Why Nscale Picked Start Campus for Nvidia Blackwell Ultra AI

Start Campus and Nscale have announced the European Union’s first and largest deployment of the Nvidia GB300 NVL72 platform at the SIN01 data centre in Sines, Portugal. The initiative positions the two companies as key players in Europe’s AI infrastructure landscape, supporting Microsoft’s advanced AI capabilities across the region.

Nscale, a European-headquartered AI-native infrastructure company, selected the Start Campus facility for its strategic coastal location, scalability and immediate deployment readiness. The infrastructure is scheduled to go live by the first quarter of 2026, marking a milestone in Europe’s AI data centre capacity.

Powering Europe’s next-generation AI infrastructure

The Nvidia GB300 NVL72 platform is designed for high-performance AI inference and training, offering the compute power required to handle increasingly large and complex AI models. The deployment at SIN01 will support rack densities exceeding 130kW, delivering the cooling and energy efficiency needed for high-density, next-generation workloads.

“This is a defining moment for Start Campus,” says Robert Dunn, CEO of Start Campus. “With SIN01 now at full capacity and being expanded on the back of oversubscribed demand, we’ve proven that the SINES Data Campus is one of the most desirable global locations prepared for ultra-dense, next-generation AI workloads. 

“We're proud to partner with Nscale and Nvidia on this flagship deployment. We are also excited to now fully focus on launching our next data centre, the 180MW SIN02 facility, on this pioneering campus.”

The SIN01 site’s advanced infrastructure aligns with Portugal’s position as a growing digital hub within Europe. With strong energy performance and renewable integration, Sines is fast becoming a preferred location for sustainable data centre investments.

Strengthening Portugal’s role in the digital economy

The deployment highlights Portugal’s increasing significance in the European AI and data centre sectors. Castro Almeida, Minister of Economy and Territorial Cohesion in Portugal, describes the project as proof of the country’s appeal for technology investment.

“This investment in Sines confirms the international confidence in Portugal as a destination for innovation and technology, strengthening our position in the global digital economy and creating conditions to attract talent and high value-add investment,” he says. “This is a remarkable example of how the country can lead the transition to a greener and smarter economy.”

Miguel Pinto Luz, Minister of Infrastructure and Housing of Portugal, adds that the project aligns with national infrastructure goals and environmental commitments. 

“Start Campus exemplifies two key aspects that are essential in the strategy for developing public policy around critical infrastructure,” Miguel says.

“First, it reminds us that we must govern with future generations in mind, ensuring the long-term sustainability of public policy. 

“Second, Sines demonstrates the convergence of the digital transition with Portugal’s unique geographic position – particularly this port, which holds a geostrategic role in becoming a leading digital hub for the future deployment of new submarine cables. This enables safe and sustainable investment in an ecosystem powered by renewable energy, aligned with our 2028 carbon neutrality targets. 

“Together, we must bring this vision to life and make it a reality.”

Recent research by Copenhagen Economics forecasts that data centre investment could contribute up to €26bn (US$30.43bn) to Portugal’s GDP by 2030, creating tens of thousands of jobs and cementing the nation’s position as a sustainable digital infrastructure hub.

A partnership advancing AI and sustainability

Josh Payne, CEO and founder of Nscale, says the collaboration represents an important step in providing the computing capacity required for global AI workloads.

“AI needs the right environment to thrive – ones that combine scale, resilience and sustainability,” Josh says. “This deployment underlines our ability to deliver advanced infrastructure in the European Union with the technical depth required for today’s most demanding workloads. Partnering with Start Campus ensures we can meet the needs of our customers while laying foundations for the next generation of AI.”

Portugal’s renewable energy progress reinforces the environmental credentials of the Sines campus. According to the national grid operator, Redes Energéticas Nacionais (REN), renewable sources supplied 71% of the country’s electricity in 2024, rising to 81% in early 2025. Energy prices remain below European Union and Euro Area averages, providing a competitive advantage for data centre operations.

Start Campus is already expanding beyond SIN01, with the 180MW SIN02 facility set to enhance capacity for hyperscale and AI workloads. This ongoing growth, alongside Nscale’s global partnerships, demonstrates the companies’ shared goal to build a sustainable and scalable digital infrastructure ecosystem in Europe.

Nscale’s work extends beyond Portugal. It is building the UK’s largest AI supercomputer with Microsoft at its Loughton campus and leading sovereign AI projects such as Stargate UK and Stargate Norway in partnership with Aker ASA. Together, these initiatives establish Nscale as a central force in shaping the next generation of global AI infrastructure.