Name: Applied Digital – Architects of Acceleration | Execution: Making It All Work—At Scale
Start: 2025-07-16T16:00:00Z
End: 2025-07-16T16:00:24.000Z
Location: BrightTALK
Rating: 5

Applied Digital (APLD) is a U.S.-based operator of next-generation digital infrastructure, providing solutions to the fields of High-Performance Computing (HPC) and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

In the final episode of Architects of Acceleration, we zoom out.

Having explored how Applied Digital designed, built, and now operates a purpose-built AI Factory in North Dakota, Episode 5 shifts the focus from execution to evolution.

In a candid conversation, CEO Wes Cummins and CSO Jason Zhang reflect on the journey so far—why Applied Digital took a different path, what they’ve learned along the way, and what’s next as AI infrastructure enters a new phase.

Follow us:
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/applied-digital-co/
• Twitter - https://twitter.com/APLDdigital

Applied Digital's  - Architects of Acceleration | What Comes Next

Building with the Community, Not Just in It

A look at how Applied Digital is integrating into Ellendale—from local partnerships and housing support to long-term economic development and regional collaboration. 

Learn more: https://www.applieddigital.com

Follow us:
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/applied-digital-co/
• Twitter - https://twitter.com/APLDdigital

Applied Digital – Architects of Acceleration | Building With the Community, Not Just in It

Constructing a 100 MW AI Factory
Get a front-row seat to the Ellendale campus ground-breaking. Brad Barton (EVP of Development, Applied Digital), Derek Hoeschen (Project Executive, McGough Construction), and Chris Schuler (Owner, Century Builders) share how integrated planning, sustainable site preparation, and precision contracting bring an AI factory from blueprint to reality.

Up next – Episode 3: Community Integration (July 10 @ 11 am CT), featuring Nick Phillips, Executive VP of External Affairs, Applied Digital

Learn more: https://www.applieddigital.com

 Follow us:
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/applied-digital-co/
• Twitter - https://twitter.com/APLDdigital

Applied Digital – Architects of Acceleration | Constructing a 100 MW AI Factory

Designing a 100 MW AI Factory
An inside look at the vision, blueprint, and design strategy behind Polaris Forge. Discover why Applied Digital engineered purpose-built infrastructure from the ground up—and how the campus architecture optimizes AI workloads at scale.

Up next – Episode 2: Construction (June 30 @ 11 am CT), featuring Brad Barton, EVP of Development, Applied Digital
Learn more: https://www.applieddigital.com

 Follow us:
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/applied-digital-co/
• Twitter - https://twitter.com/APLDdigital

Applied Digital – Architects of Acceleration | Designing a 100 MW AI Factory

Women are making waves in technology, bringing fresh perspectives and leadership styles that challenge the status quo. But as they push forward, women often encounter unique hurdles, especially when it comes to gender equality. According to data from the World Economic Forum, at the current rate of progress, it will take until 2158, which is roughly five generations from now, to reach full gender parity.   This webinar gathers the women leaders of Applied Digital for a candid discussion about their personal and professional paths, lessons learned, what it will take to create a more inclusive tech ecosystem for future generations, and what swift and decisive steps are needed to create gender equality.   

KEY TOPICS:
● Career Growth and Lessons Learned: The pivotal moments, challenges, and milestones shaping their careers.
● Evolving Tech and Leadership: How AI, HPC, and digital infrastructure are advancing, and why leadership diversity matters.
● Breaking Barriers: The workplace gaps still to close and how collaboration can drive inclusivity and opportunity. 
● Advice for Future Generations: What young women entering the STEM field should know.

Women Leaders in Tech: Breaking Barriers & Shaping the Future

Applied Digital | Architects of Acceleration

After exploring the design, build, and community integration of Applied Digital’s AI Factory in Ellendale, Episode 4 ties it all together—with a focus on execution.

COO Laura Laltrello walks us through what it takes to make an AI factory operationally sound, economically viable, and sustainable. Drawing from Applied Digital’s TCO white paper, this episode unpacks how strategic decisions around design, location, and technology culminate in real-world operational excellence—lowering total cost of ownership and paving the way for the next generation of AI infrastructure.

Up next – Episode 5: Reflection + Perspective (July 23 @ 11 am CT), featuring Wes Cummins, Chairman and CEO, Applied Digital, and Jason Zhang, Chief Strategy Officer & Co-Founder, Applied Digital

Learn more: https://www.applieddigital.com

Follow us:
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/applied-digital-co/
• Twitter - https://twitter.com/APLDdigital

Applied Digital – Architects of Acceleration | Execution: Making It All Work—At Scale

#AOA

Data Center

Data Center Design

Data Center Infrastructure

Data Center Management

Data Center Efficiency

AI Factory

Architects of Acceleration

Cloud computing has exploded over the past few years, delivering a previously unimagined level of workplace mobility and flexibility. The cloud computing community on BrightTALK is made up of thousands of engaged professionals learning from the latest cloud computing research and resources. Join the community to expand your cloud computing knowledge and have your questions answered in live sessions with industry experts and vendor representatives.

Cloud Computing

As an IT professional, many of the problems you face are multifaceted, complex and don’t lend themselves to simple solutions. The information technology community features useful and free information technology resources. Join to browse thousands of videos and webinars on ITIL best practices, IT security strategy and more presented by leading CTOs, CIOs and other technology experts.

Applied Digital – Architects of Acceleration | Execution: Making It All Work—At Scale

Presented by

About this talk

Applied Digital