Drogue raises $20M for seawater-cooled offshore AI data center
The startup, backed by Toyota Ventures, plans to run a prototype vessel in early 2028 using ocean thermal energy for power and seawater for cooling.
Drogue has raised $20 million to develop an offshore AI data center that generates its own power from ocean thermal energy and is cooled by seawater, the startup announced on November 14, 2026. The company said it plans to operate a prototype vessel in early 2028.
The system relies on the temperature difference between warm surface seawater and colder deep seawater to generate electricity, according to ZDNet Korea. The same seawater serves as the cooling medium for the computing equipment on board.
Toyota Ventures, the venture capital arm of Toyota Motor, has invested in Drogue, giving the project backing from an automotive group's investment unit rather than a data center operator.
Drogue's technology remains at the development stage. No commercial service has begun, and the prototype vessel described by the company has not yet been deployed.
Ocean thermal energy in focus
The approach draws on ocean thermal energy conversion, a field that includes research work by the Saga University Institute of Ocean Energy. Drogue has not disclosed how much capacity the prototype vessel would carry or where it would operate.
Quick answers
How much did Drogue raise?
Drogue raised $20 million to develop its offshore AI data center.
When will Drogue's prototype vessel operate?
The company plans to operate a prototype vessel in early 2028.
How is Drogue's data center powered and cooled?
It generates power from the temperature difference between warm surface seawater and cold deep seawater, and is cooled by seawater.