Wedoany.com Report-Sept. 28, Telus has launched Canada’s first fully sovereign AI factory in Rimouski, Quebec, in collaboration with Nvidia and Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE). The facility, equipped with Nvidia’s latest graphics processing units (GPUs) and HPE’s advanced computing infrastructure, provides businesses and researchers access to AI tools while ensuring all data remains under Canadian control within the country.

The Rimouski site offers comprehensive services, including training new AI models, refining existing ones, and integrating them into business operations. Telus has also become the first North American service provider to join the Nvidia Cloud Partner (NCP) network, enhancing its AI capabilities.

Operating on 99% renewable energy, the facility achieves three times the energy efficiency of typical data centers and reduces water usage by over 75% through innovative natural cooling systems. This design supports sustainable operations while meeting high-performance computing demands.

Darren Entwistle, Telus CEO and president, stated: “Today marks a defining milestone for Canada’s digital future. Indeed, with the launch of our nation’s first fully Sovereign AI Factory in Rimouski, we are maximising Canadian autonomy over sensitive data. Businesses, researchers and governments should not have to rely on foreign-controlled systems to advance their AI ambitions. Today, we are helping to achieve that: by delivering advanced compute power within data centres built, owned and operated by Canadians, Telus is safeguarding our data, protecting our sovereignty and empowering our economy.”

Ronnie Vasishta, Nvidia SVP of telecom, said: “Sovereign AI infrastructure enables countries to innovate on their own terms while protecting their most valuable data. Telus is bringing this vision to reality in Canada, building a robust platform combining the most advanced NVIDIA AI technology with their world-class infrastructure in a truly sovereign environment.”

Trish Damkroger, HPE SVP and general manager of HPC and AI infrastructure solutions, added: “To accelerate AI innovation and drive a positive societal impact, nation states and public entities will need a purpose-built sovereign solution that delivers the scale, performance and governance to unlock growth while protecting data and IP. Telus’ investment in a Sovereign AI Factory will empower Canada’s public and commercial sectors to innovate in the era of AI.”

The facility supports Canada’s digital economy by enabling businesses to develop and deploy AI solutions efficiently, fostering innovation, and enhancing competitiveness on a global scale. It also contributes to economic growth in Quebec through job creation and sustainable infrastructure development.