TELUS Corporation (TU) Expands AI Presence with Canada’s First Sovereign AI Factory

In the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, TELUS Corporation (TU) has taken a monumental step forward by announcing the construction of Canada’s first Sovereign AI Factory. This groundbreaking initiative, in collaboration with NVIDIA, aims to position Canada at the forefront of AI innovation, ensuring that the country remains economically competitive and future-ready. The Sovereign AI Factory is more than just a data center; it is a symbol of Canada’s commitment to developing domestic AI technologies, increasing productivity, protecting data, and supporting businesses.

The Sovereign AI Factory will leverage TELUS’ global-leading PureFibre network, powered by 99% renewable energy, to deliver AI as a Service (AIaaS). This high-speed, ultra-low-latency, fibre-optic network, combined with sustainable data centers, will provide Canadian businesses and researchers with the cutting-edge technology needed to develop smarter AI products, streamline operations, and stay competitive in a fast-changing world. The data centers are designed to be three times more energy efficient than the industry average, using significantly less electricity to power AI computing workloads and relying on natural cooling to cut water consumption by more than 75% compared to traditional data centers. This makes TELUS’ Sovereign AI Factory one of the most sustainable AI-ready data centers in the world.

The Sovereign AI Factory will be powered by NVIDIA’s latest Hopper- and Blackwell-based supercomputers, enabling faster AI model training, fine-tuning, and advanced inference capabilities. TELUS will be among the first to introduce these accelerated computing platforms to Canada, playing a crucial role in the country’s AI ecosystem. By using this secure, high-performance AI Factory, Canadian businesses can develop local solutions to local challenges, ensuring compliance with Canada’s security standards and privacy regulations. This initiative not only strengthens TELUS’ position in the AI market but also contributes to Canada’s digital independence and sovereignty.

The Sovereign AI Factory marks the next step in TELUS’ long-standing leadership in AI, reinforcing its broader commitment to responsible AI adoption, innovation, and productivity growth in Canada. As the first Canadian telecom to sign the Government of Canada’s voluntary AI Code of Conduct in 2023, TELUS has consistently received industry recognition for its dedication to transparency, fairness, and accountability in AI development. TELUS was also the first company in the world to achieve a Privacy by Design certification (ISO 31700-1) for its generative AI-powered customer support tool. As one of only 20 organizations globally to participate in the OECD Pilot Framework for Advanced AI Systems, TELUS has played an active role in shaping global AI governance, contributing key insights to the G7 Working Group on Data & Technology. Additionally, TELUS has been recognized by the Responsible AI Institute for embedding ethical AI practices into its systems, setting a benchmark for responsible AI innovation.

The Sovereign AI Factory will be a game-changer for Canada’s AI ecosystem. By providing Canadian businesses and researchers with access to cutting-edge AI infrastructure, the Sovereign AI Factory will enable them to turn their bold ideas into real-world breakthroughs. This initiative will not only enhance Canada’s competitiveness in the global market but also create new opportunities for job growth, particularly in AI research, cloud computing, and data security, strengthening Canada’s AI workforce.



In conclusion, TELUS Corporation’s Sovereign AI Factory is a testament to Canada’s commitment to AI innovation and responsible AI adoption. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices, TELUS is paving the way for a future where Canadian businesses can develop AI solutions locally, fostering innovation and competitiveness in the global AI landscape. This initiative not only strengthens TELUS’ position in the AI market but also contributes to Canada’s digital independence and sovereignty, ensuring that the country remains economically competitive and future-ready.