Strengthening Russia's AI Position: Bitriver and RDIF Collaborate on AI and Data Centers in BRICS Countries

Bitriver, Russia's data mining giant, has partnered with the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) to launch data centers across BRICS countries. The two entities also plan to initiate artificial intelligence (AI) projects, aiming to boost Russia's share of the global computing power market.

The announcement was made during the recent BRICS conference in Moscow. Igor Runets, CEO of Bitriver, stated that the collaboration is designed to establish an infrastructure that supports Russia’s growing presence in both AI and cryptocurrency mining.

“Together with the Russian Direct Investment Fund, we will focus on creating an infrastructure foundation based on mining — building data centers and connecting them to necessary capacities to enable the launch and execution of AI-related projects,” Runets explained.

Strengthening BRICS' AI Credibility

According to reports, Bitriver is Russia’s largest data center operator specializing in cryptocurrency mining and artificial intelligence. The company operates several data centers across Russia and plans to build 10 more. RDIF, on the other hand, co-invests in projects with industry leaders, global institutional investors, and other sovereign wealth funds.

The two organizations aim to address the current shortage of energy-intensive data centers. Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of RDIF, emphasized that Bitriver and RDIF will focus on enhancing data center capabilities under this partnership. He added that the development of computing power is crucial for AI implementation, which remains a top priority for Russia and its BRICS partners.

RDIF initially proposed a joint investment platform that would allow BRICS member countries to invest in high technologies, including AI. The Russian sovereign wealth fund is also keen on positioning the BRICS alliance as a global leader in the AI sector.