Telstra and Accenture have proposed joint venture (JV) to rapidly accelerate Telstra’s data and AI roadmap.
Steered by joint global leadership, the JV would comprise specialists from Telstra and Accenture’s Data & AI teams to build on Telstra’s work creating a world-class data and AI ecosystem, modernising its data and AI platforms and embedding responsible AI by design.
As part of the JV, Telstra would benefit from Accenture’s $3 billion AI investment in assets, industry solutions, ventures, acquisitions, talent and ecosystem partnerships, with access to the latest innovation in AI technologies and AI teams in Silicon Valley.
A key focus of the JV would be to reinvent business processes through new capabilities like agentic AI.
The proposed seven-year JV is subject to consultation with Telstra’s employees and unions in Australia and India.
Telstra CEO Vicki Brady said: “Our data and AI ambition goes well beyond introducing AI tools. It goes to the heart of what we do – connecting Australia and Australians to the world.”
Julie Sweet, Chair and CEO, Accenture, said: “We are proud of our long-standing collaboration with a visionary leader like Telstra, and committed to accelerating its bold AI fuelled business strategy, which will set new standards for the telecom industry.”
The proposed JV would be 60% owned by Accenture and 40% Telstra – with Telstra retaining control over its data and AI strategy and roadmap, which the JV would help deliver.
