Containerized Edge data center firm Armada is to deploy two pods at sites operated by startup venture platform Newlab.

The deal will see the deployment of an Armada Galleon containerized data center at Newlab’s regional innovation hub in Detroit, Michigan, in the first half of 2025, followed by a second deployment in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, later in the year.

armada galleon III
An Armada Galleon module – Armada

The companies said the deployments will allow startups, researchers, and corporate R&D teams to develop, test, and scale new solutions. Newlab partners will be able to validate and de-risk projects and enable de-risk investments in early-stage startups.

"This partnership represents a major step towards scaling real-world AI and bridging the digital divide," said Dan Wright, CEO of Armada. "By combining Armada’s technology platform with Newlab’s unique venture platform, we aim to accelerate the development of cutting-edge solutions that address critical challenges across industries."

The Detroit hub focuses on advancing mobility and industrial technologies, while the Riyadh hub will develop technologies around mining and critical minerals, energy, and logistics.

“Newlab exists to accelerate the commercialization of technologies the world needs now,” said Liz Keen, chief strategy officer at Newlab. “Our partnership with Armada gives Newlab’s network of founders access to state-of-the-art Edge computing infrastructure to enable rapid development and initial validation with potential end users before deploying technology in the field.”

Armada emerged from stealth in late 2023. The startup is targeting remote & off-grid applications such as defense and mining.

The California-based company offers ruggedized and self-contained satellite-connected data center modules (in 3-rack 20ft and 6-rack 40ft models) known as Galleons that use SpaceX’s Starlink network, and an Edge device and computing management platform. It also offers Edge/AI applications.

Armada raised more than $100 million to date. Investors in the company include Microsoft, Founders Fund, Lux Capital, Shield Capital, 8090 Industries, Felicis, Contrary, Valor Equity Partners, Marlinspike, 137 Ventures, Koch Real Estate Investments, and 8VC.

The company previously had a proof-of-concept trial with mining company Nexa Resources.

Last year, the company signed a deal with Middle Eastern data center engineering consulting and cloud services firm Edarat Group to deploy 10 Galleons across the Gulf and Middle East.

Founded in 2016, Newlab hosts startups at its technology centers. As well as Detroit and Riyadh, the company operates sites in New York and Montevideo in Uruguay. The company says it has supported more than 300+ member companies in raising more than $5.8bn from venture capital firms, with more than $2.3bn of successful exits. The move into Saudi Arabia was only announced this week.