Rio will gain headquarters for iMasons, an organization that brings together the largest technology companies on the planet.

Partnership between municipal agencies will carry out integrated actions to promote and strengthen Rio's image as a destination for tourism, culture and business - Archive/Rio City Hall

The city of Rio de Janeiro took another step toward becoming one of the world's leading innovation and technology hubs by celebrating the opening of a branch of Infrastructure Masons (iMasons) this Tuesday (July 15th) during a ceremony at the Palácio da Cidade in Botafogo, in the South Zone of Rio de Janeiro. The global non-profit association brings together representatives of the world's largest technology companies to promote the development of a more advanced and inclusive digital infrastructure. It already connects more than 7 professionals involved in projects totaling more than US$6 billion, distributed across 250 countries, in addition to having contributed more than US$130 million in scholarships.

Rio is now part of the network, which has branches on four continents, reinforcing its position as one of the most prepared cities in Latin America for the new digital economy, increasing its global competitiveness and capacity to attract investment, talent, and research and innovation centers.

“I am thrilled to launch the iMasons Rio Chapter. It is an honor to work with you and help shape the future of digital infrastructure in Rio. Our city has unique advantages to become a leading hub for artificial intelligence infrastructure, such as easy and stable access to clean, green, and renewable energy; submarine cables; real estate availability and zoning flexibility; and a thriving innovation ecosystem, home to more than 30 universities and 500 research labs. All of this makes Rio a top destination for international investors, innovators, and technology leaders. iMasons is now part of this community,” said Rio’s mayor, Eduardo Paes.

The iMasons Rio Chapter was officially announced at an event held Tuesday at the City Palace, attended by Mayor Eduardo Paes, Deputy Mayor Eduardo Cavaliere, Municipal Secretary of Economic Development Osmar Lima, Elea Data Center founder and chairman Alessandro Lombardi, and representatives of iMasons, founder and chairman Dean Nelson and CEO Santiago Suinaga. The meeting also brought together some of the world's leading voices in digital infrastructure, marking the first step toward connecting global and regional industry leaders in Rio, highlighting the city's leading role in the global innovation landscape.

"Our goal is to unite the community building the digital future. Those working in the sector understand the solutions and challenges needed to address new technologies. Progress requires infrastructure—but, above all, people prepared to create and manage innovations like artificial intelligence. The purpose of iMasons in Rio is precisely this: to independently and nonprofitly support the technology community in developing solutions that consider their impacts and contribute to a better environment for all," stated Dean Nelson.

Osmar Lima highlighted the importance of iMasons' arrival in the city of Rio.

"We've always sought this ecosystem around artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure. So, there's no point in creating the infrastructure without bringing in the players and people responsible for developing it. With the arrival of iMasons, we'll have companies, entrepreneurs, and thinkers discussing digital infrastructure in Rio de Janeiro," said the Secretary of Economic Development.

iMasons' arrival in the city is the result of the association's partnership with Elea Data Centers, a company partnering with the City Hall in the construction of Rio AI City, one of the ten largest data center complexes focused on Artificial Intelligence in the world. The ceremony reinforced the city's commitment to the project, which will install the hub in the Metropolitan Center region of Barra da Tijuca.

On July 1, 2025, the Rio de Janeiro City Hall signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ministries of Science, Technology and Innovation and Management and Innovation in Public Services, the Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES), Eletrobras, and the Brazilian Studies and Projects Financing Agency (Finep) to facilitate and support the establishment of Rio AI City. At the City Hall's initiative, Rio de Janeiro became the first Brazilian city to sign such an agreement, solidifying its position as a national leader in innovation.

With a capacity of 1,8 GW by 2028 and 3 GW by 2032, the Rio AI City hub will be used by global companies, startups, universities, and public agencies, enabling the development of solutions in artificial intelligence, data analysis, and digital services. This includes applications ranging from healthcare, security, and mobility to education and citizen services.

The project is expected to generate more than 10 direct and indirect jobs, with an estimated investment of US$65 billion over the next decade. The initiative strengthens Rio's digital economy, attracts technology companies, drives innovation, and expands the supply of skilled jobs.

The center will be powered by 100% renewable energy, with a station that will reuse all consumed water, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. Furthermore, the Vertiv™ cooling system, used by Elea, will provide high energy efficiency and reduce water consumption.