Building Canada’s Digital Future

About

Data and AI are transforming the world. But their potential is only as good as the power and digital infrastructure supporting them. The need for secure and scalable infrastructure has never been greater. At Sovereign Digital Infrastructure, we’re developing integrated power and data center projects that provide the critical foundation for artificial intelligence that enables the future of high-performance computing and the next generation of digital technologies. Each of our projects is designed to support the most innovative of digital technologies, while always meeting the highest standards for sustainability, security, reliability and community enrichment.

Our approach is unique.

We don’t just build infrastructure, we build opportunity, self-determination and long-term capability. We believe in the necessity of sovereign digital control. True digital sovereignty means owning and controlling the infrastructure on which technologies run. We’re building that foundation, where power and data converge to future-proof Canada’s digital infrastructure.

Our work is inclusive.

All our projects are built on a foundation of respect, partnership and shared prosperity with our First Nations partners. We are proud to work in close collaboration with Indigenous communities and believe integrating their perspectives at every stage of every project makes our developments more sustainable, more resilient and more equitable.

We’re looking to the future.

That’s why we’re creating projects where power, data and sovereign control are intrinsically interconnected. From site selection to energy integration, our work at Sovereign Digital Infrastructure ensures that these projects aren’t just innovative and high-performing, they’re reliable, secure and designed with the future in mind – for generations to come.

Our Projects

At Sovereign Digital Infrastructure, our process is built on strong First Nations partnerships and site-specific resource advantages, that ensure each project is locally aligned and strategically sound. Each phase, from concept to execution, is designed to systematically reduce risk, ensure sustainability and improve outcomes for communities and stakeholders alike:

Partnership & MOU

We start each project with a strong foundation, which includes establishing alignment and mutual understanding along-side First Nations communities. We develop shared goals and a vision for long-term collaboration to explore opportunities.

Site Screening

We evaluate potential sites by assessing the availability of critical infrastructure. We investigate fuel supply, grid connectivity, water access, fibre routes and carbon mitigation options.

Feasibility & FEED

We then conduct an in-depth feasibility and Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) study. We evaluate risks early on through detailed, technical, environmental and economic analysis.

Consortium Building

We assemble highly qualified teams of engineering, procurement and construction personnel, alongside financial stakeholders and operating partners to ensure successful delivery of the project.

Project Execution

Following a Final Investment Decision, we move through construction, commissioning and into Commercial Operation to deliver high-impact infrastructure with long-term value.

Meet Our Team

Tim Schneider

Chief Executive Officer

Tim Schneider has nearly 20 years of experience in energy finance and operations. He was CEO and chair of Distinction Energy, where he led a $335-million corporate restructuring and merger. Schneider has an extensive investment background having held senior roles at Luminus Capital Management, Citadel and SAC Capital/Point72, where he managed multi-billion-dollar energy portfolios. He was also co-founder and strategic advisor to an enhanced oil recovery technology company.

Mr. Schneider holds a Bachelor of Arts in economics from Middlebury College.

Jeffery Schneider

Chief Commercial Officer

Jeffery Schneider brings extensive experience in investment banking, operations and energy. Schneider began his career at Lehman Brothers, and Barclay, he later served as COO of an oil and gas technology firm, raising more than $75 million in funding.

Schneider holds a Bachelor of Arts in economics from Middlebury College and studied at the London School of Economics and Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business.

Frederic K. Wasden - PhD, PE

Chief Operating Officer

Fred Wasden has over 35 years of energy sector experience, primarily at Shell, where he led major upstream and technology projects. He now advises on safety, risk and operations through his consultancy, Optilytix LLC. Wasden has also served as an expert witness in U.S. and Canadian energy matters.

Wasden holds a PhD. in chemical engineering and is a registered professional engineer in Texas.

Jon Horsman

Chief Financial Officer

Jon Horsman is a senior financial executive with experience in banking, investment strategy and public policy. He was CEO of ATB Capital Markets and served on the board of AIMCo, overseeing $180 billion in assets. He currently leads Horsman Enterprises Ltd., a private investment and consulting firm.

Horsman holds a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy from Gonzaga University and an MBA from the University of Alberta.

Nick Lupick

Vice President of Strategy

Nick Lupick has more than 15 years of experience in energy capital markets and corporate strategy. He spent 10 years in equity research at UBS, CIBC and AltaCorp Capital – where he was appointed Head of Research. He has also held leadership roles at Suncor as well as Syncrude where he was a member of the joint venture’s executive leadership team. Lupick is a CFA charter holder and brings expertise in financial analysis and strategic planning.

Lupick holds a Bachelor of Finance from the University of Calgary.

Darin Watson

Vice President of Engineering and Construction

Darin Watson has over 30 years of experience leading capital projects in energy, from oil and gas to renewables and nuclear. He is president of Alta Solutions and provides strategic advice for those undertaking multi-billion-dollar complex and contentious projects. Watson sits on the boards of Enfinite, a TD Asset Management Subsidiary and Maskwa Environmental.

Watson holds a Bachelor of Engineering in agriculture engineering from the University of Saskatchewan.

Kirk Rockwell

Vice President of Engagement

Kirk Rockwell is a seasoned executive leader with experience in technology investment, strategic management and partnership development. He is the former COO of Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (AMII) and previously served as general manager of Advanced Technology Investments at Alberta Innovates.

Rockwell holds a Bachelor of Science from Royal Roads University and an MBA from Northeastern University.

Dan Penrod

Vice President of Integration

Dan Penrod has more than 20 years of experience in private equity and financial advisory, with a focus on energy and specialty manufacturing. He was managing director at Ziff Brothers Investments and held senior roles at Velvet Energy and at 1901 Partners. Penrod brings expertise in transactions, structuring and investment strategy.

Penrod holds a Bachelor of Arts in economics from Wesleyan University.

Community Value

Our projects are designed to make a positive impact. By weaving an ethical approach into everything we do, our work helps bridge digital divides and creates long-lasting value for the communities around them. We are committed to building real-world infrastructure that delivers long-term value that goes beyond operational performance to bring meaningful, lasting benefits to people, communities and the environment.

At Sovereign Digital Infrastructure, we believe that true progress is measured in tangible social, economic and environmental impacts.
Our projects are designed from inception to completion to contribute measurable benefits, including reduced carbon usage, efficient energy consumption and responsible land usage. But responsible impact means more than sustainability. It means embedding ethical governance, inclusive leadership and community engagement in everything we do.

At Sovereign Digital Infrastructure, we don’t just build data centers, we help build futures. We believe infrastructure should empower the regions it serves. That’s why we focus on creating opportunities that extend beyond the footprint of our projects and that’s why we always prioritize:

• Workforce development in the regions we operate, creating jobs, training opportunities and long-term careers.
• Collaborative partnerships that strengthen local economies, support Indigenous and rural communities and build prosperity.
• A culture of integrity where transparency, accountability and ethic-decision making processes guide our growth.
• An inclusive workplace, where diverse perspectives are valued and our teams reflect the communities and future that we’re helping to build.

Every decision we make is guided by a long-term vision, one that balances innovation with responsibility and performance with purpose, to deliver infrastructure that truly serves people and future generations.

We engage stakeholders throughout development, ensuring mutual respect, knowledge transfer, and sustainable outcomes.

News & Insights

Woodland Cree First Nation & Sovereign Digital Infrastructure Announces Landmark Indigenous-Led Data Center Project in Northwestern Alberta

July 15, 2025 - Mihta Askiy Datacenter LP, a majority-owned enterprise of the Woodland Cree First Nation, is pleased to announce its planned acquisition of a partially complete power plant, including associated land and equipment, on its traditional lands and located in northwestern Alberta; representing a strategic step toward advancing Indigenous-led energy and data infrastructure development in the region. The transaction marks a significant milestone in the Woodland Cree First Nation’s long-term vision to establish a sustainable, community-driven data center powered by local resources.

As the proponent, the Nation is actively leading dialogue with other First Nations, Métis communities, and local governments to ensure the project builds on existing consultation and regulatory frameworks in a way that reflects shared values and priorities. This approach is further affirmation of the Nation’s commitment to doing business differently —grounded in rights, relationships, and reconciliation.

The Mihta Askiy data center project features 650 MW of on-site natural gas power generation, with grid backup as per ongoing discussions with the Alberta Energy Systems Operator (AESO) and customary regulatory approvals. It will be engineered to be capable of supporting the industry’s most demanding AI workloads. The fully engineered and partially constructed power plant is near abundant natural gas supplies, ideal reservoirs for carbon capture and storage, fiber optic networks, and abundant water supplies.

With significant investment on the horizon, the project will create local jobs, support education and training, foster innovation, and advance data sovereignty for First Nations and Canada.

Startup of new, on-site power generation is anticipated in mid-2027. The majority of long-lead equipment has been procured, including two (2) 200MW Siemens Energy turbines.

The Mihta Askiy data center project partners include internationally respected firms with deep expertise in power generation, engineering and data center development. The developer Sovereign Digital Infrastructure, an Alberta based team with decades of experience in power generation, project execution, technology and finance. Other partners include Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP, Siemens Energy Canada Limited, Eastdil Secured and Latham & Watkins,

“The Mihta Askiy project reflects the Woodland Cree First Nation’s commitment to exercising true ownership, partnership, and leadership in sustainable development. As a majority partner, our Nation is advancing economic reconciliation through meaningful participation in the energy and digital infrastructure sectors. This initiative exemplifies our role as stewards of the land, and as forward-looking leaders in innovation. The Woodland Cree First Nation is proud to work with respected industry partners on this project that will create generational value for our community, Alberta and Canada as a whole.” - Chief Isaac Laboucan-Avirom, Woodland Cree First Nation

"Alberta is rapidly emerging as one of North America’s most competitive destinations for data centre investment, and Mihta Askiy’s project is a powerful example of that momentum. Their decision to build in northern Alberta is a strong vote of confidence in our province’s vision and in the AI Data Centre Attraction Strategy we launched earlier this year. With 51% Indigenous ownership, this project represents a meaningful step forward in reconciliation and economic partnership. I look forward to seeing Mihta Askiy’s progress through Alberta’s regulatory process and to the role this project will play in shaping the future of AI infrastructure in Treaty 8 Territory.” - Nate Glubish, Minister of Technology and Innovation, Government of Alberta

“It’s a privilege to partner with the Woodland Cree on a project that sets a new standard for Indigenous-led infrastructure—majority First Nation–owned, repurposing an abandoned site, and tapping into otherwise stranded natural resources. Mihta Askiy demonstrates how 'true' partnership between industry and First Nations can unlock Alberta’s resources while delivering, good-paying jobs, lasting economic and technological benefits for Indigenous communities, the province, and the Canada as a whole.” - Tim Schneider, CEO, Sovereign Digital Infrastructure

Media may contact Michaela Frey, at m.frey@albertacounsel.com for more details.

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For more information about the company and our projects contact info@sovereigndigitalinfrastructure.com.