NorthC Group, a data center provider in northwestern Europe has announced plans to build a new regional data center at the innovation campus uptownBasel in Arlesheim, Switzerland. The expansion project is part of the partnership between NorthC and uptownBasel which will support multiple technology sectors such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, diagnostics, and personalized medicine.
In a press release the company revealed that construction is expected to begin once permits are secured, with completion and commissioning scheduled for mid-2027 following an 18-month build period. In its initial phase, the data center will span 2,500 square meters with a 6 MVA power supply, equivalent to 5.5 MW of usable capacity. The Arlesheim center will complement NorthC’s existing Münchenstein 1 & 2 facilities, giving the company a total of five data centers in Switzerland.
Hans-Jörg Fankhauser, founder of uptownBasel said, “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.”
Alexandra Schless, CEO of the NorthC Group said “We are very pleased to expand our partnership with uptownBasel, this new data center underscores our commitment to Switzerland and our belief in innovation, sustainability, and the future.”
Sustainability is central to the project as it will be powered entirely by renewable energy, with backup generators powered by green diesel, supporting NorthC’s goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2030. The facility will also connect to a regional energy network, enabling waste heat recovery for nearby residential buildings.
The uptownBasel innovation campus aims to be a hub for emerging technologies with a new data center developed by NorthC and uptownBasel to facilitate development for technology sectors such as medical, quantum computing, artificial intelligence. This latest project is expected to enhance connectivity and provide resources for companies operating in these fields.
According to ResearchAndMarkets.com, Switzerland’s data center market was valued at US$ 1.02 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$ 1.99 billion by 2030 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.72 percent. This expansion is driven by increasing demand for cloud services, data storage, and digital transformation initiatives, with a notable emphasis on sustainable and energy-efficient infrastructure.