A large AI data center is being built at Sharp’s LCD factory site

Osaka, June 3 (Jiji Press) – Japanese electronics manufacturer Sharp Corp. said Monday it has agreed to talks to build an artificial intelligence data center with telecommunications company KDDI Corp. and two other companies.

The companies, which also include Tokyo-based systems integrator Datasection Inc. and US server maker Super Micro Computer Inc., plan to build one of the largest AI data centers in Asia at the site of Sharp’s large LCD panel manufacturing plant in Sakai. Osaka Prefecture, whose operations will end in September.

The factory location was mainly chosen because there is sufficient electricity and water available for cooling facilities and equipment.

For the center, KDDI will support network architecture and operations, and Datasection will acquire Super Micro’s liquid-cooled, rack-scale AI solutions featuring U.S. chipmaker Nvidia Corp.’s advanced graphics processing units.

Datasection said it will establish a joint company with Sharp and KDDI and aim for an early business launch of the center.

Related article