TELUS, in partnership with NVIDIA, has announced plans to establish Canada’s leading Sovereign AI Factory, a high-security, high-performance computing facility designed to bolster AI innovation while ensuring data sovereignty.
The facility will provide Canadian businesses, startups, and researchers with cutting-edge AI infrastructure, helping them develop advanced AI models while keeping sensitive data within the country’s borders.
Slated to launch by summer 2025, the AI Factory will be based at TELUS’ Quebec data centre, with future expansion planned for British Columbia. The facility will leverage NVIDIA’s latest-generation Hopper- and Blackwell-based GPUs and NVIDIA Cloud Partner (NCP) Reference Architectures to power AI training, fine-tuning, and inference capabilities.
By integrating TELUS’ ultra-fast fibre-optic network and sustainable data centre operations, the AI Factory aims to be one of the most energy-efficient AI hubs globally, running on 99% renewable energy. The facility’s design will also minimize power usage and reduce water consumption by 75% compared to traditional data centres.
TELUS is a member of the BC Tech Association.
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“Canada has made AI a national priority, and the TELUS Sovereign AI Factory provides the infrastructure to scale this innovation,” said Hesham Fahmy, Chief Information Officer at TELUS. “By collaborating with NVIDIA, we’re equipping Canadian businesses with the advanced computing power needed to drive AI innovation while reinforcing Canadian digital independence.”
TELUS becomes the first North American telecom provider to join NVIDIA’s Cloud Partner Program, a move that strengthens Canada’s AI ecosystem and ensures local businesses have the computing resources needed to remain competitive.
“Sovereign AI infrastructure is critical for every nation to advance their society and economy,” said Ronnie Vasishta, Senior Vice President of Telecom at NVIDIA. “TELUS is empowering Canadian businesses to innovate at the pace of AI while keeping data secure within Canada.”
As a leader in responsible AI adoption, TELUS was also the first Canadian telecom company to sign the Government of Canada’s voluntary AI Code of Conduct in 2023. The Sovereign AI Factory represents another step in TELUS’ commitment to strengthening Canada’s AI leadership, creating jobs, and ensuring that the country remains at the forefront of the AI-driven economy.
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