NorthC builds the data center of the future at the uptownBasel Campus

NorthC has signed an agreement to build a new regional data center at the Innovation Campus uptownBasel in Arlesheim.

This marks the expansion of NorthC’s existing partnership with uptownBasel, introducing a new facility tailored to advanced technologies such as AI, quantum computing, diagnostics, and personalised medicine. The facility is expected to be operational by mid-2027, with construction set to begin approximately 18 months after the building permit is granted.

Innovation hub

uptownBasel is a state-of-the-art innovation hub that brings together tech companies, startups, and research institutions to shape the digital future. NorthC will design, build, and operate a dedicated data center on the campus to serve the regional ecosystem and the industrial base of the Basel area.

In the first development phase, the data center will occupy a surface of 2,500 m², delivering 6 MVA of power capacity. The facility will be powered entirely by 100% renewable energy, and the backup power systems will run on green diesel, a key part of NorthC’s ambition to achieve climate neutrality by 2030. Additionally, the new data center will enable the reuse of waste heat for residential heating, thus ensuring sustainable energy use.

A strong commitment to the Basel / Arlesheim region

The launch of this new facility strengthens NorthC’s decade-long collaboration with uptownBasel. Hans-Jörg Fankhauser, founder of uptownBasel, comments:
“With NorthC, we have a partner that shares our vision, one that understands the potential of operating a data center on a globally recognised innovation campus.”

Fankhauser envisions uptownBasel as:

“A platform for leading networks in medical technology, quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and the future of work. We aim to attract startups and talent to Arlesheim early on in their journey.”

This expansion complements NorthC’s existing sites in Münchenstein 1 & 2, reinforcing its role as a critical infrastructure provider for MedTech, Industry 4.0, and AI in the Basel region. With this addition, NorthC will operate five data centers across Switzerland, further solidifying its expertise in delivering reliable, scalable, and sustainable services with a strong regional presence and a personalised approach.

Alexandra Schless, CEO of NorthC Group, states:

“We are very pleased to deepen our partnership with uptownBasel. The construction of this data center underscores our continued commitment to Switzerland as a strategic location and reflects our belief in innovation and the future.”

Alexandra Schless, Group CEO NorthC