Bell and Queen’s University announced Monday they have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to build and operate a next-generation artificial intelligence (AI) supercomputing facility.
“This partnership will enhance Canada’s AI capacity, drive domestic adoption of AI tools, and strengthen digital sovereignty at a critical moment in our nation’s history,” reads a Bell press release.
Bell will lead the design, construction, financing and maintenance of the turnkey supercomputer building, which will run on Bell’s high-speed, low-latency fibre network. The facility will be built with high-efficiency standards, including an innovative heat recapture design, according to the press release. Queen’s will spearhead the development of the new supercomputer and lead research, chip procurement, system architecture, advanced technology programs and the operation of the supercomputer.
The facility will support academic research and help Canadian AI leaders build scalable AI applications for businesses and government. As a Canadian-owned and governed initiative, the new supercomputer aims to help safeguard sensitive data and intellectual property from foreign government ownership and oversight, Bell said.
“Our collaboration with Queen’s University is a key step in building a strong, independent AI ecosystem right here in Canada,” said Dan Rink, president of Bell AI Fabric, in a statement. “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.”
“Queen’s University is proud to partner with Bell on this transformative project. Our researchers are global leaders in supercomputing, having contributed to the development of seven of the world’s top ten systems. Our researchers are also at the forefront of innovation in green supercomputing to help move the field toward more sustainable operations,” said Nancy Ross, vice principal of research at Queen’s University. “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.”
