In a significant leap for the tech infrastructure sector, Applied Digital Inc. (NASDAQ: APLD) has announced that it has achieved "Ready for Service" (RFS) status for the first phase of its Polaris Forge 1 building. Located in Ellendale, North Dakota, this milestone signifies the company's commitment to scaling its AI infrastructure in response to increasing demand, particularly from its key tenant, CoreWeave.

2. Achieving Operational Readiness

Applied Digital has successfully brought the first phase of its Polaris Forge 1 AI Factory Campus online, with an initial capacity of 50 megawatts (MW) out of a planned 100 MW. This achievement is not merely a technical success; it represents a crucial step in a broader strategy to deliver a fully leased 400 MW critical IT load deployment to CoreWeave under long-term lease agreements, valued at approximately $11 billion in anticipated revenue.

Wes Cummins, CEO of Applied Digital, expressed pride in this accomplishment, stating, “This Ready for Service milestone is a clear demonstration of our team’s ability to convert highly complex AI Factory designs from blueprint to production with precision and speed.” The CEO emphasized that this achievement sets a new standard for data center operations, reinforcing the company's position as a leader in AI-optimized infrastructure.

3. North Dakota: The New AI Epicenter

The successful launch of Polaris Forge 1 not only highlights Applied Digital’s capabilities but also positions North Dakota as a burgeoning hub for AI development in the United States. As the demand for AI and high-performance computing continues to escalate, this facility is set to play a pivotal role in addressing those needs.

Laura Laltrello, COO of Applied Digital, remarked, “Bringing this first building online while on track to deliver the next 50 MW before the end of the year spotlights our team’s precise execution, strategic planning, and strong alignment with our innovative partners.” She further underscored the facility's design as one that optimizes energy performance, flexibility, and total cost of ownership, ensuring that every element is tailored to enhance operational efficacy.

4. Purpose-Built for the Future

Polaris Forge 1 is not just a temporary solution; it is a purpose-built facility engineered to scale up to 1 gigawatt (GW) as demand intensifies. The building incorporates innovative designs, including liquid cooling and advanced power distribution systems that utilize near-zero water consumption. These efficiencies are projected to generate approximately $2.7 billion in lifecycle cost savings over the next 30 years, according to a recent company study.

These sustainability features, coupled with North Dakota's favorable climate and access to renewable power, position the Polaris Forge 1 as a model for future data centers.

5. Recent Developments and Future Outlook

This announcement follows Applied Digital's recent $5 billion lease agreement with a U.S.-based investment-grade hyperscaler for its Polaris Forge 2 Campus located in Harwood, North Dakota. The momentum generated by these developments reflects a growing confidence in Applied Digital's business model and its strategic vision for the future.

Moreover, Polaris Forge 1 has been recognized as Capacity Magazine’s Data Center of the Month for October 2025, further validating the facility's significance in the industry.

6. Conclusion

Applied Digital Inc. is setting a new benchmark in the data center landscape with its successful RFS status at Polaris Forge 1. As the company continues to expand its AI infrastructure in response to increasing demand, it not only reinforces its leadership position but also contributes to the growing prominence of North Dakota in the tech sector. With ambitious plans for future expansion and a strong focus on sustainability, Applied Digital is well poised to navigate the challenges and opportunities within the fast-evolving AI landscape.

Original press release