The Alliance is piloting a nationally operated distributed storage and compute service to provide reliable, scalable, and secure data storage and AI compute resources (and supporting service nodes) through a distributed, redundant environment. This initiative, funded through the Government of Canada’s Canadian Sovereign AI Compute Strategy, will be a uniquely Canadian service that leverages our large geography for true site diversity and high-speed network connectivity across the country.
This Distributed Storage and Compute Grid (DSCG) Pilot is the Alliance’s response to needs repeatedly raised by the research community around limited options for active data storage, collaboration, compliance across jurisdictions, and rising local operating costs. The proposed operational model will aim to reduce local burden, strengthen interoperability, and generate the evidence on reliability, performance, usability, security, and total cost that will inform broader deployment.
Important Information
- Call for Participation
- Information session: register for our virtual information session on September 22, 2025.
- Application deadline : October 7
- Response Form
- Cost Schedule Form
Join Canada's Distributed Computing Future
The Alliance is now seeking forward-thinking organizations to serve as host sites for this transformative pilot project. As a participant, your organization will host Alliance-owned AI infrastructure that will become part of a resilient, interconnected grid spanning the country. This infrastructure will rely on Canada's National Research and Education Network (NREN), provided by CANARIE and regional partners.
This is an exciting new initiative that leverages Canadian national strengths in response to the growing needs of Canadian researchers for secure storage solutions. Researchers from participating sites will gain preferential access to the pilot project and will be invited to test the infrastructure.
What We're Looking For
We need reliable host sites with appropriate facilities: dedicated space, stable power, cooling, and network connectivity. We're particularly interested in achieving geographic diversity across Canada.
This Call for Participation is open to:
- Universities, colleges, and research hospitals in Canada with active research programs.
- Canadian not-for-profit organizations that conduct meaningful research.
- Canadian institutions or not-for-profit organizations that support Canada's digital research infrastructure.
Participating hosts must, at a minimum, be able to meet the technical requirements and agree to work with the Alliance to confirm operational procedures and service levels during the pilot project. Eligibility criteria and requirements are described in the Call for Participation documents.
For questions about this Call for Participation, please contact: funding-subventions@alliancecan.ca .