YEREVAN (CoinChapter.com) — El Salvador signed a letter of intent with Nvidia on April 21 to build sovereign artificial intelligence infrastructure. The country’s National Bitcoin Office (ONBTC) announced the collaboration on X.
The agreement allows El Salvador to access Nvidia’s AI tools, technical support, and training. The goal is to apply AI to key national priorities like education, healthcare, infrastructure, and environmental planning. Nvidia’s involvement includes knowledge sharing and workforce training to support AI development at the national level.
El Salvador plans to build its own domestic AI systems instead of relying on external platforms. These systems aim to handle local challenges, such as improving public health services and increasing productivity in schools and government offices.
ONBTC said the partnership includes AI training programs for developers, researchers, and government staff. The training aims to support the country’s long-term AI development plans by increasing internal capacity.
A key part of the program includes building AI models for weather forecasting and disaster planning. The models will help with early warnings for landslides and improve hydroelectric energy management. These AI systems will be used to support emergency teams and reduce infrastructure risks during rainy seasons.
The government has not shared a launch timeline or specific budget. However, the partnership signals a push to integrate AI into government operations, using Nvidia’s technology to support national infrastructure.
CUBO_ai Program Adds to El Salvador’s AI Development Goals
Before the Nvidia partnership, El Salvador introduced CUBO_ai, a national AI education program. In March 2025, ONBTC announced CUBO_ai as a public university initiative focused on training students in AI.
CUBO_ai was supported by Ark Invest CEO Cathie Wood, who was listed as the program’s first guest lecturer. According to ONBTC, CUBO_ai brings leading field experts into the national education system.
The program is part of El Salvador’s broader plan to increase local AI knowledge. With both CUBO_ai and the Nvidia agreement, the government is expanding AI coverage across multiple sectors, including education and public services.
Bitcoin Plan Faces IMF Pressure as AI Strategy Moves Forward
El Salvador’s Bitcoin strategy continues under pressure from the International Monetary Fund. In early March 2025, the IMF included new restrictions on Bitcoin purchases as part of a $1.4 billion funding deal with the country.
Despite these restrictions, the government continues buying one Bitcoin per day. This policy has raised questions about its compatibility with the IMF agreement, but the government has not commented publicly on the issue.
Meanwhile, the Nvidia AI partnership moves ahead. The deal has not been linked to the IMF conditions, and ONBTC has not released any official statement about possible overlaps between its Bitcoin and AI strategies.
