Canada’s AI landscape accelerates as BUZZ HPC launches its independent Data Hub in Toronto

HIVE Digital Technologies, operating through its subsidiary BUZZ High Performance Computing (BUZZ HPC), has finalized the purchase of a 7.2-megawatt (MW) data center location in Toronto, Canada, with the intention of establishing a sovereign AI infrastructure. This acquisition marks a strategic move to broaden BUZZ HPC’s high-performance computing (HPC) portfolio and reinforces the advancement of Canada’s AI sector. The facility will function as a key component in the company’s ambition to create a sovereign, Tier 3 data center within Canada, enabling sophisticated AI training and inference operations.

Situated in Canada’s largest technology center, the Toronto facility is being designed to prioritize sustainability and efficiency, taking advantage of Ontario’s clean energy grid and implementing liquid-cooling solutions capable of supporting GPU racks of at least 150 kW. This setup will allow for the accommodation of high-density GPU clusters specifically tailored for demanding AI training and inference processes. In addition, the site will provide colocation solutions to organizations, academic institutions, and government bodies that require reliable and sovereign data systems. This initiative is consistent with Canada’s ongoing efforts to promote sovereign AI computing, safeguarding both data residency and protection under Canadian law.

Craig Tavares, President and COO of BUZZ HPC, underscored the importance of this acquisition by highlighting Toronto’s status as an international leader in AI research, advanced education, and fiber optics infrastructure. He explained that this location will establish a strategically important presence for BUZZ HPC, paving the way for a sovereign AI data center that upholds data sovereignty and fosters Canadian leadership in AI. Tavares also pointed out that this is just the start of BUZZ HPC’s commitment to sovereign AI infrastructure, with future plans to elevate the site to Tier 3 standards and incorporate renewable energy as part of its long-term sustainability objectives.

This data center will further bolster BUZZ HPC’s collaboration with Bell Canada and its Bell AI Fabric network, extending the reach of sovereign AI resources nationwide. As an element of this partnership, BUZZ HPC will implement GPU clusters utilizing NVIDIA’s Ampere, Hopper, and Blackwell technologies, linked through

Quantum-2 InfiniBand connectivity. These systems will integrate with Bell’s expansive network and partner solutions, such as those offered by Canadian AI company Cohere. The infrastructure is intended to enable diverse AI initiatives, from foundational model creation to domain-specific applications, all while adhering to strict data residency and cybersecurity standards.

This endeavor is in line with wider Canadian governmental strategies to enhance the country’s AI capabilities. The Canadian Sovereign AI Compute Strategy, introduced in Budget 2024, commits $2 billion over five years to bolster AI computing resources and foster ecosystem growth. The strategy stresses the importance of accessible, advanced computing infrastructure to fuel innovation and maintain Canada’s global competitiveness in AI. BUZZ HPC’s expansion of sovereign AI facilities plays a vital role in this vision, delivering robust, safe computing power to Canadian businesses, academic researchers, and public agencies.

The purchase of the 7.2 MW Toronto site by BUZZ HPC highlights the increasing importance of domestic AI infrastructure in the international AI landscape. As demand for powerful computing resources rises, the capability to process data and AI tasks within national borders is becoming a critical priority for both governments and enterprises. By focusing on sustainable operations, scalability, and compliance with Canadian data laws, BUZZ HPC is positioning itself as a leading force in the country’s AI arena, enabling the growth of AI technologies while ensuring data remains within Canadian jurisdiction.

The project is anticipated to generate numerous high-quality jobs and stimulate economic development by reinforcing Canada’s leadership in AI innovation. Establishing sovereign AI infrastructure also reflects global movements toward digital sovereignty, aimed at safeguarding essential data and bolstering national security. BUZZ HPC’s targeted investments in cutting-edge GPU clusters, liquid-cooled data centers, and collaborations with Canadian telecom and AI firms demonstrate the company’s dedication to advancing sovereign AI computing.

The creation of BUZZ HPC’s data center in Toronto is part of a broader pattern of increasing private and public investments in domestic AI infrastructure. As AI continues to transform various industries, having access to secure and scalable computing resources becomes vital for maintaining a competitive edge. The partnership between BUZZ HPC and Bell Canada, along with integration into the Bell AI Fabric, showcases how private entities and telecom providers can jointly address the surging need for sovereign AI infrastructure and drive forward Canada’s innovation agenda.