Jacobs Launches Digital Twin Solution to Optimize AI Data Centers

DALLAS, March 16, 2026 – Jacobs (NYSE: J) has released a Data Center Digital Twin solution designed to streamline the planning, simulation, and optimization of gigawatt-scale artificial intelligence (AI) data centers. The solution aims to accelerate time to market, improve energy performance, and enhance long-term operational efficiency for developers, and owners.

Addressing the Rapid Growth of AI Infrastructure

The demand for AI data centers is surging, with industry analysts estimating a need for up to $3 trillion in investment by 2030 to meet projected capacity needs. Global capacity is expected to double in five years, driven by exponential growth in AI applications. Jacobs’ digital twin solution is positioned to address the challenges associated with building and operating these increasingly complex facilities.

How the Digital Twin Works

Developed using the NVIDIA Omniverse DSX blueprint, the digital twin combines a standardized reference design for gigawatt-scale AI data centers with a hyper-realistic virtual environment. It incorporates advanced simulations of compute, power, and cooling systems, creating a real-time virtual representation of a data center. The solution enables secure integration of components both inside and outside the data center, from on-premises power configurations to detailed simulations of indoor airflow.

Key Features and Benefits

• Accelerated Time to Market: The digital twin facilitates faster planning and deployment of AI data centers.
• Improved Energy Performance: Optimization through simulation helps reduce energy consumption.
• Enhanced Operations and Maintenance: Provides visibility throughout the asset lifecycle, from planning and design to commissioning and ongoing maintenance.
• Risk Reduction: Allows owners to gain greater certainty before committing capital to large-scale projects.
• Comprehensive Integration: Integrates compute, power, cooling, water systems, and site-specific data for a holistic view.

Collaboration with NVIDIA

Jacobs is collaborating with NVIDIA to leverage its advanced AI and simulation capabilities. This collaboration focuses on developing digital twin blueprints for AI Factories – high-performance data centers specifically designed for generative AI workloads and accelerated computing.

Future Development

The first module of the digital twin is currently available. Future plans include expanding functionality to cover the entire asset lifecycle and developing designs for smaller, 250-megawatt data centers to broaden industry adoption. The modular reference design enables rapid and repeatable deployment of gigawatt-scale facilities.

Jacobs’ Expertise in Advanced Facilities

Jacobs supports leading providers in advanced technology industries, including data centers, electronics, semiconductors, life sciences, and specialized manufacturing. The company is currently involved in projects for organizations such as NVIDIA, Hut 8, and PsiQuantum. Jacobs’ integrated project delivery model aims to help enterprises navigate challenges related to climate risk, tightening regulations, and accelerated project schedules.

“Advanced facilities are becoming increasingly complex and costly to build, and as AI infrastructure scales to the gigawatt level, owners need greater certainty before committing capital,” said Bob Pragada, Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Jacobs. “With our deep knowledge, global workforce and decades of delivering the world’s most advanced facilities, we’re creating solutions that help owners plan more efficiently, improve performance and achieve more secure and resilient long-term operations.”