A US-based technology startup called Iozera, in collaboration with the government of Morocco, has announced an initiative that it says is set to transform the artificial intelligence (AI) industry: the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the establishment of a “pioneering” 386MW data centre and AI hub in Tetouan, Morocco.
Eureka Park is the name of the area set to establish what is described as a premier global technology AI hub in Morocco.
Facilities at Eureka Park will include the Iozera AI data centre, which is to be engineered for advanced AI computation and traditional data storage. The park will also house GenV Data Management Services, which will focus on AI training, data management, labelling and annotating.
In addition there will be Ryse Research, an incubation and education centre that nurtures startups and also prepares Moroccans for employment within Eureka Park, and an AI Expo that showcases the latest global AI advancements.
Renewable energy will come from the Noor Solar Power Complex in Ouarzazate, one of the world's largest solar farms, and the Koudia Al Baida Wind Farm, which capitalises on the consistent winds from the Atlantic.
Eureka Park is designed to be a green innovative ecosystem that not only leads in AI technology but also significantly contributes to Morocco's economic and technological growth. Construction is set to begin in Q4 of 2024 and the site is to be operational by Q2 of 2026, ready to host clients and visitors for the 2030 World Cup in Morocco.
The Data Centre Dynamics website says the projected cost of the massive 386MW AI data centre is likely to be US$500 million. It adds that little technical information about the campus, or the type of hardware on offer, or how the project will be financed, has been released.
It notes that Houston, Texas-based Iozera was only incorporated in December 2023, and has no public track record of building data centres, although it points out the presence at the signing (due at 4.30 today local time) of a delegation from Taiwanese electronics company Pegatron suggests that Pegatron may also be involved in the project.
