Building Canada’s Research Future: How ThinkOn and Computing for Humanity are Democratizing Access to Cloud Innovation

In a rapidly evolving research landscape, access to secure, scalable, and affordable digital infrastructure has become a defining factor in scientific progress. Yet for many Canadian researchers—especially early-stage innovators with bold ideas but limited resources—this access is out of reach.

That is precisely the challenge ThinkOn, a Canadian cloud service provider, and Computing for Humanity, a Canadian charity dedicated to democratizing access to high-performance computing by repurposing enterprise-grade technology and providing equitable, nonprofit-driven digital infrastructure to researchers who lack institutional resources, have come together to solve through MyResearchCloud.ca.

This partnership is reshaping how Canadian researchers launch, test, and grow their ideas—while ensuring that the country’s innovation ecosystem is built on accessibility, stability, and community support.

A Shared Vision for Accessible, Homegrown Innovation

For ThinkOn CEO Craig McLellan, the decision to collaborate with Computing for Humanity was grounded in purpose:

“Academia and education have been underserved. By working together, we can deliver capabilities that otherwise wouldn’t be available—from entry-level researchers to advanced academics.”

MyResearchCloud.ca brings ThinkOn’s expertise in secure, Canadian-hosted infrastructure together with Computing for Humanity’s mission-driven approach and longstanding relationships in the academic community. Craig notes that this synergy creates not only technical value, but also stability, continuity, and a commitment to service—traits essential in an environment where research is increasingly dependent on reliable digital tools.

Why a Charity Partnership Matters

ThinkOn’s choice to work with a nonprofit was intentional:

“Working with a charity brings calmness and stability. It allows us to harness infrastructure and talent that otherwise wouldn’t be available. And it lets us serve instead of focusing on extracting economic value.”

Together, both organizations are proving that innovation doesn’t require massive budgets—just the right collaboration and a shared belief in democratizing access.

Empowering Researchers With a “Seed Cloud”

One of the most transformative features of MyResearchCloud.ca is the free tier that early-stage researchers can apply for.

Craig describes it as foundational:

“Some of the best research starts with a very small idea. Without that seed cloud, many researchers would have no way to begin their journey.”

By offering cloud compute resources at no cost, researchers can:

• Pilot new ideas

• Generate early evidence

• Secure grants and funding

• Scale based on validated results

This model ensures that the quality of the idea—not the size of the budget—drives opportunity.

Democratizing Access to Research Infrastructure

Today’s commercial cloud model often gives an advantage to large, well-funded institutions. MyResearchCloud.ca disrupts that dynamic.

“People with the most money get access to resources, and that doesn’t always mean they have the best ideas,” Craig explains.
“Providing alternative access is the ultimate example of democracy in research.”

High-potential, early-stage, or niche projects—especially from students, emerging scholars, and under-resourced labs—now have a fair chance to bring meaningful innovation to life.

Complementing the Impact of Computing for Humanity

For years, Computing for Humanity has repurposed high-performance servers and redirected them from the e-waste stream to research institutions across North America. MyResearchCloud.ca expands this mission digitally:

• A cost-free entry point for researchers

• Cloud-based access that removes logistical barriers

• A pathway from virtual resources to physical equipment

• Greater reach across the country

This partnership creates a seamless ecosystem: researchers can start small in the cloud, then scale into dedicated hardware through Computing for Humanity as their needs evolve.

Why funders and partners should join this ecosystem

Craig highlights that organizations can support the mission in flexible, low-risk ways:

• Donating hardware that can be repurposed into cloud capacity

• Funding operational growth

• Supporting infrastructure expansion

• Contributing talent or technical expertise

“There’s no need for long-term commitments. And infrastructure donations now have a great home—they can serve more researchers through the cloud.”

The more support received, the quicker MyResearchCloud.ca can expand its capacity nationwide.

How donors amplify impact

Every contribution—financial or technological—translates directly into value for Canadian researchers.

“There’s very little overhead. Donations go into production quickly and deliver immediate value to users—whether they’re in the free tier or scaling into larger environments.”

Donor support accelerates:

• The onboarding of more researchers

• Expansion of cloud capacity

• A distributed network of research resources across Canada

• Reduced e-waste through sustainable reuse of hardware

Looking to 2026: A More Data-Powered Research Landscape

As ThinkOn and Computing for Humanity plan ahead, the focus is shifting toward the next frontier of research needs: data.

“Successful research starts with data. Our vision for 2026 is to bring more data into safe, secure, manageable environments so it can be used efficiently, quickly, and cost-effectively.”

Expect more robust capabilities, more reach into academic networks, and more opportunities for institutions of all sizes to participate.

A Message of Gratitude—and an Invitation

Craig closes with a message for the community:

“Thank you. Your support gives us a platform to expand and grow this important service—and pass that value forward. With more support, we can do more, faster, for more researchers across the country.”

Join Us in Building the Future of Canadian Research

Computing for Humanity and ThinkOn are proving that when charities, private-sector leaders, and donors unite with a shared purpose, innovation becomes accessible—and the impact multiplies.

If you believe in:

• Democratizing research

• Reducing e-waste

• Empowering Canadian innovation

• Supporting students, researchers, and institutions

Then this partnership is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference.

Your support can help us scale MyResearchCloud.ca, empower more researchers, and strengthen Canada’s research ecosystem for generations to come.