Nebius Expands UK Operations with Major AI Deployment at Kao Data

A landmark partnership between Nebius and Kao Data has been established, leading to a substantial 22MW AI infrastructure deployment at the latter's Harlow data center campus. This collaboration is poised to support the UK's growing artificial intelligence sector, aligning with the Government's AI Opportunities Action Plan.

Kao Data, known for its emphasis on advanced computing and sustainable practices, will host Nebius's AI cloud platform and its managed inference service, Nebius Token Factory. This deployment underscores Nebius’s commitment to the UK and marks a significant milestone in the development of Kao Data's facilities, designed for high-performance computing (HPC) applications.

The 10-year agreement represents a strong investment in the UK’s AI infrastructure, which is rapidly becoming a hub for academic and industrial-scale AI research. Spencer Lamb, CEO of Kao Data, highlighted the significance of this collaboration, stating, "Today marks a significant milestone in the evolution of the Kao Data portfolio and a landmark moment in the UK’s AI ambitions." He also noted that demand for industrial-scale AI solutions remains strong despite macroeconomic challenges.

Kao Data's Harlow campus is powered entirely by renewable energy and enhanced by HVO-powered generators. The facility utilizes direct-to-chip liquid cooling technology, reducing water consumption and ensuring that Nebius's operations align with sustainable AI initiatives.

Andrey Korolenko, Chief Product and Infrastructure Officer at Nebius, expressed excitement about expanding in the UK, calling it a major destination for AI development. He stated, "The UK is becoming an important part of Nebius’s global footprint. By bringing dedicated capacity to support inference workloads, we can enable UK AI builders and enterprises to achieve their AI goals."

As part of a broader £1.7 billion investment in the UK, this deployment will significantly enhance local compute capacity. Nebius aims to help British organizations leverage AI to drive economic growth, positioning itself as a key player in the nation’s AI ecosystem.

The Harlow campus already hosts the UK’s largest cluster of advanced AI and HPC workloads, making it an ideal site for this expansion. With plans for additional data centers in Park Royal, Greater Manchester, and further capacity in Harlow, Kao Data remains committed to supporting the UK Government’s sovereign AI ambitions. This ongoing investment reflects a strong dedication to providing the industrial-scale computing power needed for future advancements in AI technology.