manager, Fuel iX™, TELUS Digital Solutions
- Professor Sergio Oliva, Director, Institute of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, USP
- Alexandre Guilbault, Director of AI, TELUS and Founder and Head of TELUS AI Accelerator
- Sami Bin, Director, LATAM Operations, TELUS Digital Solutions
A Scientific Committee and an International Scientific Advisory Council will also be formed in the coming months to provide technical expertise and ensure alignment with global research standards.
The launch of the TELUS Digital Research Hub will be celebrated during an event at the new facility at USP on March 18, 2025.
Investing in Research Talent and AI Innovation
At the core of the TELUS Digital Research Hub is a commitment to foster the next generation of AI researchers and develop advancements in AI-fueled CX innovation, while ensuring that AI advancements remain human-centered, ethically designed and purpose-driven. Aligned with TELUS Digital’s Humanity-in-the-Loop principles, the Research Hub will focus on advancing AI that is not only innovative but also grounded in human insight and ethical governance. By fostering collaboration between academia and industry, it will create an environment where diverse perspectives drive responsible AI development that may contribute to broader societal benefits.
TELUS Digital’s $1 million investment will fund various grants, fellowships, and collaborative research and teaching initiatives, providing opportunities for students, postdoctoral researchers and visiting scholars from around the world to contribute to pioneering AI research.
Undergraduate Research Grants: Each year, eight undergraduate students will be selected to participate in AI-focused research projects under the guidance of both faculty and industry experts. These students will receive a monthly stipend for their work as they deepen their knowledge in areas such as advanced AI systems, AI security and machine learning.
Postdoctoral Fellowships: The Research Hub will provide funding to early-career researchers pursuing advanced studies in AI technologies. Postdoctoral fellows will have the opportunity to conduct independent research projects that are aligned with the Research Hub’s core focus areas, collaborating with experts from TELUS Digital and academic faculty members.
Visiting Scholar Fund: To foster international collaboration, the Research Hub will provide funding for renowned AI scientists and researchers to visit USP and engage with the research community. These individuals will mentor undergraduate students and share their global perspectives on AI model development, security and governance.
The TELUS Digital Research Hub in São Paulo will complement TELUS Digital’s digitization campuses already established in India (2024) and Guatemala (2022), which drive digital enablement and technology-driven CX solutions for enterprises. The investment in Brazil also deepens the company’s commitment to the country’s thriving AI ecosystem and builds on its existing strong presence in São Paulo and Porto Alegre, following its 2021 acquisition of WillowTree, which included Poatek, a software engineering and data science firm.
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