TELUS Digital launches research hub to drive AI innovation in Brazil

In Brazil, TELUS Digital officially launched the TELUS Digital Research Hub on March 26, 2025, situated at the Center for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (CIAAM) at the University of São Paulo (USP). This state-of-the-art facility aims to foster innovation in artificial intelligence by promoting collaboration among researchers and students. With a focused agenda on key advancements, the hub will address several critical areas, including the development of small language models, enhancing AI security, improving knowledge graph integration, and promoting explainability in AI systems to ultimately ensure responsible AI deployment. The hub seeks to not only advance the understanding and practical applications of AI but also to invest in the next generation of AI leaders through grants for students engaged in hands-on projects. Bret Kinsella, General Manager at TELUS Digital, emphasized the importance of this hub in aligning TELUS's global efforts in AI innovation with local expertise and diverse perspectives within Brazil. The Research Hub will mirror their previously established Digital Centers in Guatemala and India, establishing a global presence that taps into varying talents and cultural approaches to AI projects. Renato Vicente, Director of the TELUS Digital Research Hub, outlined the commitment to research that makes a genuine impact, which resonates with the broader goal of responsibly integrating AI into everyday applications while ensuring ethical standards are maintained. Students and researchers are encouraged to participate and apply for research grants available through the TELUS Digital Research Hub. This aims to engage academia and industry mentorship to facilitate real-world AI projects, thereby training future professionals in a landscape that increasingly depends on technology. USP, as a prestigious institution with a long-standing academic tradition, is well-positioned to contribute significantly to the field of AI, reinforcing its status as a leader in technological advancements and scientific output. As companies and institutions globally invest in AI, the TELUS Digital Research Hub represents a vital step towards creating responsible, innovative solutions to address contemporary challenges in technology and customer experience. By focusing on areas critical for the future of AI and collaborating with emerging talents in the field, TELUS Digital positions itself as a forward-thinking leader aiming to shape the landscape of AI responsibly and sustainably.