Telus has announced the launch of Canada’s first fully sovereign AI factory, established in partnership with Nvidia and Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE). This significant development, located in Rimouski, Quebec, aims to provide businesses, researchers, and public institutions with advanced computational power while ensuring that data is processed and stored domestically.
The AI factory utilizes Nvidia’s cutting-edge graphics processing units (GPUs) alongside HPE infrastructure to offer a range of services. These services include end-to-end AI development, model training, fine-tuning, and deployment, all backed by Nvidia’s advanced AI technology and Telus’ PureFibre network. This initiative marks a pivotal step in enhancing Canada’s capabilities in artificial intelligence.
Renewable Energy and Efficiency Innovations
Remarkably, the facility operates with an impressive reliance on renewable energy, achieving a sustainability rate of 99 percent. It also boasts energy efficiency that is triple the industry standard, leveraging natural cooling methods to significantly reduce water consumption by over 75 percent. These efforts highlight Telus’ commitment to environmental sustainability while pushing the boundaries of AI technology.
In addition to Telus’ technological investments, the company has enlisted the expertise of Accenture. This partnership will focus on developing and deploying industry-specific AI solutions aimed at accelerating the adoption of artificial intelligence across various regulated sectors, such as public services, healthcare, critical infrastructure, and financial services.
Furthermore, healthcare provider League plans to utilize the Telus Sovereign AI Factory to enhance its suite of AI-powered services. This initiative aims to deliver personalized medical experiences to millions of Canadians while ensuring that patient data remains within the country’s borders.
Darren Entwistle, President and CEO of Telus, emphasized the importance of this project, calling it a “defining milestone for Canada’s digital future.” He noted, “With the launch of our nation’s first fully Sovereign AI Factory in Rimouski, we are maximizing Canadian autonomy over sensitive data.” This statement underscores the factory’s role in reinforcing data sovereignty and empowering Canadian enterprises and institutions.
The establishment of this AI factory not only positions Canada as a leader in the global AI landscape but also fosters innovation by providing essential resources for local businesses and public institutions. As companies and organizations increasingly rely on artificial intelligence, Telus’ initiative could serve as a model for future developments in the industry.
By combining cutting-edge technology with sustainability initiatives, Telus and its partners are setting a new standard for AI operations in Canada. The impact of the AI factory in Rimouski may resonate across various sectors, shaping the future of technology and data management within the country.
