Nvidia is reportedly partnering with Nscale, the AI arm of UK-based crypto mining company Arkon Energy, with a $683 million investment. This collaboration aims to significantly boost the United Kingdom's artificial intelligence infrastructure.
According to a Bloomberg report, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang stated that this investment is part of a broader effort to develop the UK's infrastructure around AI. Nscale was spun off from Arkon Energy in May 2024 to focus on providing AI cloud services across Europe. This move signifies a strategic shift for Arkon Energy, moving from cryptocurrency mining to the burgeoning field of artificial intelligence.
The investment aligns with the UK government's ambition to become a global hub for AI research and development. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in January outlined a plan with 50 recommendations designed to capitalize on the opportunities presented by AI. At that time, Nscale, along with Vantage Data Centres and Kyndryl, committed a combined $17 billion towards investment in AI infrastructure.
Nvidia's partnership with Nscale aims to scale up the UK's AI capacity to 60,000 GPUs, which will be integrated into Nscale's data centers by 2026. This expansion is viewed as critical for national resilience, economic growth, and strategic autonomy, according to Nscale CEO Josh Payne.
Several tech firms are joining forces to make significant advancements in the AI sector. Nvidia has also revealed a partnership with quantum computing firms OQC and Digital Realty to develop a Quantum AI center. Moreover, Microsoft has committed £22 billion (approximately $30 billion) to new data centers and AI facilities across Britain. Google has also disclosed a £5 billion plan to expand its British AI footprint.
Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, commented on the UK's long history of leading in AI and its ability to attract high-ranked researchers, millions of ChatGPT users, and a government system that swiftly recognized the potential that this technology holds. OpenAI is collaborating with Nscale to have its Stargate UK data center operational by 2026.
Nvidia's investment in Nscale and the broader push to develop AI infrastructure in the UK reflect a growing recognition of the importance of AI for economic growth and technological advancement. With major tech companies like Nvidia, Microsoft and Google making significant investments, the UK is positioning itself as a key player in the global AI landscape.