Bell and Cohere Team Up to Offer Canadian-Built AI for Business and Government
Bell Canada and Toronto-based AI company Cohere have partnered to provide Canadian businesses and government organizations with advanced, secure AI solutions that keep sensitive data within national borders. Announced on July 28, this collaboration integrates Cohere’s enterprise-grade models, including the AI platform North, into Bell AI Fabric — Bell’s infrastructure aimed at enabling secure, scalable AI adoption.
Bell becomes Cohere’s preferred infrastructure partner in Canada, while Cohere is now Bell’s primary source for AI agents and large language models (LLMs). This alliance addresses the growing demand for AI solutions tailored to Canadian data residency and security requirements.
A Secure Option for Regulated Sectors
Many government CIOs and public sector leaders face challenges with data residency, security standards, and compliance frameworks that consumer-grade AI tools do not fully support. The Bell-Cohere partnership responds directly to these concerns by offering a fully integrated AI stack composed of:
- Hardware infrastructure: AI-optimized data centers connected to Canada’s largest fiber network.
- Software: Cohere’s fine-tuned LLMs and machine learning platforms.
- Advisory and professional services: Delivered by Ateko, Bell’s enterprise technology services brand.
- Applications: Including Cohere’s North platform for building and deploying AI agents.
“Our partnership with Bell Canada will provide the Canadian government and enterprises with world-class options for sovereign, security-first AI,” says Aidan Gomez, co-founder and CEO of Cohere. “This has the potential to transform organizational productivity and efficiency without compromising data security and privacy.”
Bell is already deploying North internally, using it to improve workflows and gain practical experience that will help guide client support through Ateko. Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, notes this partnership exemplifies Canadian innovation and strengthens Canada’s sovereign AI capabilities on the global stage.
What This Means for Canadian AI Buyers
For government agencies and businesses bound by strict data handling rules or those who prioritize keeping their intellectual property within Canada, the Bell-Cohere partnership offers a unique combination: advanced AI tools built and hosted entirely in Canada, backed by professional services from a trusted local provider actively using the technology itself.
This approach enables organizations to explore AI without the need to build their own infrastructure. It also provides a homegrown alternative to the many U.S.-based AI platforms dominating the market. The key message for decision-makers is clear: it is possible to achieve both scale and data sovereignty.
Looking Ahead
The Bell-Cohere partnership presents a practical AI solution for Canadian organizations in regulated or risk-sensitive industries. Bell’s internal testing of these tools equips it with hands-on knowledge to assist clients efficiently. As demand grows for secure and compliant AI, Canadian-built infrastructure could become a significant competitive advantage.
Government leaders and IT professionals interested in exploring AI solutions aligned with Canadian data policies may find valuable resources and training at Complete AI Training.
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