Connecting visionaries. Fueling research. Shaping the future of responsible AI.
The TELUS Digital Research Hub is launching in March 2025 with the mission to accelerate innovation in the converging fields of AI and customer experience (CX). A partnership between TELUS Digital and the University of São Paulo’s Center for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (CIAAM), the Hub cultivates and connects the brightest new talent through project funding, collaborative events and interdisciplinary research. By uniting brilliant minds and powerful resources, this new think tank aims to shape the future of AI and CX and ensure these disciplines remain both bold in their vision and aligned with human values.
Meet our committee members
An impressive team of industry experts and thought leaders, the members of the TELUS Research Hub will guide its strategy, grant offerings and program events.
Our Directors
Executive Director: Prof. Renato Vicente, TELUS Digital and IME-USP
Academic Director: Prof. Sérgio Oliva, IME-USP
Academic Vice-Director: Prof. Nestor Caticha, IF-USP
Our Steering Committee
Professor Renato Vicente, Director, TELUS Digital Research Hub
Gagan Tandon (GT), Managing Director, AI & Data, TELUS Digital Solutions
Bret Kinsella, General Manager, Fuel iX™, TELUS Digital Solutions
Professor Sergio Oliva, Director, Institute of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, University of São Paulo
Alexandre Guilbault, Director of AI, TELUS and Founder and Head of TELUS AI Accelerator
Sami Bin, Director, LATAM Operations, TELUS Digital Solutions
Our Associate Researchers
Dr. Luiz Mormille, Soka University
Dr. Bruno Loureiro, École Normale Supérieure
Dr. Rodrigo Veiga, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
Grants and funding
The Hub will launch its activities in March 2025, offering six types of grants:
Undergraduate Talent Support Grants
Designed for undergraduate students with exceptional academic performance and an interest in developing careers in AI.
Postdoc Research Fellowships
Designed for newly graduated PhD researchers seeking opportunities to work on cutting-edge AI technology in collaboration with industry leaders.
Visiting Scholar Grants
For experienced researchers interested in expanding their network of collaborators.
Travel, Computing and Publishing Grants
Aimed at expanding the reach of the collaborative network that will grow from the Hub.
2025 Open call for research grants
Complete either the undergraduate research form or the postdoctoral research form to apply.
