AVAIO Digital Partners plans to develop a massive AI-ready data center campus near Little Rock, Arkansas. The project ranks among the largest private investments in state history. Known as AVAIO Digital Leo, the development will expand Arkansas’ role in cloud computing and artificial intelligence. It will also drive long-term economic growth in Pulaski County.
AVAIO named the campus after the constellation Leo to signal strength and leadership. The company will build the project in multiple phases. Over time, the campus will support up to 1 gigawatt of power capacity. Grid power and onsite generation will supply the energy needs.
AVAIO Digital and its customers have committed an initial $6 billion. The funding will support infrastructure, power systems, and tenant deployments.
Power Capacity and Expansion Plans
Entergy Arkansas has already contracted 150 megawatts of electricity for the site. Power demand will rise as the campus expands. Full buildout targets a total capacity of 1 gigawatt.
State officials say the first phase represents the largest single investment ever made in Arkansas. The project will deliver major fiscal benefits. It will also expand workforce development across the region.
Within five years, the campus will create more than 500 permanent operations jobs. Construction will generate thousands of temporary positions.
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders said the project highlights Arkansas’ growing appeal as a technology hub. She credited recent legislation that speeds up energy approvals and offers incentives for data centers.
AVAIO plans to begin construction in early 2026. The facility will reach full power by June 2027.
Why AVAIO Chose Little Rock
AVAIO selected Little Rock after a detailed site evaluation. The region offers strong fiber connections to Dallas, Atlanta, and Memphis. It also links to fast-growing edge markets across the Southeast and Midwest.
Entergy Arkansas can deliver power quickly to the site. Existing natural gas infrastructure also supports efficient onsite generation.
The campus will span roughly 760 acres. The land provides room for multiple buildings and integrated power facilities. AVAIO designed the layout to limit community impact. Natural buffers, landscaping, and modern architecture shape the plan.
Sustainability and Community Integration
AVAIO designed the campus with sustainability as a core priority. The site will use high-efficiency cooling systems and water-saving technologies. Rainwater recapture and rooftop solar will also play a role. Advanced energy controls will help reduce overall power use.
AVAIO Digital CEO Mark McComiskey said the campus will anchor long-term economic growth in Arkansas. He added that total investment could exceed $21 billion. Collaboration with state leaders and utilities made the project possible.
State and regional leaders echoed that view. Arkansas Secretary of Commerce Hugh McDonald cited strong fundamentals such as land availability and power access. Entergy Arkansas CEO Laura Landreaux pointed to new generation assets that support advanced industries.
Local officials stressed the broader impact. Pulaski County Judge Barry Hyde called the campus a generational investment. Little Rock Regional Chamber President Jay Chesshir highlighted years of regional planning.
Part of a Broader Hyperscale Strategy
The Leo campus forms part of AVAIO Digital’s hyperscale expansion strategy. The company is building projects across the United States and Western Europe.
AVAIO has secured more than 1.2 gigawatts of power nationwide. Over 450 megawatts will come online in 2027.
By combining fast deployment, sustainable design, and integrated power planning, AVAIO aims to lead the next wave of AI-ready data center infrastructure.
