The pursuit of enhanced AI capabilities necessitates substantial investment in infrastructure to support this growth. Today, BlackRock, Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), Microsoft, and MGX have unveiled the Global AI Infrastructure Investment Partnership (GAIIP), aimed at funding the development of new and expanded data centers to accommodate the increasing demand for computing power, alongside energy infrastructure to establish new power sources for these facilities. 

The majority of these infrastructure investments will be directed towards the United States, promoting AI innovation and economic development, while a portion will be allocated to partner countries of the U.S.

This partnership is designed to foster an open architecture and a diverse ecosystem, ensuring non-exclusive access for a wide array of partners and companies. NVIDIA will lend its expertise to GAIIP, contributing knowledge in AI data centers and AI factories to enhance the AI ecosystem. 

Additionally, GAIIP will collaborate with industry leaders to improve AI supply chains and energy sourcing, benefiting both its customers and the broader industry. The partnership aims to initially unlock $30 billion in private equity capital over time from investors, asset owners, and corporations, which could potentially mobilize up to $100 billion in total investment, including debt financing.

The founders of this partnership include prominent global investors such as BlackRock, GIP, and MGX, a firm specializing in artificial intelligence and advanced technology investments, with additional support and expertise from Microsoft. GAIIP leverages a profound understanding of infrastructure and technology to facilitate the efficient scaling of data centers, while also focusing on energy, power, and decarbonization investments for the necessary infrastructure supporting AI.

His Highness Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of MGX, highlighted the critical role of artificial intelligence in shaping the future of our economies: “AI is not merely a future industry; it is the foundation of what lies ahead. This exceptional collaboration will facilitate accelerated innovation, groundbreaking technologies, and significant productivity improvements throughout the global economy. The investments we undertake today will pave the way for a more sustainable, prosperous, and equitable future for all humanity.”

“By mobilizing private capital to develop AI infrastructure such as data centers and energy sources, we can unlock a multi-trillion-dollar long-term investment opportunity,” stated Larry Fink, Chairman and CEO of BlackRock. “Data centers serve as the cornerstone of the digital economy, and these investments will stimulate economic growth, generate employment, and foster innovation in AI technology.”

“We are dedicated to ensuring that AI propels innovation and stimulates growth across all sectors of the economy,” remarked Satya Nadella, Chairman and CEO of Microsoft. “The Global AI Infrastructure Investment Partnership will enable us to realize this vision by uniting financial and industry leaders to construct the infrastructure of the future and power it sustainably.”

“The capital required for AI infrastructure and the new energy sources to support it surpass what any individual company or government can fund,” noted Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President of Microsoft. “This financial collaboration will not only advance technology but also bolster national competitiveness, security, and economic prosperity.”

Ahmed Yahia Al Idrissi, CEO of MGX, stated, “The development of essential infrastructure to promote and expedite the integration of AI will transform and rejuvenate nearly every facet of our daily lives. Just as our transportation systems have evolved, the establishment of new data centers and energy sources will foster growth and commerce in the forthcoming innovation-driven economy.”

Bayo Ogunlesi, Chairman and CEO of Global Infrastructure Partners, emphasized, “There is a pressing requirement to mobilize substantial private investment to support critical infrastructure projects. This includes the capital necessary for advancing AI development.” He expressed confidence that their partnership's combined strengths would significantly enhance the speed of investments in AI infrastructure.

Jensen Huang, founder and CEO of NVIDIA, remarked, “The rise of accelerated computing and generative AI is creating an increasing demand for AI infrastructure, marking the onset of the next industrial revolution. NVIDIA intends to leverage its comprehensive computing platform expertise to assist GAIIP and its portfolio companies in designing and integrating AI factories to drive industry innovation.”

Established in Abu Dhabi earlier this year, MGX aims to invest in AI and advanced technologies alongside global partners, focusing on AI infrastructure, AI-enabled technologies, and semiconductors. Today’s announcement signifies a significant partnership in these areas, building upon the emirate’s established history of investment in data centers, computational capacity, and supporting infrastructure.

Major structural dynamics are opening avenues for private capital to collaborate with corporations and governments in financing essential infrastructure projects. BlackRock boasts an extensive network of corporate connections as a long-term investor in both debt and equity, while GIP focuses on investing in, owning, and managing some of the largest and most intricate infrastructure assets globally.

The synergy of these strengths establishes BlackRock as a premier investment platform, enabling significant investments in data centers and associated infrastructure. This mobilization of private capital aims to foster economic growth and job creation, all while delivering enduring investment advantages for its clients.