August 1, 2025

analysis  
OpenAI $1B Nvidia Data Center, Scale AI Growth

Several significant developments are shaping the AI landscape. OpenAI, in partnership with Nscale and Aker, is investing $1 billion in "Stargate Norway," its first European data center, which will house 100,000 NVIDIA GPUs and run on renewable energy. This facility aims to support AI research and innovation in Europe. Meanwhile, China is aggressively pushing AI adoption across various sectors to compete with the U.S., emphasizing global cooperation and responsible AI development. Cognizant has launched AI Training Data Services to assist businesses in building and deploying AI models, while NordValor has introduced an AI trading engine for professional traders. The AI geospatial analytics market is projected to reach $472 billion by 2034, driven by applications in infrastructure, environmental monitoring, and security. AI's impact on jobs is a subject of debate, with some fearing job displacement and others anticipating new opportunities and enhanced productivity. AI companions are also being explored to assist dementia patients, though concerns about privacy and efficacy remain. While AI is enhancing workflows in venture capital, it cannot yet replace human judgment.

Key Takeaways

  • OpenAI, Aker, and Nscale are collaborating on "Stargate Norway," a $1 billion AI data center powered by renewable energy with 100,000 NVIDIA GPUs.
  • China is actively promoting AI adoption to compete with the U.S., focusing on global cooperation and AI safety.
  • Cognizant now offers AI Training Data Services to help businesses build and scale AI models.
  • The AI geospatial analytics market is projected to reach $472 billion by 2034, with applications in infrastructure, environmental monitoring, and security.
  • NordValor has launched an AI trading engine to improve speed and risk management for professional traders.
  • AI is automating some white-collar jobs but may also create new middle-class opportunities.
  • AI companions are being developed to assist dementia patients, but concerns about privacy and effectiveness exist.
  • AI is improving workflows in venture capital but cannot replace human judgment due to limitations in critical thinking and data handling.
  • UC Davis students won awards at hackathons during the 2025 Design Automation Conference (DAC) with AI hardware hacks.
  • Aker ASA stock is currently rated as a Sell by analysts.

Norway to get huge AI factory powered by renewable energy

Nscale, Aker, and OpenAI are teaming up to build Stargate Norway, a large AI factory in Narvik, Northern Norway. The factory will use 100,000 NVIDIA GPUs and run entirely on renewable energy. It's OpenAI's first big data center project in Europe and will support AI research and innovation in the region. The goal is to provide secure and sustainable AI infrastructure for Europe, with plans to expand in the future.

Aker and OpenAI partner for big AI project in Norway

Aker ASA is working with Nscale Global Holdings and OpenAI to create Stargate Norway, a project in Northern Norway that will run on renewable energy. This is OpenAI's first gigafactory in Europe, aiming to have 100,000 NVIDIA GPUs by 2026. The project will use Norway's hydropower and cool climate to help with AI research and boost the local economy. Analysts currently rate Aker ASA stock as a Sell.

Nscale, Aker, and OpenAI launch Stargate Norway AI project

Nscale Global Holdings, Aker ASA, and OpenAI are starting Stargate Norway, a project for advanced AI in Narvik, Northern Norway. The AI facility will be located in Kvandal and owned jointly by Nscale and Aker. This partnership will happen after Aker Horizons Holding AS and Aker MergerCo AS merge. The project's completion depends on certain conditions being met.

OpenAI to build Stargate data center in Norway

OpenAI will be the main customer for a new data center in Norway, marking its first European Stargate project. The facility, built by a data center company with funding from a Norwegian investor, aims to deliver 230 megawatts of capacity, with plans to expand. This project is considered a significant AI infrastructure investment in Europe. The companies plan to have 100,000 graphics processing units in the data center by the end of 2026, powered by renewable energy.

Aker, Nscale, and OpenAI plan $1 billion AI facility in Norway

Aker ASA is partnering with Nscale Global Holdings and OpenAI to construct a large AI facility in northern Norway. The project, named Stargate Norway, aims to have 100,000 Nvidia processors by the end of 2026. The facility will run entirely on renewable energy. Nscale and Aker will jointly own Stargate Norway, investing about $1 billion in the initial phase, with potential for future expansion.

OpenAI chooses Norway for first European data center

OpenAI is partnering with Nscale Global Holdings and Aker ASA to launch its first European Stargate data center project in Norway. The $1 billion facility will initially have 100,000 Nvidia processors and could expand significantly. The center, located near Narvik, will be powered by renewable energy from local hydropower. Nscale and Aker will jointly own Stargate Norway, with OpenAI as its first customer.

China pushes AI use to compete with U.S.

China is actively promoting the use of AI in various sectors like factories, hospitals, and government offices to compete with the U.S. Despite facing restrictions on advanced chips, China aims to bridge the gap by aggressively adopting AI across its government and private sector. At the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, China emphasized global cooperation and responsible AI development. They are also using AI for tasks like crime prediction and anti-corruption investigations.

China aims to lead global AI agenda

China is working on a new global AI agenda, even without the U.S. involved. They released a "Global AI Governance Action Plan" during the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai. The conference focused on global cooperation and AI safety, with many Western tech figures attending. China is trying to position itself as a leader in AI by emphasizing safety regulations and international collaboration.

Cognizant offers AI training data services for businesses

Cognizant has launched AI Training Data Services to help companies build and use AI models quickly. This service provides high-quality data for machine learning and generative AI, which is needed for things like computer vision and large language models. Cognizant's service includes data annotation, model fine-tuning, and security tools. With over 10,000 specialists, Cognizant aims to help businesses scale AI innovation and improve operational efficiency.

AI geospatial analytics market to reach $472 billion by 2034

The global market for geospatial analytics using artificial intelligence is expected to reach USD 472.62 billion by 2034, growing at a rate of 25.75% per year. This growth is due to the increasing use of AI in areas like infrastructure, environmental monitoring, and security. North America currently leads the market, but Asia Pacific is expected to grow the fastest. Key technologies include machine learning and computer vision, with applications in defense, urban planning, and agriculture.

NordValor launches AI trading engine for professional traders

NordValor has released a new AI trading engine after being recognized as a top platform for professional traders. The upgrade improves speed, access to liquidity, and risk management for traders. The AI engine can process large amounts of data and optimize trading in milliseconds. NordValor's platform supports high-frequency trading and integrates digital and traditional assets. The company aims to provide advanced tools for traders in New York and other key financial markets.

AI could replace jobs but also create new opportunities

AI is starting to automate white-collar jobs that used to pay well, like legal research and coding. However, this change could also create new middle-class jobs that require skills and adaptability. Programs like the AI Literacy Pipeline to Prosperity Project (AILP3) are training people in AI tools. By providing access and education, AI can empower underserved communities and boost the economy.

UC Davis students win with AI hardware hacks

Two teams of electrical and computer engineering students from UC Davis won top awards at hackathons during the 2025 Design Automation Conference (DAC).

AI can't replace humans in venture capital yet

AI is helping venture capital firms by making workflows easier and assisting with research, but it can't replace human judgment. AI struggles with critical thinking, skepticism, and handling messy data. AI models can make up information and need human oversight to verify claims. However, AI is improving and could enhance venture capital by automating tasks and streamlining communication.

Can AI companions help dementia patients?

AI companions like Sunny, developed by NewDays, are being designed to help people with dementia by keeping their brains active and reducing loneliness. These AI programs can have conversations with patients and provide cognitive training exercises. While there's potential for AI to improve the quality of life for dementia patients and ease the burden on caregivers, there are also concerns about privacy and the need for more research to prove the benefits.

How will AI impact jobs in the future?

People have different opinions on how AI will affect jobs in the next 5-10 years. Some worry AI will eliminate jobs, while others believe it will create new ones and enhance existing tools. Concerns include over-reliance on AI for mental health and the potential impact on work ethic. Others see AI as a tool to speed up processes and believe some jobs, like tradesmen, cannot be replaced.

Sources

AI Artificial Intelligence OpenAI Nvidia GPUs Data Centers Renewable Energy Norway Aker ASA Nscale Global Holdings Stargate Norway AI Infrastructure Europe AI Research AI Innovation Hydropower AI Training Data Cognizant Machine Learning Generative AI Geospatial Analytics AI Trading Engine NordValor AI and Jobs AI Literacy Venture Capital AI Companions Dementia China Global AI Governance AI Safety AI in Healthcare AI in Finance