The Philippines is set to gain its first renewable-powered sovereign AI infrastructure through a collaboration between YCO Cloud, Aolani, and NVIDIA. The project, announced via Media OutReach Newswire, will deploy one of the first NVIDIA GB300 NVL72 clusters in the country, marking a significant step in the nation's digital transformation.
Scheduled for launch in the first quarter of 2027, the initial phase will deploy more than 10,000 NVIDIA Blackwell Ultra GPUs. This infrastructure will serve local government bodies, domestic enterprises, and startups, while also attracting global AI-native companies. The initiative is designed to meet global sustainability standards for water usage and rely on dedicated renewable energy sources.
The collaboration combines YCO Cloud's expertise in sustainable digital infrastructure with Aolani's AI infrastructure, GPU financing, deployment, and operating capabilities. Aolani, a Singapore-based neocloud provider, sees the Philippines as a dynamic new market. Nicholas Chia, CEO at Aolani, noted that the partnership will play a pivotal role in democratising access to advanced AI infrastructure, supporting the growth of the country's digital economy and AI ecosystem.
YCO Cloud's CEO, Nik de Ynchausti, highlighted the Philippines' readiness for scaled digital infrastructure, citing robust submarine cable systems and growing renewable energy sources. The project is developed in partnership with Science Park of the Philippines Inc. (SPPI), which provides power, water, and connectivity infrastructure aligned with sustainability goals.
The Philippine government has welcomed the initiative. Leandro Angelo Y. Aguirre, Undersecretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology, emphasized that AI presents significant opportunities for innovation, job creation, and economic growth. He appreciated the commitment of both companies to enable Filipinos to become builders and developers of AI, not just users. Rosemarie Edillon, Undersecretary of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development, thanked YCO and Aolani for entrusting the Philippines with a significant role in AI infrastructure development, noting the government's readiness to partner in building a trusted, inclusive, and ethical AI ecosystem.
This development matters because it positions the Philippines as a sovereign AI hub in Southeast Asia, reducing reliance on foreign infrastructure and fostering local innovation. By providing state-of-the-art AI computing to government, enterprises, and startups, it aims to boost national economic productivity and create a scalable, world-class AI ecosystem. The project also underscores a commitment to environmental stewardship, setting a precedent for sustainable AI infrastructure in the region.
