SPUR Innovation Center Acquires Iconic RIM Park Campus in Waterloo

In a landmark move, SPUR Innovation Center has officially acquired the iconic RIM Park campus, originally built by BlackBerry in 2009 at the peak of their global success. This cutting-edge, world-class facility and Tier 4 Data Center spans over 600,000 square feet across four buildings on over 36 acres and was originally developed with an investment of over $650 million  that would be over a billion dollars to replicate today. The acquisition positions SPUR as a cornerstone of technological advancement and innovation in the Toronto-Waterloo corridor, North America’s third-largest and fastest-growing innovation ecosystem.

A Legacy of Excellence Meets the Future of Innovation

Originally designed as a state-of-the-art headquarters for BlackBerry, the RIM Park campus spared no expense in delivering best-in-class infrastructure and facilities. Today, this LEED-certified campus is set to redefine its legacy under SPUR’s vision. With modern tech labs, collaborative office environments, and one of the few Tier 4 data centers in the region, the campus is poised to become a powerhouse for quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and high-performance computing companies.

Key Features of SPUR Innovation Center in Waterloo

1. World-Class Infrastructure: The campus boasts flexible, large floor plates (32,900 to 49,900 sq. ft.), redundant power systems, and extensive sustainable features. Two buildings are on track to achieve LEED Gold certification by 2025.
2. Tier 4 Data Center: Offering 99.995% uptime reliability, the Tier 4 data center sets the standard for secure and high-availability infrastructure, meeting the needs of AI and quantum computing enterprises.
3. Strategic Location: Situated in the heart of the Toronto-Waterloo corridor, the campus provides direct access to a vast pool of over 300,000 tech workers, enriched by nearby academic powerhouses such as the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University.
4. Ample Amenities: Onsite features include a fitness center, collaborative workspaces, bike storage, and over 2,500 parking spaces, catering to modern workforce needs.
5. Unmatched Resources and Infrastructure: SPUR Innovation Centers collectively provide millions of square feet of premium space and hundreds of megawatts of strategic technology infrastructure. These resources, combined with funding opportunities, position SPUR as a catalyst for Canada’s continued leadership at the forefront of technology, quantum, and AI advancements.

Driving Canada’s Tech Revolution

The acquisition underscores SPUR’s commitment to fostering innovation across Canada. Waterloo’s vibrant tech ecosystem, already home to leading companies like Google and OpenText, will be further bolstered by SPUR’s presence. The region’s consistent GDP growth, venture capital inflows, and access to top-tier talent make it an ideal hub for nurturing startups and scaling established businesses.

A Platform for High-Tech Excellence

SPUR Innovation Center’s vision for the campus is to create a dynamic environment where research, development, and production converge seamlessly. By integrating tech labs, data centers, light industrial spaces, and office areas into one unified location, the center empowers businesses to innovate efficiently and sustainably. The SPUR platform not only provides space but also the funding and advanced infrastructure needed to transform groundbreaking ideas into reality.

About SPUR Innovation Center

SPUR Innovation Center is at the forefront of advancing quantum computing, AI, and high-performance computing technologies in Canada. Its mission to establish centers of excellence across the nation, starting with Waterloo and Mirabel, is transforming Canada’s innovation landscape. With a bold commitment to supporting businesses with resources, funding, and unparalleled infrastructure, SPUR is enabling Canada’s success at the leading edge of global technology.

This strategic acquisition empowers SPUR to deliver the infrastructure needed to drive the next wave of technological innovation, spurring a new era where Waterloo becomes synonymous with groundbreaking advancements and global impact.