Applied Digital heads a $25 million funding round to back Corintis. We see this as a defining signal of where the next-generation data centre infrastructure is going. With AI workloads pushing chips to unprecedented power levels, traditional cooling methods are hitting physical limits. Applied Digital’s investment stresses the growing recognition that solving thermal challenges at the chip level is becoming central to sustaining AI growth.
Corintis, based in Lausanne, is tackling this problem head-on. Its microfluidic, direct-to-chip liquid cooling system adapts cooling precisely where chips generate heat, supporting higher power density while reducing energy overhead. This technology addresses one of the most pressing bottlenecks in modern compute: thermal strain. As AI models demand more from each processor, keeping chips stable without wasting energy is essential.
Applied Digital has long focused on high-performance data centres for AI and blockchain workloads. This latest move fits neatly into what we interpret as a broader strategy: controlling compute infrastructure from the ground up, from power delivery to cooling systems.
Corintis’ technology, validated by Microsoft and capable of cutting temperatures up to three times compared with conventional cold plates, promises not only higher density but also a reduced environmental footprint. That dual focus on performance and sustainability aligns with what we see as the emerging standard for AI data centre design.
The timing of this funding round is notable. Applied Digital is expanding aggressively across the United States, following major deals with hyperscalers and CoreWeave, and forging a $5 billion partnership with Macquarie Asset Management. By integrating Corintis’ chip-level cooling into future AI campuses, the company positions itself to set new operational benchmarks while creating economic opportunities in underserved regions. In our view, these moves reinforce the idea that advanced thermal engineering is becoming a strategic differentiator, not just a technical necessity.
We see this partnership as a bellwether for the sector. Cooling and power efficiency are no longer ancillary concerns; they are core to competitive advantage in AI. Applied Digital’s investment in Corintis signals that the companies controlling these foundational elements will lead the next wave of high-performance compute.
