This collaboration will help planners develop viable and efficient designs for AI-ready data center infrastructures more quickly.
The global data center construction sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, with 100 GW of new capacity coming online between 2026 and 2030 (Source: Bloomberg NEF). This AI-driven, estimated $4 trillion investment requires a reliable and efficient electrical infrastructure that can be deployed rapidly. By integrating ABB’s portfolio of end-to-end data center solutions into Podium’s machine learning engine, this collaboration will help reduce feasibility study times from weeks to days, which is critical for operators to secure equipment and finalize power purchase agreements.
Developers using the platform to design data centers from scratch will work with realistic electrical infrastructure models that provide a solid foundation for the detailed engineering phases. By incorporating product intelligence in the early design stages, Podium brings valuable technical insights and significant advancements to the business decision-making process.
“As AI accelerates data center construction, ABB is investing in digital technology and partnerships that allow us to leverage our extensive industry expertise to deliver more efficient infrastructure planning and solutions,” said Rajat Bhattacharya, Head of Digital Commerce for ABB’s Electrification Business Area. “Through our collaboration with Podium, we are combining data from ABB’s data center portfolio with advanced digital intelligence to transform infrastructure planning. By integrating state-of-the-art digital tools with cutting-edge energy solutions, we will accelerate the adoption of scalable, high-efficiency power systems to meet the demands of future AI.”.
“Our collaboration with ABB represents a significant step in Podium’s global journey. By incorporating supplier insights into the design phase from an earlier stage, we help development teams make more informed and confident decisions before construction begins,” said Pankaj Srivastava, CEO of Podium. “Thanks to this collaboration with ABB, we are moving toward earlier collaboration and more connected digital integration, resulting in a smarter approach to building design.”.
As demand for data center capacity grows, grid connection queues represent a critical point of friction. Utility operators require electrical footprint validations before allocating power and must evaluate multiple sites and power architectures under tight deadlines. By integrating ABB's proven data center technologies and high-efficiency power architectures into the early stages of analysis, developers can arrive at optimized and viable solutions more quickly.
