Naver invests in wave-powered AI data center startup Pantala

Naver has invested in Pantala, a U.S.-based startup developing floating AI data centers powered by wave energy. The technology aims to address rising electricity demands by utilizing renewable energy and seawater for cooling, potentially reducing land costs and infrastructure requirements. Pantala plans to deploy its ‘Ocean-3’ platform for demonstration within the year, targeting commercialization by 2027.

In a separate development, the SBS Cultural Foundation and Korea Investment Accelerator have announced the 7th MediA’X Challenge. This AI startup competition has expanded its scope beyond media and content to include all AI technologies, such as agentic and physical AI. The program offers total prizes and Naver Cloud credits valued at approximately 520 million won to support technical development and commercialization.