LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (January 12, 2026) — AVAIO Digital Partners (AVAIO Digital) announced plans for a major new hyperscale data center and power campus near Little Rock in Pulaski County, Arkansas, marking one of the largest economic development projects in state history. Known as AVAIO Digital Leo, the multi-phase campus is designed to support cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and high-performance computing workloads and could ultimately scale to 1 gigawatt (GW) of power capacity.
Named after the constellation Leo—symbolizing strength, power, and leadership—the campus will host advanced compute, networking, data storage, and power infrastructure. AVAIO and its customers expect to invest $6 billion during the initial phase, with total investment exceeding $21 billion at full buildout.
AVAIO is currently contracted with Entergy Arkansas for 150 megawatts (MW) of grid power, with expansion plans to meet anticipated demand as the campus grows. Construction of the first phase is expected to begin in early 2026, with the facility scheduled to be energized by June 2027.
The project is expected to deliver significant long-term economic benefits, including the creation of more than 500 permanent, full-time operations jobs over the next five years. During construction, the project is expected to generate thousands of additional jobs across the region.
“AVAIO Digital’s $6 billion data center hub represents the largest economic investment in Arkansas’ history and positions our state as a technology leader,” said Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. “By reducing regulatory timelines and creating a pro-growth environment, Arkansas has become a destination for transformational investments like this one.”
Strategic Location and Infrastructure Advantages
The Little Rock site was selected for several competitive advantages, including:
- Robust, low-latency fiber connectivity linking major data center markets such as Dallas, Atlanta, and Memphis
- Rapid grid power delivery through Entergy Arkansas, with 150 MW scheduled for energization in 2027
- Extensive onsite natural gas infrastructure supporting efficient on-site power generation
- A 760-acre footprint, enabling a large, multi-building campus with integrated power infrastructure
Designed as a next-generation digital campus, the development emphasizes compatibility with surrounding communities, incorporating natural buffers, landscaped terrain, and thoughtfully integrated architecture.
Sustainable, Next-Generation Design
AVAIO’s campus design integrates advanced sustainability features, including water-efficient cooling systems, rainwater recapture, rooftop solar generation, and cooling-system economization technologies aimed at reducing overall energy demand. These elements position the project among the most forward-looking and environmentally conscious digital infrastructure developments in the country.
“It is our intention that this extraordinary site will serve as both a major center of data center capacity and a long-term engine of economic and technological momentum for Arkansas,” said Mark McComiskey, CEO of AVAIO Digital. “Projects of this scale require strong partnerships, and we appreciate the leadership of Governor Sanders, Secretary Hugh McDonald, Entergy Arkansas, and our local partners as we move toward breaking ground in 2026.”
State and local leaders emphasized the project’s importance to Arkansas’ broader growth strategy.
“Arkansas has all the elements needed for major capital investment—available sites, workforce, power, and a business-friendly climate,” said Clint O’Neal, Executive Director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “AVAIO’s investment underscores Arkansas’ competitiveness in attracting next-generation infrastructure.”
Part of a Growing National Portfolio
The Leo campus is part of AVAIO Digital’s expanding portfolio of hyperscale data center developments across the United States and Western Europe. The company has secured more than 1.2 GW of power capacity across multiple campuses and expects to energize over 450 MW by 2027.
AVAIO Digital focuses on rapid time-to-market, integrated grid and behind-the-meter power solutions, sustainable development practices, and flexible infrastructure designed to meet the needs of hyperscale and AI-driven customers.
For more information, visit www.avaiodigital.com.
