Bell Canada and Queen’s University have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to design and operate a next-generation AI supercomputing facility in Canada. This partnership highlights a growing trend toward establishing sovereign AI infrastructure, as governments, academic institutions, and industry stakeholders aim to enhance domestic computing capabilities and mitigate reliance on foreign-controlled technologies.
The proposed supercomputing facility is envisioned as a Canadian-owned and governed platform that will facilitate academic research while enabling businesses and government entities to develop and deploy AI applications at scale. Bell and Queen’s assert that the project is crucial to fortifying Canada’s digital sovereignty by ensuring that sensitive data and intellectual property remain under national jurisdiction.
Bell will spearhead the facility’s design, construction, financing, and long-term maintenance, leveraging its high-speed fiber network for operations. Meanwhile, Queen’s University will be responsible for the development of the supercomputer itself, including key aspects such as system architecture, chip procurement, and advanced technology programs, drawing from resources within its Centre for Advanced Computing.
The announcement was made public by Bell’s president and CEO, Mirko Bibic, who articulated on LinkedIn, “Bell and Queen’s University are joining forces to plan and build Canada’s next-generation sovereign AI supercomputing facility. This partnership will accelerate Canada’s AI ecosystem, boost domestic adoption of AI tools and strengthen digital sovereignty.”
Researchers at Queen’s University will assume leadership in system design and advanced computing initiatives, with an emphasis on sustainability integrated into the facility’s architecture, including heat recapture strategies. The university has a track record of contributing to large-scale supercomputing systems and AI research infrastructure, positioning it as a vital player in this evolving landscape.
Dan Rink, president at Bell AI Fabric, remarked, “Our collaboration with Queen’s University is a key step in building a strong, independent AI ecosystem right here in Canada. This facility will empower our country’s top talent to turn breakthrough research into real-world solutions and economic growth. By giving our innovators more resources, we are building a more competitive and resilient future for Canadian technology.”
Nancy Ross, vice-principal (research) at Queen’s University, expressed pride in partnering with Bell on what she termed a transformative project. “Our researchers are global leaders in supercomputing, having contributed to the development of seven of the world’s top ten systems,” she noted. “This new facility will serve as a national testbed for Canadian technology and significantly strengthen our capacity to advance AI innovation, support research and discovery, attract top talent, and ensure that critical AI development remains in Canada.”
The planned facility is set to act as an additional pillar in Canada’s AI ecosystem, aiding the transition from research to practical applications. The timing of the announcement aligns with recent public investments aimed at expanding national research capabilities and attracting global AI talent, as universities and industry partners increasingly collaborate to address computational constraints.
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