TELUS (Telecoms) has partnered with Mila, the collaboration seeks to explore cutting-edge AI technologies and their potential industry impacts, with a focus on benefiting Canadian customers.
Pam Snively, Chief Data & Trust Officer at TELUS, emphasised the company's commitment to fostering Canada's technology ecosystem through the development of trustworthy and ethical AI. "By collaborating on initiatives with the highest standards of integrity and excellence, we are ensuring that our AI advancements are not only innovative but also responsible and beneficial to society,"
TELUS has already established itself as a global leader in the responsible and ethical use of AI. The company recently made history with its generative AI (GenAI) customer support tool, becoming the first in the world to be internationally certified in Privacy by Design (ISO 31700-1). TELUS also holds the Outstanding Organisation prize from the Responsible AI Institute and was the first telecom company in Canada to sign the Government of Canada's voluntary code of conduct for generative AI.
The partnership will also focus on fostering AI talent in Canada. Inspired by Mila's recent launch of the Indigenous Pathfinders in AI program, TELUS has provided bursaries for four programme members to attend the 2024 ALL IN AI event in Montreal. This support includes participation in a TELUS Purple Teaming workshop featuring Fuel iX, an enterprise-grade generative AI engine.
Jaime Tatis, Chief Insights Officer at TELUS, emphasised the importance of translating AI capabilities into practical solutions. "Through our collaboration with Mila, TELUS is dedicated to fostering the growth of AI talent in Canada and to building state-of-the-art AI technology that solves real challenges that will benefit customers," Tatis said.
This partnership comes at a time when TELUS is actively engaging with the public on AI-related issues. Earlier this year, the company published its inaugural TELUS AI report, sharing insights and opinions on AI from nearly 5,000 Canadians, including diverse communities and underrepresented groups.