Singapore-based cryptocurrency mining firm Bitdeer Technologies Group has announced its plans to provide artificial intelligence (AI) computing power in Asia. The company, which is listed on Nasdaq, specializes in blockchain and high-performance computing. Bitdeer intends to launch its AI cloud platform, called Bitdeer AI Cloud, in the first quarter of 2024, targeting businesses in Singapore and subsequently expanding to other Asian markets.
Bitdeer AI Cloud will be one of the first cloud services in the region to leverage Nvidia’s hardware and software systems designed for enterprises. This partnership with Nvidia, a leading American AI chip giant, is expected to provide the necessary computing power for AI applications.
Phased launch and upcoming data center
The launch of Bitdeer AI Cloud will be carried out in phases. Currently, Bitdeer is in the process of building its first AI cloud data center in Singapore, with operations expected to commence in November. Concurrently, the necessary software infrastructure is also being developed to support the platform.
Bitdeer’s CEO, Matt Kong Linghui, highlighted the demand for advanced AI solutions in the region, noting, “There are so many advanced AI ideas in this region, but the infrastructure and the resources to fulfill these kinds of ideas are very expensive and hard to attain.” Bitdeer aims to bridge this gap by providing accessible AI computing resources to local businesses.
Expanding to indonesia and Malaysia
Following its launch in Singapore, Bitdeer plans to expand its AI services to Indonesia and Malaysia. The company’s goal is to make AI capabilities more readily available to enterprises, startups, government entities, and universities in these markets. The platform is expected to support various AI and data science initiatives.
Accelerating AI and data Science initiatives
Bitdeer’s platform aims to cater to a wide range of customers, including large enterprises and startups seeking to accelerate their AI and data science initiatives. Additionally, government agencies and universities engaged in cutting-edge research will have access to the AI resources offered by Bitdeer AI Cloud.
Transformative role of AI
Matt Kong Linghui emphasized the transformative role that AI is poised to play in various industries, stating, “There are more and more companies that will operate with these cloud service providers to integrate AI into their services and products. So I believe as the technology evolves, AI will (play) a transformative role in the future in all industries.”
Global expansion plans
Bitdeer Technologies Group has a global presence, with operations in the United States, Europe, and Asia. This extensive reach positions the company to expand its AI services and support a wide range of clients worldwide.
Partnership with Nvidia
Bitdeer also announced its partnership with Nvidia, a prominent player in the AI industry known for its graphics processing units (GPUs). Under this partnership, Bitdeer has become a preferred cloud service provider in Nvidia’s partner network.
Dennis Ang, Nvidia’s senior director for enterprise business for Asean, Australia, and New Zealand, highlighted the key barriers that organizations face when trying to access AI, including high costs and a lack of necessary skill sets. He noted that partnerships with companies like Nvidia can help organizations shorten their learning curve and make AI more accessible.
Bitdeer’s background and connection to Bitmain
Bitdeer Technologies Group was spun off from Bitmain, a major cryptocurrency mining-chip giant. Bitmain was founded in 2013 by crypto billionaire Wu Jihan, who later played a significant role in the establishment of Matrixport, a crypto financial services firm, in 2019.
Bitdeer’s strategic move into the AI space represents a diversification of its offerings beyond cryptocurrency mining, tapping into the growing demand for AI computing resources and services in the Asian market. The partnership with Nvidia further strengthens its position in the AI sector.
