Naver invests in US startup developing wave-powered floating AI data centers

On August 13, 2026, South Korean portal giant Naver Corporation announced an investment in Pantala, an Oregon-based startup also known as Panthalassa. Pantala is developing autonomous, offshore floating data centers powered by wave energy to run artificial intelligence workloads. The platform combines power generation, cooling, and computing, transmitting data via SpaceX's Starlink. Naver CEO Choi Soo-yeon stated the move aims to bolster global AI infrastructure competitiveness.

Naver investment in Pantala

• ▪South Korean portal giant Naver Corporation announced on August 13, 2026, that it has invested in the United States-based startup Pantala, also referred to as Panthalassa, which develops wave-powered floating artificial intelligence data centers.
• ▪Naver Corporation did not disclose the financial details of its investment in the Oregon-based startup Panthalassa.

Wave-powered floating AI data centers

• ▪The offshore floating platform developed by Pantala, also known as Panthalassa, combines power generation, artificial intelligence computing, and cooling, beaming results back to land via low-earth-orbit satellite connections such as SpaceX's Starlink.
• ▪The United States startup Panthalassa plans to deploy its latest wave-powered floating data center platform for demonstration purposes within 2026, aiming for commercialization by 2027.
• ▪Founded in 2016, the United States startup Pantala, also known as Panthalassa, is developing autonomous, offshore floating data centers that generate electricity continuously from wave power to run artificial intelligence workloads at sea without land.

Naver AI infrastructure expansion strategy

• ▪Naver Corporation's investment in the startup Pantala, announced on August 13, 2026, is part of an effort to expand its artificial intelligence infrastructure and competitiveness through global partnerships and next-generation renewable energy.
• ▪Naver Corporation Chief Executive Officer Choi Soo-yeon stated on August 13, 2026, that the company is expanding into artificial intelligence data centers and making early investments in next-generation technologies to strengthen global infrastructure competitiveness.