Collaboration Partners TELUS and USP Elevate AI-Driven Customer Experience Innovation in their Digital Research Hub
Artificial Intelligence Shaping Industries, TELUS Digital Leading the Way
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming industries worldwide, and TELUS Digital, a renowned global tech firm, is at the forefront of this revolution. With a $1M investment over three years, TELUS Digital, known for delivering exceptional customer experiences (CX), has launched the TELUS Digital Research Hub in partnership with the University of São Paulo (USP). This innovative research hub is set to revolutionize AI-powered CX technologies, bridging the gap between academia and industry.
Redefining the Future at USP
Officially unveiled on March 18, 2025, at USP's Center for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (CIAAM), the TELUS Digital Research Hub aims to push boundaries in AI-fueled CX applications, software, and solutions. TELUS Digital joins an elite group of global innovators, including Motorola, IBM, and Itaú, contributing to Brazil's growing reputation as a powerhouse in AI research. Its vision? To catalyze AI innovation, champion ethical design principles, and fortify enterprise-grade CX technologies, such as TELUS Digital's proprietary generative AI platform, Fuel iX™.
Gagan Tandon, TELUS Digital's Managing Director, AI & Data, underscores the partnership's impact, stating, "This initiative will merge the brightest minds in tech and academia to create scalable, human-centered solutions that redefine customer experience."
At its core, the hub's collaboration with USP ensures its research agenda is guided by diverse global perspectives, accelerating AI innovation while addressing ethical challenges such as bias and security.
Core Objectives and Research Emphasis
The TELUS Digital Research Hub isn't just a facility; it's a global platform for groundbreaking research and education aimed at making AI more effective, efficient, and ethical. Here's what the focus entails:
1. Amplifying AI-Powered Customer Experience Solutions
The hub aligns with TELUS Digital's mission to amplify CX strategies with advanced AI technologies, ensuring seamless, secure, and scalable customer interactions. This includes the development and enhancement of Fuel iX™, TELUS Digital's generative AI platform for transforming digital experiences for global enterprises.
2. Supporting Responsible AI Development
In line with TELUS Digital's "Humanity-in-the-Loop" principles, the hub prioritizes ethical, human-centered AI design to create innovative yet socially responsible and diverse user-focused AI solutions.
3. Bridging the Gap Between Academia and Industry
To ground AI research in real-world business contexts, the hub encourages active participation from academic experts and industry leaders, fostering a fertile ground for actionable innovation, not just theoretical advancements.
These objectives are overseen by a Steering Committee comprising influential leaders from TELUS Digital and esteemed USP faculty members.
Empowering the Next Generation of AI Researchers
One of the hub's standout highlights is its dedication to nurturing new talent. TELUS Digital recognizes that AI innovation relies on educating and empowering the next wave of thinkers. Its three-tiered program offers opportunities for students, early-career researchers, and international experts alike:
- Undergraduate Research Grants
Yearly grants support eight undergraduate students in hands-on AI-focused projects, guided by both industry and academia. Topics span advanced systems, AI security, and machine learning.
- Postdoctoral Fellowships
Postdoctoral researchers gain access to funding and opportunities for independent, high-impact projects, guided by TELUS Digital leaders and the USP faculty team.
- Visiting Scholar Program
Renowned AI scientists and experts are invited to mentor USP students and share valuable global perspectives.
Choosing São Paulo for Growth
São Paulo emerged as an innovation hotspot, making it an obvious choice for TELUS Digital's expanding presence. Brazil leads Latin America in AI investments, while USP contributes significantly to the country's advancements in artificial intelligence research. TELUS Digital's commitment strengthens its footing in São Paulo's thriving AI ecosystem, complementing previous ventures like the acquisition of Poatek in 2021 and the establishment of digitization campuses in India and Guatemala.
According to Fabio Cozman, Director of CIAAM at USP, "TELUS Digital's presence will boost research initiatives and offer an unparalleled atmosphere of innovation for students."
Shaping the Future of AI-Powered CX Innovation
As AI capabilities continue to grow, so will its impact on shaping customer experiences. TELUS Digital's innovations—from world-class chatbots to personalized enterprise platforms—aim to revolutionize AI-powered CX technologies, transforming how businesses interact with their customers worldwide. This partnership goes beyond technology investment: it's an investment in people, talent, and the future of global enterprise.
Want to stay ahead in AI-driven CX innovation? Partner with FirstIgnite for R&D collaborations tailored to your objectives. Together, we can help you connect with researchers, institutions, and breakthrough technologies to drive impact. Get in touch with FirstIgnite today.
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On March 18, 2025, TELUS Digital's Research Hub was launched in collaboration with the University of São Paulo (USP). This partnership connects scientists and academia to develop solutions aimed at revolutionizing AI-powered customer experience (CX) technologies.
The hub's mission is to catalyze AI innovation, support responsible AI development, and bridge the gap between academia and industry. Its objectives focus on amplifying AI-powered CX solutions, fostering ethical design principles, and cultivating a fertile ground for actionable innovation.
TELUS Digital's research agenda is guided by diverse global perspectives, addressing ethical challenges such as bias and security. The hub's Grant program offers opportunities for undergraduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and visiting scholars to develop AI-focused projects.
São Paulo, a thriving AI ecosystem, is a strategic choice for TELUS Digital's innovation. This commitment complements previous ventures like the acquisition of Poatek in 2021 and the establishment of digitization campuses in India and Guatemala.
Gagan Tandon, TELUS Digital's Managing Director, AI & Data, believes this initiative will merge bright minds to create scalable, human-centered solutions that redefine CX. The hub hopes to boost research initiatives and create an unparalleled atmosphere of innovation for students.
Developing AI-powered CX innovations goes beyond technology investment. It's an investment in people, talent, and the future of global enterprise. For businesses aiming to stay ahead in AI-driven CX innovation, partnerships with institutions like TELUS Digital and collaborations with breakthrough technologies are key to driving impact.
Collaboration with FirstIgnite offers opportunities for R&D collaborations tailored to businesses' objectives. By partnering with FirstIgnite, businesses can connect with researchers, institutions, and cutting-edge technologies to drive impact. For further information, reach out to FirstIgnite today.
Through partnerships and investments, the TELUS Digital Research Hub aims to accelerate AI innovation, develop ethical solutions, and transform the future of AI-powered CX technologies.
This initiative, among other groundbreaking research and education platforms, transforms data into intelligence, steering AI research towards efficient, effective, and ethical applications.
With financial backing and a strong commitment to ethical AI principles, this partnership promises to transform the technology, finance, business, and AI-driven CX industries for years to come.
Simultaneously, the launch of the hub signifies an investment in AI-powered solutions, further fortifying TELUS Digital's global presence in delivering exceptional customer experiences.
By fostering collaboration, talent development, and technological advancements, the TELUS Digital Research Hub serves as a platform for AI-driven innovation, ready to seize opportunities for transformative growth.
