TELUS Digital Experience is expanding its AI research footprint with the launch of the TELUS Digital Research Hub at the University of São Paulo (USP). With a $1 million investment over the next three years, this facility will serve as a centre for AI research, attracting top global talent to advance the role of artificial intelligence in customer experience (CX).
The Research Hub will be housed within USP’s Center for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (CIAAM), an innovation-driven institute established in 2023 to facilitate discussions on AI’s technological, economic, and social impact.
“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.
By joining a distinguished network of global corporations—including Motorola, IBM, and Itaú—already contributing to CIAAM’s research ecosystem, TELUS Digital is strengthening its commitment to AI innovation and ethical AI development.
This initiative aligns with the company’s “Humanity-in-the-Loop” principles, ensuring they develop AI innovations with a strong ethical foundation and human oversight. By fostering collaboration between academia and industry, the Research Hub will drive responsible AI innovation that enhances customer experience and delivers broader societal benefits.
$1 million investment
TELUS Digital aims to allocate the $1 million investment to various academic and research initiatives, including grants, fellowships, and international collaborations. In addition, they will award eight undergraduate research grants annually, providing them with hands-on experience in AI-focused projects, including machine learning, AI security, and advanced AI systems.
These students will work alongside faculty and industry experts while receiving a stipend to support their research. The Research Hub will also fund postdoctoral fellowships for early-career AI researchers, allowing them to pursue independent studies and collaborate with experts from TELUS Digital and USP’s faculty.