Mr. David Marcille reports

BELL AND UNIVERSITE DE SHERBROOKE TO ADVANCE QUANTUM, CYBERSECURITY AND NEXT-GENERATION AI INFRASTRUCTURE IN CANADA

Bell Canada (TSX: BCE) (NYSE: BCE) and the Universite de Sherbrooke (UdeS) today signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaborate on quantum technologies, postquantum cybersecurity and sustainable data centre infrastructure.

The agreement reflects a shared objective to advance next-generation computing capabilities in Canada by connecting Bell's national network and infrastructure expertise with UdeS's leadership in quantum research and cybersecurity.

Together, the organizations will explore opportunities to develop advanced computing environments that bring together high performance computing (HPC), quantum systems and secure data infrastructure -- supporting the integration, testing and scaling of these emerging technologies in real-world environments.

Connecting advanced computing and secure infrastructure

The agreement builds on Bell's continuing work to advance sovereign compute capacity and support the development and deployment of AI at scale in Canada through Bell AI Fabric -- a full-stack AI (artificial intelligence) platform anchored by the company's nationwide fibre network, data centre infrastructure, software, cloud capabilities, advanced professional integration services and ecosystem of Canadian technology partners.

As part of this collaboration, Bell and UdeS will also partner with Queen's University to explore approaches to seamlessly link the national high performance computing environment with frontier quantum capabilities to support Canadian research, enterprise and public sector applications, while helping keep sensitive data and innovation within Canada.

Under the MOU, the two organizations will work together on:

• Postquantum cybersecurity: exploring approaches to prepare networks and systems for emerging cryptographic standards and evolving security requirements;
• Hybrid computing models: evaluating integration of high performance computing and quantum technologies to support advanced research and emerging commercial use cases;
• Distributed data centre infrastructure: assessing sustainable, small- to mid-scale data centre models optimized for local energy use and heat recovery;
• Talent development: expanding opportunities for student training and applied research in advanced computing, cybersecurity and telecommunications.

Supporting Canadian research, innovation and commercialization

The collaboration is intended to help bridge the gap between research and large-scale deployment by creating opportunities to test and refine new computing architectures in operational environments.

Bell will work with UdeS to assess how infrastructure, connectivity and market access can support the transition of emerging technologies from research settings into scalable applications across enterprise, government and industry.

The initiative also contributes to broader efforts to strengthen Canadian capabilities in critical infrastructure, advanced computing and secure data systems.

Quotes

"Working with the Universite de Sherbrooke allows us to connect Canada's research strengths with the infrastructure needed to bring new technologies into real-world use. By exploring how advanced computing, secure networks and emerging quantum capabilities can work together, we're helping lay the groundwork for the next generation of AI and digital innovation in Canada," stated Michel Richer, president, Bell AI, Bell AI Fabric: operations and quantum.

"The Universite de Sherbrooke stands out for its recognized expertise in partnership-based research, particularly in the fields of quantum science and technology, cybersecurity, and energy innovation. This partnership with Bell helps advance high-level research and accelerate innovation for the benefit of all our communities. It also offers unique training opportunities for our students, who will develop at the heart of sectors that are strategic to the sustainable future of our society," stated Vincent Aimez, vice-president, partnerships and knowledge transfer, Universite de Sherbrooke

About BCE Inc.

Bell is Canada's largest communications company, leading the way in advanced fibre and wireless networks, enterprise services and digital media. By delivering next-generation technology that leverages cloud-based and AI-driven solutions, the company is keeping customers connected, informed and entertained while enabling businesses to compete on the world stage.

About L'Universite de Sherbrooke

Recognized for its spirit of innovation, its strong collaboration with organizations and its research activities that address societal needs, the Universite de Sherbrooke is a leading partner of federal and regional governments in promoting social, cultural and economic development. It also stands out for the strong growth of its research activities in recent years, its successes in technology transfer, and its initiatives in entrepreneurship and open innovation in collaboration with industrial and community partners.

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