The rapid adoption of artificial intelligence is creating a new category of infrastructure players known as “Neocloud” providers, emerging as a significant demand driver for data centres across the Asia Pacific region, according to the CBRE 2026 Asia Pacific Data Centre Trends & Outlook Report.
CBRE notes that Neocloud providers first emerged during 2023 and 2024 and gained substantial momentum in 2025 as specialised cloud operators focused on high performance computing (HPC) workloads. Unlike traditional cloud providers, these companies build their businesses around access to advanced graphics processing units (GPUs), offering GPU as a Service (GPUaaS) to enterprises, AI labs and technology firms.
The report explains that Neocloud operators lease computing power to end users while securing large amounts of data centre capacity to house GPU clusters. Their infrastructure requirements closely resemble those of AI focused data centres, including high power densities, significant electricity consumption and advanced cooling systems.
According to CBRE, growing demand for AI computing power has accelerated the expansion of the Neocloud sector, with some providers already reaching public market scale. While many leading Neocloud companies are currently based in the United States, the model is increasingly expanding into Europe and Asia Pacific. Regional players are also beginning to emerge, including firms such as Yotta, E2E Networks and Neysa AI in India.
The report highlights several advantages offered by Neocloud providers. They enable organisations to access high performance computing resources without purchasing expensive GPUs outright, helping businesses avoid large capital investments. They also offer greater flexibility in lease arrangements compared with traditional cloud operators.
However, CBRE cautions that many Neocloud companies have shorter operating histories and comparatively weaker credit profiles than established hyperscalers. As a result, landlords and infrastructure providers may favour operators with stronger financial backing, particularly for debt financed developments.
With AI adoption continuing to accelerate globally, Neocloud providers are expected to become an increasingly important source of demand for data centre capacity, further strengthening the investment case for AI focused digital infrastructure.
Source: CBRE 2026 Asia Pacific Data Centre Trends & Outlook Report.
