Rural Development

Workforce, Housing, and Growth: How Applied Digital Is Revitalizing a Rural Town Through AI Infrastructure

As AI infrastructure spreads beyond tech hubs and into America’s heartland, companies face a new imperative: not just to build facilities—but to build trust, local partnerships, and long-term value for the communities that host them. In Ellendale, North Dakota, Applied Digital’s Polaris Forge 1 campus has become a case study in what rural revitalization…

Applied Digital Ellendale AI Data Center: April 2025 Update

Progress continued throughout April at Applied Digital’s Ellendale AI Data Center, as construction efforts advanced across multiple fronts. With favorable weather conditions and a clear focus on critical infrastructure, the ELN02 site remains on track to support the growing demands of high-performance computing (HPC) and artificial intelligence. Key developments from April include: Metal jacketing installation…

Opportunity Is Knocking, Small Towns Must Answer

As innovation spreads beyond urban centers, small towns are increasingly finding themselves at the forefront of economic transformation. Whether it’s a tech company setting up shop or a new industry planting roots, these shifts present a rare chance for rural communities to redefine their futures. But opportunity alone isn’t enough—it takes local leadership, a collaborative…

Applied Digital Ellendale AI Data Center: February 2025 Update

As AI and high-performance computing (HPC) continue to push technological boundaries, the demand for powerful, efficient infrastructure is more critical than ever. In February 2025, Applied Digital’s Ellendale AI Data Center marked significant progress in meeting that demand. The team announced that ELN02 has officially powered on its first lineup, a major step toward…

Broadband State of the Union: Urban Innovation & Rural Challenges Part II

In Part II of this episode of Wavelengths, hosted by Amphenol Broadband Solutions, Daniel Litwin discusses the evolution of smart cities and the crucial role of fiber broadband with Tyler Cooper, Editor-in-Chief at Broadband Now. As urban and rural areas adapt to new technological advancements, the need for robust connectivity, strategic investments, and inclusive…

Reviving America: The Power of a Public-Private Partnership

Join Applied Digital’s CEO Wes Cummings as he moderates “Reviving America: The Power of a Public-Private Partnership” at SXSW 2025, featuring North Dakota State Representative Jim Grueneich and Applied Digital’s Nick Phillips. This session delves into how public-private collaborations can revitalize rural communities, using North Dakota’s successful initiative as a blueprint for addressing housing…

Bridging the Digital Divide Will Depend Heavily on the Future of Rural Broadband Expansion

High-speed internet access is synonymous with economic prosperity, however, the disparity in broadband infrastructure between urban and rural communities has never been more pronounced. As the digital revolution marches on, the divide widens, leaving rural communities deep in the shadows of technological advancement. But this stark reality centers an urgent call to action, spearheaded by…

Applied Digital Investor Day: Revitalizing Communities through Data Center Development

Richard Nottenburg, a Board of Directors member at Applied Digital, describes the company’s impactful initiative of constructing data centers in less populous areas such as North Dakota. This strategy is not only advancing technological infrastructure but also revitalizing small towns by creating jobs and attracting people back to these communities, thereby contributing to their economic…